Used KIA Niro

What to know before buying: KIA Niro

From 4 video reviews, 2 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The first-generation 1.6-litre hybrid is roomy and economical, returning roughly 5–6.3 l/100 km in tests and owner reports.[1][3]First generation
• The first-generation e-Niro offers a spacious cabin and 451-litre boot; the 64 kWh version has brisk acceleration and a real-world range exceeding 400 km.[2][7]First generation
• The second-generation Niro is a comfortable, thoughtfully designed family car with generous rear space; the EV has a 475-litre boot, while the PHEV loses substantial capacity.[5][6]Second generation
• The second-generation Niro EV is efficient and comfortable, but its 77 kW rapid charging is slow and tyre noise is noticeable at motorway speeds.[5]one sourceSecond generation

Typical faults

• First-generation hybrids have reports of petrol entering the engine oil, causing a rising oil level and fuel smell under the filler cap. Injectors or the fuel pump may be responsible.[4]one sourceFirst generation

  1.6 GDI HEV, 1.6 GDI PHEV

• First-generation Niros can judder, vibrate or engage gears harshly. Causes may include ignition coils or gearbox synchronisers, though workshops sometimes fail to identify the fault.[4]one sourceFirst generation

  1.6 GDI HEV, 1.6 GDI PHEV

• Reported electrical glitches include frozen infotainment, adaptive-cruise malfunctions and intermittent charging problems on EV and PHEV versions.[4]one sourceFirst generation

  e-Niro, 1.6 GDI PHEV

• Some first-generation cars have suffered door-handle problems; in extreme cases a handle can detach.[4]one sourceFirst generation
• On isolated second-generation hybrids, failure of the electric reverse-drive system can leave the car without reverse; the source links this to the system's generator.[4]one sourceSecond generation

  1.6 HEV

Which engine and version to take

• For a first-generation EV, the 64 kWh e-Niro is the pick: it combines the larger battery, brisk performance and practicality, while sources note little evidence of significant EV faults.[4][2][7]First generation
• In the second generation, the regular 1.6-litre HEV is the sensible choice without regular charging or with frequent motorway use: it retains more boot space and can offer better value than the PHEV.[6][1]Second generation

What to avoid

• Avoid a first-generation 1.6-litre hybrid with rising oil level, fuel smell, vibration or harsh gear engagement unless diagnosis and repair are documented.[4]one sourceFirst generation
• Avoid the second-generation PHEV if regular charging is unavailable or most journeys are long motorway runs: it costs more and has a smaller boot than the HEV.[6]one sourceSecond generation

What to check at the inspection

• On a cold first-generation hybrid, check the oil level and smell beneath the filler cap; a high level or petrol odour warrants diagnosis.[4]one sourceFirst generation
• During the test drive, check for smooth acceleration and gear engagement; judder, vibration, noise or harsh shifts may indicate ignition or gearbox trouble.[4]one sourceFirst generation
• Review the service history, especially work on ignition coils, injectors, the fuel pump or gearbox, and confirm that recurring symptoms were genuinely resolved.[4]one sourceFirst generation
• Test the infotainment and adaptive cruise control; on EV and PHEV versions, perform a charging test to ensure the connection is stable and charging starts correctly.[4]one sourceFirst generation
• Operate every door handle several times, checking for looseness, sticking or insecure attachment.[4]one sourceFirst generation
• On a second-generation hybrid, select reverse repeatedly when cold and warm, confirming that the electric drive engages without errors or interruptions.[4]one sourceSecond generation
• Assess e-Niro traction without abrupt inputs: its powerful front-wheel drive and efficiency-focused tyres can struggle for grip on wet or snowy roads.[7][8]First generation

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Kia Niro auto tests, atsauksmes un iespaidi 2022 / 2023 · forum
2. [2]iauto.lv — Kia e-Niro elektro auto tests, atsauksmes un iespaidi 2020 ... · forum
3. [3]whatcar.lv — Auto tests izvērsts - Kia Niro - What Car? - WhatCar.lv · press
4. [4]lv.motofocus.eu — Kia Niro/e-Niro 1st gen: ko pārbaudīt pirms iegādes, ko pēc ... · press
5. [5]Motorpoint — A brilliant but doomed car? Kia Niro EV review · ▶ video
6. [6]What Car? — New Kia Niro review – best hybrid AND plug-in hybrid? | What Car? · ▶ video
7. [7]Nobby On Cars — KIA eNiro 64kWh review | There's one MASSIVE problem though... · ▶ video
8. [8]The Fast Lane Car — The Kia Niro Takes On The World’s Toughest Electric Car Test - Loveland Trials Ep.2 · ▶ video

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