2023 Kia Niro Swaps Out Conservative Looks For A Quirky HabaNiro Outfit

Five years after the introduction of the Kia Niro (as a 2017MY in the States), Kia has lifted the veil on a new-generation of its subcompact crossover at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show.

We’ve known about the second iteration of the Kia Niro since late 2020 when the first heavily-disguised prototypes were snapped out and about. In designing the new car, Kia has taken inspiration from the 2019 HabaNiro concept, particularly thanks to the two-tone body and wide pillar at the rear.

The Korean carmaker designed the new Niro under its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy that also takes inspiration from nature through the choice of color, materials, and finishes that aim to strike a balance between “an environmentally responsible approach and a future-oriented outlook.”

Found at the front of the 2023 Kia Niro is a ‘tiger face’ complete with radically-redesigned headlights and LED daytime running lights. The bold design details continue at the rear with LED taillights that stretch up the rear pillars and are accompanied by a strong shoulder line.

A sharper and more premium looking interior

The interior of the 2023 Kia Niro has also been overhauled for the vehicle’s second generation. Most notably, there is an off-center dash angled towards the driver that includes a fully-digital instrument cluster and a prominent infotainment screen. Kia has also equipped the new Niro with a dial-type shift lever that sits on the center console. An ambient lighting system is also featured.

The South Korean car manufacturer says that the headliner of the new Niro is made from recycled wallpaper while the seats are made from Bio PU with Tencel from eucalypts leaves. In addition, paint that is free from benzene, toluene, and xylene isomers is used on the door panels to minimize the impact on the environment and reduce waste.

A new ‘Greenzone Drive Mode’ has been introduced with the Niro. This feature automatically shifts plug-in hybrid variants into an all-electric mode when driving in green zones such as residential areas, or nearby schools and hospitals. The technology also recognizes a driver’s favorite places that are registered in the navigation system as a green zone.

Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric powertrain options

The production 2023 Kia Niro above draws heavily upon the HabaNiro concept below from 2019

While no specific details were released at this time, Kia said the new Niro will be available with hybrid-electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure-electric powertrains starting from next year. The first generation Niro currently offers three powertrain choices, including a standard hybrid 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor producing 139 horsepower, a plug-in hybrid version of the latter that’s good for 26 miles of electric driving, and a 201-hp fully electric model.

A U.S. reveal is likely to happen within the next few months.