2027 Kia Niro Price Hike Makes The Sportage Hybrid A Better Buy

Sales of U.S. Kia hybrid models jumped by 108% in July as demand for the automaker’s electrified vehicles continues to soar. The company’s most affordable hybrid for some time has been the Niro, which was recently refreshed for the 2027 model year. Kia has now announced pricing for this model, which competes with other subcompacts like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. But the Toyota may not be the Niro’s biggest problem, as the new price bump has pushed it uncomfortably close to Kia’s own Sportage Hybrid. 

2027 Kia Niro Pricing

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The latest Kia Niro—now exclusively available as a hybrid—starts at $29,890 for the base S trim. Here’s a look at the lineup’s full pricing versus the 2026 model.

Every trim is more expensive, with the entry-level LX and top-spec SX Touring hit by the largest price hikes. These prices exclude a $1,495 destination charge, so the sub-$30,000 Niro is effectively gone.

For 2027, the Niro has gained revised front/rear fascias, new exterior colors, and an upgraded interior. There are also new driver-assistance technologies, including Highway Driving Assist and a 360-degree camera. The S trim is a new addition for 2027, while all variants continue to use a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, combining for 139 horsepower. The highlight of the package is stellar efficiency, as the Niro is capable of 53/46/50 mpg city/highway/combined. That makes it one of America’s most fuel-efficient SUVs.

Related: Kia’s Hybrid Boom Sends U.S. Sales to a New Record

Should You Get A Sportage Hybrid Instead?

While the Niro Hybrid has been hit with a significant price increase for 2027, the Sportage Hybrid’s price has stayed relatively flat. This has significantly closed the gap between the two vehicles, strengthening the case for the larger and much more powerful Sportage.

For only $700 more, the Sportage Hybrid adds a far more powerful turbocharged powertrain. It also comes with the option of all-wheel drive and has a much more spacious interior, while driving more quietly. The Niro’s sole advantage is its efficiency, but the Sportage is hardly thirsty, as it gets 41 mpg combined.

As solid as the Niro is, the Sportage Hybrid is now convincingly the better buy.

Related: Kia’s Hot-Selling Hybrid SUV Gets A Bigger Lineup For 2027