Verdict
B
Small SUV · South Korea · 2016-Present
Kia Niro
Kia Niro — spec data and generation history.
Years
2016-Present
Generations
2
Segment
Small SUV
Kia's hybrid-first crossover. Mk1 (2016–2022) launched as a self-charging hybrid (HEV) with PHEV and pure-EV (e-Niro) added later — same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq Mk1. Mk2 (2022-Present, SG2 platform) split into three distinct cars sharing the badge: Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Niro EV. The styling moved bold, the cabin moved upmarket, and the EV's range went from 282 to 285 miles WLTP on a 64.8 kWh battery. Used Mk1 e-Niros are still one of the best-value 250-mile EVs for sub-£20k. GT-Line trim adds cosmetic kit; no twin-motor or hot variant in the UK lineup.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
Mk1 2016-2022 → Mk2 2022-Present
BHP +62 bhp
Torque +15 Nm
0–60 mph −1.6 s
Top speed +13 mph
MPG +5 mpg
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2016-2022
Mk1
→
e-Niro 64 kWh — 201 bhp, 0-62 in 7.8s.
Verdict
B
BHP
201
0–60
7.8 s
Top
104 mph
MPG
282.0 mpg
Used
£10,000-£26,000
- + e-Niro genuine 250-mile real-world range
- + Reliable HEV powertrain
- − Touch infotainment slow
- − HEV CVT-feel under load
2022-Present
Mk2
→
Niro EV 64.8 kWh — 201 bhp, 0-62 in 7.8s.
Verdict
B
BHP
201
0–60
7.8 s
Top
104 mph
MPG
285.0 mpg
Used
£20,000-£40,000
- + Cabin a generation ahead of Mk1
- + Three powertrains, one car
- − Charging speed (75 kW DC) modest for class
- − Plug-in still ~40 mile EV range
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2016-2022 · Mk1
- e-Niro 64 kWh battery health monitor recall (2020-21)
- HEV/PHEV 6DCT mechatronic faults
- Touch infotainment freezes on early cars
- 12V battery drain on PHEV
2022-Present · Mk2
- ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failures shared with Ioniq 5 / EV6
- OTA software updates needed for early launch cars
- Door-card trim rattle complaints
Rivals
Hyundai Kona · Toyota C-HR · Vauxhall Mokka · Renault Captur