Updated Kia Niro spotted in South Korea

Kia is giving its popular Niro a fresh makeover. The company shared some digital images last week, but the updated crossover has already been spotted in the real world in South Korea. This refresh keeps the car looking modern as the brand transitions toward a lineup dominated by electric cars. The Niro has been a staple for the brand since 2016.

The new design follows a theme Kia calls "Opposites United." If you look at the front and back of the car, you will notice it looks much more like the brand's newest models, such as the EV3 and EV5. The designers cleaned up the front and rear ends to make the car look smoother and more premium. They also added new cladding around the wheel arches and along the bottom of the doors.

One of the biggest changes you will see from the side is the new set of 18-inch wheels, specifically designed for this facelift. While the overall shape of the car remains familiar, the updates help it blend in with Kia's larger siblings.

Inside the cabin, the technology gets a big boost. Drivers will now sit in front of two large 12.3-inch screens. One screen shows the speed and driving information, while the other handles music and maps. Thankfully, Kia did something that many drivers will appreciate: it kept the physical buttons. You can still turn a knob or press a button to change the temperature or adjust the volume. This makes the car easier to use while driving compared to cars that put every single control inside a touch menu.

The Niro is unique because it offers something for everyone. You can buy it as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a fully electric model. This variety has made it a favorite for people who are not quite ready to go all-electric but want to save money on gas. By updating the styling now, Kia ensures that the Niro does not look like an old-fashioned car parked next to its futuristic cousins.

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Kia says it will reveal more specific details about the engine options and global pricing in March. Until then, we only have these early sightings to go on. The car looks more "grown-up" than the previous version. It ditches some of the quirky plastic bits for a more unified, sleek appearance. It seems Kia wants the Niro to be seen as a serious competitor in a market that is getting crowded with many different types of electric cars.

Via