The 2027 Kia Niro is getting more expensive just as demand for Kia’s hybrid models accelerates in the U.S. Sales of Kia hybrid models jumped 108% in July, but the latest Niro price increase has narrowed the gap with the larger and significantly more powerful Sportage Hybrid.
2027 Kia Niro Pricing
The latest Kia Niro is now offered exclusively as a hybrid, with the lineup starting at $29,890 for the LX trim. The 2027 model also introduces an S trim, while every trim is more expensive than its comparable 2026 version.
- LX: $27,390 in 2026; $29,890 in 2027, a 9.1% increase
- S: Not offered for 2026; $30,590 in 2027
- EX: $30,190 in 2026; $31,390 in 2027, a 4% increase
- SX: $33,390 in 2026; $35,440 in 2027, a 6.1% increase
- SX Touring: $35,790 in 2026; $38,990 in 2027, an 8.9% increase
The largest increases affect the entry-level LX and top-spec SX Touring trims. All prices exclude a $1,495 destination charge, effectively eliminating the Niro’s previous sub-$30,000 positioning.
What’s New for the 2027 Kia Niro
For 2027, the Niro receives revised front and rear fascias, new exterior colors and an upgraded interior. Kia has also added new driver-assistance technology, including Highway Driving Assist and a 360-degree camera.
The new S trim joins the lineup for 2027, while all versions continue to use a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The hybrid powertrain produces a combined 139 horsepower.
Efficiency remains the Niro’s key strength. Kia’s fuel-economy figures are 53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway and 50 mpg combined, making the Niro one of America’s most fuel-efficient SUVs.
How the Niro Compares With the Sportage Hybrid
The Niro’s price increase becomes more significant when compared with the 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid. While the Niro has become considerably more expensive, the Sportage Hybrid’s price has remained relatively flat, leaving just $700 between the two models.
- 2027 Kia Niro base price: $29,890
- 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid base price: $30,590
- Niro engine: 1.6L I4 Hybrid
- Sportage Hybrid engine: 1.6L I4 Turbo Hybrid
- Niro horsepower: 139 hp
- Sportage Hybrid horsepower: 232 hp
- Niro transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Sportage Hybrid transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Niro EPA rating: 53/46/50 mpg city/highway/combined
- Sportage Hybrid EPA rating: 40/42/41 mpg city/highway/combined
- Niro trunk space behind second row: 21.8 cubic feet
- Sportage Hybrid trunk space behind second row: 39.5 cubic feet
For an additional $700, the Sportage Hybrid offers a turbocharged powertrain producing 232 horsepower, compared with the Niro’s 139 horsepower. The Sportage also offers all-wheel drive, provides substantially more interior space and drives more quietly.
The Niro maintains a clear advantage in fuel efficiency, but the Sportage Hybrid still delivers 41 mpg combined. With the two models now separated by only $700 at their starting prices, the Sportage Hybrid presents a stronger value proposition than before.
Price Gap Changes the Niro’s Value Proposition
The Kia Niro remains focused on fuel efficiency, but its 2027 price increase has significantly reduced the cost advantage it once held over the Sportage Hybrid. With the larger model offering substantially more power and cargo space for a relatively small additional cost, the Sportage Hybrid is now positioned as the more compelling buy.
