The refreshed Kia Niro has arrived, and it will be commercially available in HEV, PHEV, and EV variants in 2023.
Korea’s Kia Corporation originally launched the Niro back in 2016 as a hybrid vehicle. Since then, the automaker has branched out with the Niro and offered it in PHEV and EV powertrains.
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Now, it was probably Kia’s worst-kept secret that it had designs on breathing new life into the Niro. The company’s been teasing it for months, and now we finally have our first in-depth look at the Niro of next year.
Let’s take a quick look at what Kia revealed today.
Stepping towards a more sustainable future
With the 2023 Kia Niro, the company is going all-in on eco-friendliness.
Featured materials will include recycled fibers and benzene-free paint.
“Kia continues to take steps towards a more sustainable future, inviting everyone to join the movement into the new mobility era. The all-new Kia Niro makes it simple to practice a sustainable lifestyle with its eco-friendly materials, advanced technology and electric powertrains while it also fulfills the practical needs of customers.”
— Ho Sung Song, President and CEO, Kia
Kia’s will to realize a sustainable future is on full display in the upcoming Niro.
The car takes inspiration from nature in terms of its design, as well as the chosen colors, materials, and finishes.
“As a clear statement of Kia’s commitment to sustainability and an indication of future model development, the all-new Kia Niro showcases new recycled materials inside the cabin. The headlining is made from recycled wallpaper, the seats are made from Bio PU with Tencel from eucalyptus leaves, and BTX* free paint is used on the door panels to minimize the impact on the environment and reduce waste.”
— Kia
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According to Kia, the new Niro strikes “a perfect balance between an environmentally responsible approach and a future-oriented outlook.”
That future-oriented outlook is referring to the new exterior design language of the vehicle.
The Niro gets a new look
Next year’s Niro refresh will come with a few welcome design updates inspired by the 2019 Habaniro concept.
The crossover SUV will now feature “Kia’s signature ‘tiger face’ [that] has been transformed […] and now extends from the hood, right through to the rugged fender below.”
The Niro will also now have “heartbeat” LED daytime running lights.
“Efficient aerodynamics and sustainable materials are united through the cohesive design. This perfect combination offers roominess and a SUV look. Furthermore, Kia introduces the ‘Greenzone Drive Mode’ which automatically transfers the (P)HEV into EV drive mode to meet the demand for sustainable mobility solutions. When driving in green zones such as residential areas, or nearby schools and hospitals, the vehicle automatically uses electric power based on navigation cues and driving history data. It also recognizes a driver’s favorite places, including home and office registered in the navigation system as a green zone.”
— Kia
The actual pricing structure and range of the upcoming Niro is still unknown.
However, we expect to hear much more about this upcoming family of Niro vehicles soon.