Kia launched the upgraded Niro in Korea on Tuesday, now exclusively as a hybrid. The Niro EV is being discontinued as Kia focuses on its new dedicated electric vehicles like the EV3, EV4, and EV5.
The Kia Niro EV is dead, but the hybrid lives on
Another one bites the dust. After opening pre-orders for the new Niro in Korea on March 10, Kia said the upgraded SUV features “best-in-class combined fuel efficiency,” a refined design inside and out, and the latest safety and convenience features, but something was missing.
The upgraded Kia Niro is exclusively available with a 1.6 hybrid powertrain. It will no longer be sold with a fully electric variant.
Kia’s president and CEO, Jung Won-Jung, confirmed during a media event (via The Korea Herald) that the Niro EV is being discontinued, saying, “The Niro was Kia’s first step toward an electrified future.”
“When the Niro first appeared, eco-friendly cars still felt unfamiliar and somewhat distant to many people,” he said.
Since launching the Niro in 2016, Kia has sold over 1.2 million models, making it one of Kia’s flagship electric vehicles.
The second-generation, launched in 2022, introduced a new EV-oriented design, one of the first vehicles to feature Kia’s new Opposites United design, which is now a signature of its latest EVs, like the EV3, EV4, EV5, and the new EV6 and EV9.
Jung Yoong-jyung, a senior manager at Kia’s marketing team, explained that the company is “strongly focusing on electrification.” She added that “Starting with the EV3 and continuing through EV9, we have a range of vehicles with strong electrification capabilities and improved product competitiveness,” adding, “To concentrate more on those models, we decided to discontinue the [Niro EV].”
The new Kia Niro hybrid starts at 28.85 million won ($19,600) for the base “Trendy” trim, with prices ranging up to 34.64 million won ($23,500) for the range-topping “Signature” model.
Kia will still sell the remaining Niro EV inventory. In the US, the 2026 Kia Niro EV starts at $39,700. It’s available in two trims: Wind and Wave, with an electric driving range of up to 253 miles.
Electrek’s Take
While it’s sad to see the all-electric Niro go, one of Kia’s first EVs, it’s not a total surprise. Kia has a new lineup of dedicated electric vehicles that are more efficient, charge faster, and are just more stylish.
The EV3, Kia’s smaller electric SUV that’s already a top seller in Europe, the UK, and other overseas markets, is a bit smaller than the Niro. However, Kia also offers the midsize EV5, EV6 crossover, and three-row EV9.
While Kia is launching the EV3, EV4, and EV5 in Korea, Europe, and other global markets, those in the US will miss out thanks to the Trump administration’s tariffs and other policy changes. Kia announced it was delaying the EV4 and two other electric GT vehicles until further notice, and there’s still no word on when, or if, the EV3 will launch in the US.
While (sadly) Kia does not offer the EV3, EV4, or EV5 in the US, it is offering a $10,000 customer cash discount and 0% APR financing across its entire EV lineup. If you’re interested, you can find deals on Kia’s electric vehicles near you using the links below.
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