A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor work together in the 2027 Niro for 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of total system output, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The motor draws on a 1.32-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that recharges through regenerative braking, so it never needs a charging cord.

Every trim is EPA-estimated at 53 mpg city, 46 highway and 50 combined on regular unleaded. With an 11.1-gallon tank, Kia estimates up to 555 miles of range, plenty for a run up I-75 to Gainesville and back. Drive Mode Select offers ECO and Sport, and the EX and above add regenerative braking paddles.

• 139 hp and 195 lb-ft total system output
• Six-speed dual-clutch automatic
• EPA-estimated 53/46/50 mpg city/highway/combined
• Kia-estimated 555-mile driving range
• Regenerative braking paddles from the EX up

The refresh puts a 12.3-inch touchscreen in every Niro, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition and Kia Connect, which includes a complimentary three-year subscription. Remote Start and a Smart Key with push-button start are standard across the lineup.

SX and SX Touring add navigation, Digital Key 2.0 and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon system, and the EX Premium Package brings that Harman Kardon system to the EX. The SX Touring pairs its touchscreen with a 12.3-inch instrument display, and every trim has two USB-C ports in each row, with wireless charging from the EX up.

• 12.3-inch touchscreen on every trim
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Kia Connect with three-year complimentary subscription
• Navigation and Digital Key 2.0 on SX and SX Touring
• Harman Kardon audio on SX and SX Touring

Every 2027 Niro includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning and direct oncoming detection, plus Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist 2. Smart Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Rear Occupant Alert are standard too.

Front and rear parking sensors come on the EX and above, and the SX adds Highway Driving Assist. The SX Touring steps up to Highway Driving Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.0 with Evasive Steering Assist and a Blind-Spot View Monitor, plus a 360-degree Surround View Monitor for crowded lots along SR 200.

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist on every trim
• Lane Following Assist 2 and Lane Keeping Assist
• Front and rear parking sensors from the EX up
• Highway Driving Assist on SX
• Highway Driving Assist 2 and Surround View Monitor on SX Touring

Kia gave the Niro a new look for 2027: a redesigned front fascia with Star Map lighting and new daytime running light graphics, a revised bumper and grille, and a liftgate with 3D-style taillamps above a smooth rear bumper. Body-colored C-pillars trace the flowing roofline, wheel-arch cladding outlines the fenders, and the body measures 174.0 inches long.

The LX, S, EX and SX roll on 16-inch aero alloy wheels, and the SX Touring wears 18-inch black-and-machined alloys. Roof rails start on the S, and the SX and SX Touring add LED fog lights and power-folding mirrors. From the S up, buyers can choose from seven colors, including the new Ivory Silver and Sunset Beige.

• Refreshed design with Star Map lighting
• New liftgate with 3D-style taillamps
• 18-inch black-and-machined alloys on SX Touring
• Roof rails from the S up
• Seven colors from the S up, including new Ivory Silver and Sunset Beige

The 2027 Niro seats five, with 41.5 inches of front legroom and 39.8 inches in back, and its 60/40 rear seat splits, folds and reclines. Cargo space measures 21.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 61.4 cubic feet with it folded, and a power liftgate comes on SX trims or with the EX Premium Package.

Upholstery moves from woven cloth on the LX to SynTex and cloth on the S, then SynTex from the EX up, where Sky Gray SynTex is a no-cost option. Heated front seats and a 10-way power driver's seat arrive on the S, and SX trims add ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.

• Seats five with a 60/40 reclining rear seat
• 21.9 cu ft of cargo, 61.4 cu ft with the seat folded
• Heated front seats from the S up
• Ventilated front seats on SX and SX Touring
• Dual-zone automatic climate control on every trim