SHOP

Price reductions on selected cars, from £250 - £1000 off

skip to main contentskip to footer

What's the difference between the Kia Niro 2 and 3?

Looking for a Kia Niro? Excellent choice – but which one will you go for, the Niro 2 or Niro 3?

A Kia Niro 2 and Kia Niro 3 parked in front of fields

The Kia Niro is a practical and popular five-door crossover that gets you from A to B in style and without fuss.

With a neat, modern and not too in-your-face design, the Kia Niro cruises smoothly through city streets and country lanes, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.

The Niro only comes in hybrid and all-electric power options, though there’s also a petrol/electric self-charging hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and all-electric model called eNiro.

Just like the ‘standard’ version, it has a je ne sais quoi that makes it a well-loved choice among British drivers.

If the Kia Niro is at the top of your wish-list, but can’t quite decide what model is right for you, don’t worry – we’ll explain some of the main differences between the Kia Niro 2 and Kia Niro 3 to help you hit the road with the right car for you.

What is the difference between Kia Niro 2 and 3?

At first glance, the Kia Niro 2 and Kia Niro 3 look pretty similar. They’re both clean, smart and reliable options that’ll get you around with no hassle.

Whether you go for the 2 or 3, you can choose from hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) models.

The true difference between the Kia Niro 2 and the Kia Niro 3 lies in the vehicle’s trim level.

By this, we mean the various packages of add-ons and features that manufacturers provide with their cars.

So what are the features that set these two vehicles apart?

Exterior

As mentioned, there’s no big difference between the 2 and 3 in terms of aesthetics – they’re both good-looking cars.

The 3 might feature some additional chrome accents or styling enhancements, such as sportier rear bumpers and more unique front grilles.

The only thing that is sure to vary is the wheel size. Niro 2 models come with 16-inch alloy wheels, whereas Niro 3 cars are equipped with 18-inch alloys.

A red Kia Niro hybrid model

Interior

The interiors of the Kia Niro 2 and 3 are both designed to offer drivers and passengers a comfortable and relaxing journey.

One of the most noticeable differences between the two trims is in the upholstery.

The Niro 2 is finished with soft cloth upholstery, while the Niro 3 features cloth and vegan leather upholstery.

As for the interior lighting, Niro 3 models allow you to adjust the colour and intensity of the lighting so you can create the right ambience for your drive.

When it comes to seat comfort, the Niro 3 might also feature some adjustability options.

This can include memory settings, lumbar support and even heated and ventilated seats.

In the Niro 3, the steering wheel is heated too – not a bad added extra if you ask us!

Tech and infotainment

Both trim levels of the Kia Niro come with handy tech and infotainment. Specifically, they feature a driver-friendly 4.2-inch Supervision Colour Cluster Display that can assist you with all your at-the-wheel needs.

The Niro 2 has an 8-inch touchscreen, but – as opposed to the 10.25-inch of the Niro 3 – it’s not equipped with a sat-nav system.

Need an extra pair of eyes to help you park in tight spaces? The Niro 3 has parking sensors that will flag obstacles and assist with blind spots.

Storage

Storage space inside the Kia Niro 2 and 3 are fairly similar, with both having second-row storage and in the overhead console.

In terms of boot capacity, this ranges from 382-451 litres. This can extend up to 1,425 litres when the rear seats are folded down, giving you plenty of room to fit shopping bags, luggage, sports equipment and much more.

The only storage difference between the two trims is that the Niro 3 has front seatback pockets, whereas the Niro 2 doesn’t.

So which car will you pick? Either way, it will be a sensible, practical choice!

Read more about Kia cars: