It was the first Kia model to feature Android Auto, available from its launch, while Apple CarPlay was made available towards the end of 2016.

[8] Noise reduction was a key development focus, with Kia achieving a quieter cabin by use of increased front structure insulation and the use of acoustic windshield glass.

[9] Full production started in May 2016 in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, South Korea, with European sales from the third quarter of 2016.

The Niro received a facelift in 2019 which included changes to the front and rear bumpers, as well as new headlights and color choices.

[16] The Niro uses a hybrid powertrain producing altogether 104 kW (139 hp), and returns a fuel economy of 5.5 to 4.7 L/100 km (43 to 50 mpg‑US) by also using lightweight materials, including high strength steel and aluminium.

[21] A plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) variant has been offered since September 2018, featuring an 8.9 kWh battery.

[29] In 2019, Kia announced facelifted versions of its Niro hybrid variants, with new front and rear bumpers, lights and wheels among the changes to its line-up.

LED headlights and fog lights became an optional extra, while two new colours red-orange and plum were added.

[32] The 39.2 kWh version is propelled by a 100 kW (134 hp) permanent-magnet electric motor with 395 Nm (291 lb-ft) of torque and can travel up to 288 km (179 mi) on one charge, according to WLTP, while the 64 kWh version offers 455 km (283 mi) of WLTP range and has a more powerful 150 kW (201 hp) motor producing the same amount of torque.

An integrated All-in-One Display for taxi model includes navigation, app taximeter, digital tachograph and voice recognition.

[39][40] Euro NCAP Euro NCAP test results for a LHD variant on a registration from 2016:[41] In December 2016, the Niro officially received a Guinness World Records title for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle, as it travelled from Los Angeles to New York City with a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg‑US (3.1 L/100 km).

In the interior, recycled fibres were used on the ceiling of the vehicle and water-friendly paint without benzene, toluene, and xylene was added to the door panel.

The bio-artificial leather sheet used fibres made from raw materials extracted from eucalyptus leaves.

magazine named the Kia e-Niro its 2019 Car of the Year – the first time the prize had been awarded to an electric vehicle.

[59] The front wheels are powered by the 1.6-litre Gamma inline-4 producing 160 hp (119 kW) mated with a seven speed rotary-shifted dual-clutch transmission, while a 45 hp electric hybrid system powers the rear wheels when driving in rougher road conditions.