2023 Kia Niro Hybrid Review: Economy Without Effort – SlashGear

Kia claims the Niro is a compact crossover, which seems more a case of ambition than accuracy. It’s basically a mildly lifted hatchback, and that’s no bad thing when it comes to flexibility and practicality. The 22.8 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats — expanding to 63.7 cu-ft with them dropped down — is readily accessible over a fairly low tailgate floor, which is more than you can say about many small SUVs.

From the front, the Niro reminds me of a pursed-lip little frog. All those horizontal lines and the headlamps with their droopy daytime running lights, plus the CityScape Green paint (exclusive to the SX and SX Touring trims). Sixteen-inch alloys are standard on the LX, EX, and SX, growing to 18-inch versions on EX Touring and SX Touring.

Chris Davies/SlashGear

Side-on, the first thing you spot is the contrast D-pillar at the rear of the Niro: a chunky slab reminiscent of an orca’s swoop. It hides a functional air vent, aero to guide airflow around the rear of the hybrid, but also helps visually disguise what’s actually a fairly chunky rear. Kia offers it in silver and black, though only with certain paint finishes: in others, it matches the rest of the body.