Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Niro - Practicality, comfort and boot space

The Kia Niro has grown, resulting in a generous amount of cabin space and many practical storage options

Practicality, comfort and boot space rating

4.2

How we review cars
Price
£30,085 - £42,325
Find your Kia Niro
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Given the K3 platform of the Kia Niro has to provide accommodation for hybridplug-in hybrid and full EV powertrains, the packaging employed to create space in the cabin is impressive.  

There are some clever storage solutions dotted about the Niro’s cabin, too. For instance, the front cubby can be used as either general storage space or, at the touch of a couple of buttons, a pair of cup-holders reveal themselves. There’s more storage under the central armrest, and the glovebox is a decent size, but we found the door bins are very slim, which limits how much stuff you can store in them and means they’re off-limits for larger items.

Dimensions

Length

4,420mm

Width

1,825mm

Height

1,585mm

Number of seats

5

Boot space 

451-1,445 litres (HEV), 348-1,342 litres (PHEV), 475-1,392 litres (EV)

Dimensions and size

The latest Niro is taller, wider and longer than its predecessor at 1,585mm tall, 1,825mm wide, and 4,420mm long. It’s still classed as a compact SUV and is roughly the same size as Toyota’s C-HR and the Skoda Karoq.

Leg room, head room & passenger space

Cabin space was a real plus point of the old Niro, and it’s even better here thanks to the extra length, longer wheelbase and a slimmer front seat design that’s liberated more space for back-seat occupants, among other changes. Even sitting behind a driver over six-feet tall, rear passengers should have plenty of legroom. Headroom is also excellent due to the square crossover proportions of the Niro. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Up front, the low centre console, low window line and decent headroom combine to make the Niro feel spacious and airy inside. Meanwhile, rear passengers will appreciate the USB-C sockets built into the sides of the front seats so they won’t have to fight over who gets to charge their devices.

Boot

Boot space varies for each powertrain. The most spacious is the Kia Niro EV, which has an impressive 475 litres – that’s 53 litres more than the latest Vauxhall Astra – and does not even include the 20-litre storage space under the bonnet. Fold the rear seats down, and the luggage capacity expands to 1,392 litres.

The Hybrid comes next with a respectable 451 litres while, unfortunately, due to the battery being located at the rear, the Niro PHEV’s boot space falls to 348 litres. Folding the Niro’s 60:40 split rear bench gives you 1,445 and 1,342 litres to play with in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid, respectively.

The Niro does have quite a high load lip, which isn’t great when you’re loading heavier items, but the boot opening is nice and wide. We also like the lightweight load cover, which can be twisted and collapsed into a compact disc that you can stow pretty much anywhere.

Towing

The maximum braked trailer weight for the Niro hybrid and PHEV models is 1,300kg, while the EV is only rated to tow up to 750kg.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Style long-term test: super family car meets supercar
Volkswagen ID. Buzz and McLaren 750S

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Style long-term test: super family car meets supercar

Long-term tests
18 Nov 2024
Used Kia EV6 (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer's guide: classy EV is a superb family car
Used Kia EV6 - front

Used Kia EV6 (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer's guide: classy EV is a superb family car

Used car tests
16 Nov 2024
Ford Capri review
Ford Capri - front

Ford Capri review

In-depth reviews
13 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
22 Nov 2024
Jaguar concept car teased further in new image
2024 Jaguar badge teaser image

Jaguar concept car teased further in new image

The all-electric concept promises to have bold styling and showcases polarising new logo
News
22 Nov 2024