Kia Niro (2016-2022) - Used car guide

Summary

The Kia Niro has become a top-selling car in the Netherlands, known for its versatility, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options. Launched in 2016 with a significant facelift in 2019, the Niro is praised for its economical fuel efficiency, reliable technology, and practical size. Common issues to watch out for include main relay malfunctions, brake hose vibrations, and air conditioning problems. Despite these, the Niro offers excellent value with a seven-year factory warranty. A unique feature is its battery reset button, allowing a drained 12-volt battery to be revived. Overall, the Niro is a solid used car choice for those seeking a dependable hybrid.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kia Niro became the best-selling passenger car in the Netherlands in 2020 and 2021, marking its success.
• 😀 The Kia Niro was first introduced in 2016, with a major facelift in 2019 and an EV version launched in 2020.
• 😀 The Niro is considered a versatile 'polder model' due to its ideal size, fuel efficiency, and practicality.
• 😀 The Niro shares much of its technology with the Hyundai Ioniq, another car from the same company.
• 😀 The Kia Niro is generally reliable, with minimal major issues reported, making it an excellent choice for used car buyers.
• 😀 Some minor issues include potential malfunctions in the main relay, brake hoses, air conditioning evaporators, and oil leakage from the hybrid clutch.
• 😀 Kia offers a strong 7-year factory warranty, which is a significant selling point for the Niro.
• 😀 The hybrid version of the Niro is powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, providing 141 horsepower in total.
• 😀 While the Niro isn't fast, it offers good fuel efficiency and sufficient performance for most drivers.
• 😀 The Niro can tow up to 1,300 kg, which is competitive for its class of hybrid vehicles.
• 😀 The 2019 facelift updated the interior with a modern dashboard and a larger screen, improving the user experience and tech features.

Q & A

What makes the Kia Niro a popular choice in markets like the Netherlands?

The Kia Niro became the best-selling passenger car in the Netherlands in 2020 and 2021 due to its balanced size, affordability, fuel efficiency, and the availability of hybrid and electric versions.

When was the Kia Niro first released, and when did it receive its first significant facelift?

The Kia Niro was first released in 2016, and it received its first significant facelift in 2019.

What are the different powertrain options available for the Kia Niro?

The Kia Niro is available as a hybrid (introduced in 2016), a plug-in hybrid (introduced in 2018), and a fully electric vehicle (introduced in 2020).

What are some of the key reliability issues mentioned for the Kia Niro?

Key reliability issues include malfunctioning main relays that prevent the car from starting, vibrating brake hoses, air conditioning evaporators needing replacement, and oil leakage from the hybrid clutch, which could cause a short circuit or fire in some cases.

How does the Kia Niro's hybrid powertrain perform?

The Kia Niro combines a 1600cc four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a system output of 141 hp. While it isn't a fast car, it offers sufficient power for most driving needs and provides good fuel economy.

What is the towing capacity of the Kia Niro?

The Kia Niro can tow up to 1,300 kilograms, making it a capable option for light towing needs.

What is unique about the Kia Niro's battery system?

The Kia Niro includes a unique battery reset button that allows the car to draw power from the hybrid high-voltage battery to recharge the 12-volt battery in case of a drain, enabling the car to start even with a low 12-volt battery.

What is the warranty coverage for the Kia Niro?

Kia offers a seven-year warranty on the Niro, provided that the car is maintained according to the manufacturer's directives. This warranty can be maintained even if the car is serviced outside of Kia dealerships.

What are some notable interior and exterior features of the 2019 facelifted Kia Niro?

The 2019 facelifted Kia Niro features a refreshed exterior with a more striking front grille and a modernized interior with a larger screen, new instrument cluster, and a more tech-friendly dashboard design.

Is the Kia Niro suitable for all types of drivers?

The Kia Niro is a practical, economical car suitable for most drivers. It is not a performance vehicle but provides enough power and comfort for everyday use, making it a strong choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient car.