2026 Kia Niro.
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As expected, the cute Kia Niro will be getting a facelift for the 2026 model year. One that will make it look a little bit more like the Kia EV9. And as all other new Kia designs.
However, it seems Kia didnt go nuts on the Niro. And the new front end isn’t just an EV9 face crafted onto the compact Niro. Which is nice.
A cleaner look is always welcome. And the new face doesn’t seem to ruin the nice Niro design.
The upcoming Kia EV3 EV will put the Niro in a tough spot. The EV3 is rumored to start at around $35,000 in the US when it finally arrives over here in a few months. Which is actually cheaper than the $39,600 Niro EV. You know that means the Niro EV will probably not see 2026.
However, the Niro could easily become a hybrid-only model, at least in the US. That would make a lot of sense. Currently, the 53MPG Niro Hybrid starts at a very reasonable $27,000. A $4500 premium gives you access to the more powerful Niro PHEV. And a 33-mile EV only range.
Things become quite different when you lease. A regular Niro Hybrid starts at $269 a month ($3500 due at signing). While the more expensive PHEV trom can be leased for $239 a month.
The Niro EV is even much cheaper with a $ 149-a-month lease!
The best news is that the new EV3 might also be available for around that amount a few months after it comes out. While $149 a month for a Niro EV is great, such a small payment for a much more modern EV3 would be pretty fantastic and hard to beat.
Vince: $149 per month is for clearing out excess inventory. It’s highly unlikely a brand new model will lease at the same price.
Vince: $149 per month is for clearing out excess inventory. It’s highly unlikely a brand new model will lease at the same price.