Generation history
The Kia Niro has been through 2 generations, starting in 2016 and 2021. The gaps were 5 years, an average of 5.0. Redesigns come quickly on this model. The current generation began in 2021. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2025 through 2027, centered on 2026. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The second-generation Niro was released at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show on 25 November. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Kia Niro model page.
Every generation
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | DE | 2016–2021 | |
| Second generation | SG2 | 2021–present | The second-generation Niro was released at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show on 25 November. |
The Kia Niro spent 5.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 5 years old. Treat 2025 to 2027 as a range, not a date.
Source: Kia Niro (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Kia Niro model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
The first-generation Niro was introduced in 2016. Based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq, Kia opted to use dual-clutch transmission instead of the more traditional continuously variable transmission found in most other hybrids to offer a more engaging driving experience. The size is between the Stonic and Sportage, and very close to the XCeed. In Europe, the Niro was launched in a choice of seven colours and either 16- or 18-inch wheels.
The second-generation Niro was released at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show on 25 November. The front part extended the Tiger Face design from the hood to the fender. A C-pillar integrated with a boomerang-shaped LED rear combination lamp was applied to the side, and a vertical LED rear combination lamp was applied to the rear. In the interior, recycled fibres were used on the ceiling of the vehicle and water-friendly paint without benzene, toluene, and xylene was added to the door panel.
Generation notes adapted from Kia Niro (Wikipedia).
Today's Kia Niro
NHTSA rated the 2025 Kia Niro overall 4 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Kia Niro, most often about unknown or other (8), suspension (3), electrical system (3).