South Korean automotive giant Kia has officially unveiled its popular compact SUV, the Niro, after a comprehensive facelift, marking its return as a 2027 model year vehicle. While keeping pace with the brand's next-generation models in terms of design, the new Niro brings with it a radical strategic shift. Featuring a fully electric architecture, the new Niro... EV3 With the addition of this model to the family, the electric Niro (Niro EV) model has completely become history.
The design is inspired by "Opposites United" and features sharp lines.
The refreshed 2027 Kia Niro boasts a much cleaner, more modern, and more aggressive exterior design. Adopting Kia's new generation "Star Map" lighting language, the vehicle features the following notable visual changes:
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Preliminary Section: The new vertically positioned headlights and inverted “L” shaped LED daytime running lights give the vehicle a much wider stance. These headlights are connected by a thin strip that runs just below the logo. The front bumper and grille designs have also been completely modernized.
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Back Section: The license plate holder has been moved to the lower part of the new, smoother-designed rear bumper, while the vertical taillights have been made much sharper with three-dimensional (3D) depth-enhanced internal graphics.
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New Colors: Two new options have been added to the color palette: “Ivory Silver” and “Sunset Beige”.
The Era of Giant Screens in Indoor Spaces Has Begun.
The biggest impact of the facelift is felt inside the cabin. The multimedia screen setup, which was an option in higher trim levels of the old model, has been made completely standard, raising the technological bar:
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Panoramic Curved Screen: From the input equipment onwards 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen It's now standard. In higher trim levels, this screen is combined with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel to form a single, curved panel.
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New ccNC Interface: Thanks to Kia's latest in-car software (ccNC), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as remote updates (OTA) and quick control menus, are included in the system.
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Redesigned Cockpit: The new two-spoke steering wheel and redesigned air vents enhance the premium feel of the cabin.
Power Options Simplified: Standard Hybrid Only
On the technical side, the 2027 Niro will now continue with a single engine option. Having said goodbye to its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version in 2025, the model has also lost its fully electric (EV) engine with this facelift.
The vehicle, only 139 horsepower ve 265 Nm of torque It will be available with a standard hybrid (HEV) system. This system consists of a combination of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine, a small electric motor, and a 6-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic transmission. The model, which will only be produced in front-wheel drive (FWD), has also had its suspension comfort and cabin insulation optimized to improve ride quality.
Why was the electric Niro discontinued?
Kia is introducing a new vehicle built on a fully electric platform (E-GMP), with similar dimensions but much more advanced charging technologies. EV3 To pave the way for the EV3, production of the Niro EV has ended. With this differentiation in the sector, the Niro will appeal to those seeking a completely economical hybrid, while the EV3 will cater to those wanting a pure electric experience.
