While the original KIA Niro wasn’t exactly a showstopper, it was at least one of the first SUVs to democratise electric power, offering buyers the choice of hybrid, plugin hybrid, and pure electric, the latter badged the e-Niro. In the Niro people had the chance to own a family SUV with low emissions, or even none at all, which in turn meant lower fuel bills, as well as a lower tax rate for company car drivers. Unsurprisingly, KIA’s approach was soon emulated by other manufacturers, and soon we saw the rollout of rivals like the Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Mokka, both also with three different power sources.

For this second-generation Niro, KIA has redesigned the pioneering SUV to keep up with growing competition. It sits on new underpinnings, and cutting-edge tech and improved interior space. But before we delve too deeply into the Niro, let’s check in with its key stats.

Equipment, options and extras

The KIA Niro might not be the cheapest family SUV out there, but few are as finely equipped. With the entry-level 2 trim you get 16in alloy wheels, dual LED headlights, rear parking sensors, a towing pack, an 8in touchscreen and a reversing camera. However, we recommend the 3 trim to enjoy 18in alloy wheels, heated seats, keyless entry, privacy glass and a 10in touchscreen. But if you’re happy to splash out more, you might want to check out the range-topping 4 trim for its ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats and twin-screen infotainment setup—although for our money this trim’s not worth the upgrade.

Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2

The KIA Niro undercuts its rival the Toyota C-HR quite handsomely, but it’s a little pricer than some equivalent versions of conventionally powered family SUVs, like the SEAT Ateca and Škoda Karoq.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Niro Hybrid’s 64mpg beats the lower-powered 2L engine of the C-HR. The plugin hybrid’s 314mpg beats the more powerful Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 225, although you’ll need to keep the battery topped up before every journey. The plugin hybrid costs a fair bit more to buy outright than the standard hybrid Niro. However, it’s the better choice for company car drivers: its lower CO2 emissions and ability to run for a sustained period on electricity place it in a much lower BIK tax bracket.

Safety and security

On top of the lane-keeping assistance which came as standard with the first-generation KIA Niro, this second generation has an advanced automatic emergency braking system which can detect cyclists and pedestrians as well as cars. The range-topping 4 trim has additional safety aids, including a function that warns you when a vehicle’s approaching from either side as you approach a junction, and a parking collision avoidance assistant which prevents you from opening the door into the path of an approaching vehicle or pedestrian.

The Car Planet verdict

The KIA Niro is economical on fuel, generously equipped, and competitively priced—and with its reduced running costs and ability to travel for longer on electric power (in the case of the plugin hybrid), it’s well worth considering above its rivals in the family SUV class.

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