2021
Kia Niro

Starts at:
$32,950
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New 2021 Kia Niro
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • LX FWD
    Starts at
    $24,690
    53 City / 48 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LXS FWD
    Starts at
    $26,090
    26 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Touring FWD
    Starts at
    $28,390
    239 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Touring SE FWD
    Starts at
    $30,950
    46 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • EX Premium FWD
    Starts at
    $32,950
    51 City / 46 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro 2021 Kia Niro

Notable features

Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto now standard
Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric versions offered
Five-seat hatchback body style
Automatic emergency braking available

The good & the bad

The good

Fuel economy
Outward visibility
Excellent rear headroom and legroom
Low cargo load-in height

The bad

All-wheel drive not offered
Interior plastic
Wireless smartphone connectivity not offered with larger touchscreen
See all specifications

Expert 2021 Kia Niro review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Kia Niro?

A four-door hatchback that seats five, the Kia Niro is available with a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric drivetrain, all with front-wheel drive. Competitors include the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Hyundai Kona EV.  

What’s New on the 2021 Kia Niro?

A rear-seat reminder is now standard, and models with the 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system now have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. 

What Features in the 2021 Kia Niro Are Most Important?

  • Choice of fuel-efficient drivetrains
  • Power sunroof available 
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning standard
  • Heated and ventilated front seats available
  • 10.25-inch touchscreen available  
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo available 
  • Wireless device charging available 
  • Available automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control 

Should I Buy the 2021 Kia Niro?

If you’re in the market for a spacious, fuel-efficient small hatchback with seating for five, the Niro is worth a look. EPA-estimated gas mileage of up to 50 mpg combined for the hybrid version makes it a frugal choice, while the available electric version lets you skip the gas pump altogether.

2021 Kia Niro review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Kia Niro?

A four-door hatchback that seats five, the Kia Niro is available with a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric drivetrain, all with front-wheel drive. Competitors include the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Hyundai Kona EV.  

What’s New on the 2021 Kia Niro?

A rear-seat reminder is now standard, and models with the 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system now have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. 

What Features in the 2021 Kia Niro Are Most Important?

  • Choice of fuel-efficient drivetrains
  • Power sunroof available 
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning standard
  • Heated and ventilated front seats available
  • 10.25-inch touchscreen available  
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo available 
  • Wireless device charging available 
  • Available automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control 

Should I Buy the 2021 Kia Niro?

If you’re in the market for a spacious, fuel-efficient small hatchback with seating for five, the Niro is worth a look. EPA-estimated gas mileage of up to 50 mpg combined for the hybrid version makes it a frugal choice, while the available electric version lets you skip the gas pump altogether.

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2021 Kia Niro base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
4/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
3/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
4/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
12.1%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
4/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
12.1%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Battery
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    3.3
    Kia Niro
    Starts at
    $24,690
    53 City / 48 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
    Starts at
    $27,970
    45 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2021
    5.0
    Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
    Starts at
    $23,400
    58 City / 60 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2021
    5.0
    Hyundai ELANTRA HEV
    Starts at
    $23,550
    49 City / 52 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.1
    Kia Niro
    Starts at
    $26,590
    53 City / 54 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2021
    4.5
    Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
    Starts at
    $29,590
    26 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2022
    5.0
    Hyundai KONA EV
    Starts at
    $34,000
    258 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2022
    4.3
    Hyundai KONA
    Starts at
    $21,300
    258 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

66% of drivers recommend this car
3.3 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.7
Interior 4.3
Performance 3.3
Value 3.3
Exterior 3.7
Reliability 3.7

Most recent

By Niro in Florida
Owns this car
May 21, 2024

I bought the 2021 Niro Touring SE in Solar Orange about a

I bought the 2021 Niro Touring SE in Solar Orange about a month ago. So far I am absolutely LOVING it. I have already driven on 4 mini-road trips (2-3 hours highway each way) and average ~42 MPG. I am averaging closer to 48mpg in the city. It is so comfortable, has tons of safety features, just enough storage space and very roomy for passengers. I personally love the bright orange paint color, it stands out and the black leather interior has matching orange accents for a sporty and fun look. I just smile every time I get in it. It may not be the fastest car on the road, but in "sport mode" it really gets up to speed quickly and I don't feel unsafe competing for space on the highway or boosting my speed quickly to out of a bad situation. I love this car so much so far, feel I got a great deal compared to cars of similar age/mileage, and am absolutely loving the 40+ mpg with all the driving I do. Would highly recommend to anyone considering a Niro :-)
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 4.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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By I want to buy from San Bernardino California
Owns this car
October 16, 2023

I want to buy

I want to know if the Kia Niro CL is available at a basic level with no extras included that will be added to the listed price. what is the price saversge price starting at 2021. I read about many problems with the 3018 and 2020 models - are there any issues with the 2021
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 1.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 1.0
Value 1.0
Exterior 1.0
Reliability 1.0
0 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all reviews

Latest news from cars.com

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Kia dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Kia Niro?

The 2021 Kia Niro is available in 5 trim levels:

  • EX Premium (1 style)
  • LX (1 style)
  • LXS (1 style)
  • Touring (1 style)
  • Touring SE (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Kia Niro?

The 2021 Kia Niro offers up to 53 MPG in city driving and 48 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Kia Niro?

The 2021 Kia Niro compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Kia Niro reliable?

The 2021 Kia Niro has an average reliability rating of 3.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Kia Niro owners.

Is the 2021 Kia Niro a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Kia Niro. 66.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.3 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.7
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 3.3
  • Value: 3.3
  • Exterior: 3.7
  • Reliability: 3.7

Kia Niro history

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