Kia Niro Hybrid (2016-2022) interior & comfort

The Niro's interior is a nice place to be, especially in top-spec trim when you get full digital dials as well as great infotainment

Overall rating

3.5 out of 5

Interior & comfort rating

4.0 out of 5

Just as the exterior of the Kia Niro tends towards the conservative, the interior is unremarkable, but very functional. With high spec levels on all models, the Niro is definitely a nice environment in which to travel, although the engine is noisier than some might expect if you accelerate with any gusto. A Toyota Prius' powertrain is quieter and smoother.

Kia Niro dashboard

You get an eight or 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Kia Niro, depending on trim level. It’s responsive and easy to use in either case, and the bigger screen really is one of the best systems in the class. There’s a fairly conventional instrument binnacle ahead of the driver in most models, but top-spec 4 models get a seven-inch colour digital readout that really lifts the interior and makes it look seriously hi-tech. It would be a bonus if Kia offered a head-up display as well, but sadly that's not available at all on the Niro as it is on the Hyundai Kona, which is also being offered as a hybrid.

Equipment, options and accessories

The Niro range is a simple one, with very few options. Instead it's offered in three trims levels – 2, 3 and 4 – and all come with a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and DAB radio, plus feel-good features like a leather steering wheel and gearshift, and at least part-leather upholstery. The Niro 2 has 16-inch alloy wheels as opposed to the 18-inch wheels on the 3 and 4, while the 4 is the only model to get cooled (as well as heated seats), blind-spot monitoring and keyless entry. Inside, the 3 and 4 get full leather upholstery, powered seat adjustment, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Infotainment, apps & sat nav

The 3 and 4 trim levels feature the larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, which also brings an upgraded eight-speaker JBL sound system and wireless phone charging. All models get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus Kia's connected services – a phone app that allows you to check the car's locking status, location and other useful info. The touchscreen responds quickly, has clear graphics and is straightforward in its layout, making it one of the best systems in the class.

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