DecodedCars2021 Kia Niro
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV Hybrid, EV 4dr SUV, PHEV 4dr SUV Hybrid
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 104 hp
- Transmission
- automatic, 1-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 50 combined · 53 city / 48 hwy
- EV range
- 239 mi · 2.25 h on 240 V
- Length
- 171.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,166–3,889 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 50 MPG combined — 61% better than the average 2021 small station wagon (31 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Few owner complaints12 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 67 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 104 hp, versus about 201 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Kia Niro is a small station wagon offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,166 lb (4dr SUV Hybrid).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 50 MPG combined (53 city / 48 highway), 61% better than the 2021 small station wagon average of 31 MPG, for an estimated $700 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 239 miles and takes about 2.25 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Niro — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Niro →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hwasung, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Niro configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV Hybrid | 171.7 in | 70.9 in | 60.6 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,166 lb | 54/46 |
| EV 4dr SUV | 171.7 in | 70.9 in | 60.6 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,889 lb | 54/46 |
| PHEV 4dr SUV Hybrid | 171.7 in | 70.9 in | 60.6 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,450 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niro Electric EV | 150 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 239 mi · 30.0071 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| Niro FE Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 53 / 48 / 50 | +61% | $1,350 | 179 |
| Niro Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 51 / 46 / 49 | +58% | $1,350 | 183 |
| Niro Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 48 / 44 / 46 | +48% | $1,450 | 90 |
| Niro Touring Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 46 / 40 / 43 | +39% | $1,550 | 208 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.1% |
Similar 2021 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Niro (this car) | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Honda HR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 259 mi | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Kia Soul | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jun 20, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V426000 · 11,327 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles. The circuit board for the rearview camera may become damaged and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC342.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Internal › Clutches/Bands › Actuators/Solenoids · Jul 31, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V534000 · 121,411 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
- Risk
- A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.
Not every 2021 Kia Niro is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Kia Niro buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 239 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Niro. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Niro years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Niro | 50 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Niro | 53 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 Niro | 53 | 174 in | Not rated | 1 | 20 |
| 2024 Niro | 53 | 174 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2023 Niro | 53 | 174 in | Not rated | 4 | 65 |
| 2022 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 75 |
| 2020 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 63 |
| 2019 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 101 |
| 2018 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 73 |
| 2017 Niro | 50 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 101 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →