Kia Niro reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Kia Niro is a family suv. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 125 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 125 of 442, and 12.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is wipers (2.7% of tests).
Ranked 125 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 12 of 31 family SUVs
In 2024, 59,302 Kia Niros aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 12.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Kia Niro is 20% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 11.3% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
12.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
11.3%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
11,700
Typical age at test: 4 years
Kia Niro MOT failure rate by age
Most common Kia Niro MOT faults
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.1% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too low0.6% of tests
- Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps0.4% of tests
What the Kia Niro fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.2% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Visibility | 3.4% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 2.6% | ▼ 38% less often |
| Brakes | 1.4% | ▼ 53% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.3% | ▼ 74% less often |
| Suspension | 0.2% | ▼ 88% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | ▼ 73% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 60% less often |
| Steering | 0.1% | ▼ 62% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 62% less often |
What MPG does the Kia Niro do?
Official economy for the Kia Niro ranges from 53.3 to 76.3mpg across the 72 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2017–2025). Electric versions average 4 miles per kWh, with an official range of 180 to 298 miles.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Kia Niro?
Any Kia Niro first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Niro registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carKia Niro specs and running costs
Official figures for 72 versions sold in the UK between 2017 and 2025.
Fuel types
Electric, Hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
53.3–76.3 mpg
Electric range
180–298 miles
Efficiency
3.9–4.2 mi/kWh
CO2
18–120 g/km
Power
100–204 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niro EV '2' 64.8kWh 201bhp 1-speed Auto204 PS · AT1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Niro EV '3' 64.8kWh 201bhp 1-speed Auto204 PS · AT1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Niro EV '4' 64.8kWh 201bhp 1-speed Auto204 PS · AT1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Niro EV '4' 64.8kWh 201bhp 1-speed Auto (Heat Pump)204 PS · AT1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Niro HEV '2' 1.6 GDi 127bhp 6-speed Auto129 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 64.2 mpg | 100g | £200 | 26% |
| Niro HEV '3' 1.6 GDi 127bhp 6-speed Auto129 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 61.4 mpg | 105g | £200 | 27% |
| Niro HEV '4' 1.6 GDi 127bhp 6-speed Auto129 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 61.4 mpg | 106g | £200 | 27% |
| Niro HEV 'Pure' 1.6 GDi 136bhp138 PS · DCT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 62.8 mpg | 102g | £200 | 26% |
| Niro HEV 'Evolve' 1.6 GDi 136bhp138 PS · DCT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 57.6 mpg | 111g | £200 | 28% |
| Niro HEV 'Aspire' 1.6 GDi 136bhp138 PS · DCT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 57.6 mpg | 111g | £200 | 28% |
| Niro PHEV '2' 1.6 GDi 168bhp 6-speed Auto171 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 353.1 mpg | 18g | £200 | 10% |
| Niro PHEV '3' 1.6 GDi 168bhp 6-speed Auto171 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 313.9 mpg | 21g | £200 | 14% |
| Niro PHEV '4' 1.6 GDi 168bhp 6-speed Auto171 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 282.5 mpg | 22g | £200 | 14% |
| Niro EV e-Niro '2' 39kWh Lithium-ion 134bhp100 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| Niro '2' 64.8kWh 201bhp 1-speed Auto150 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 72 versions.
What a Kia Niro costs to fuel
- Electric, typical official 4 miles per kWh…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out your charging costsBuying a used Kia Niro?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Kia Niro with other family SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Kia models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Kia Niro reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Kia Niro is 20% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 125 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Kia Niro?
The most common MOT fault is “Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively”, found in 2.7% of tests.
›What MPG does the Kia Niro do?
Official economy for the Kia Niro ranges from 53.3 to 76.3mpg across the 72 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2017–2025). Electric versions average 4 miles per kWh, with an official range of 180 to 298 miles.
›How much is road tax on a Kia Niro?
Any Kia Niro first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Niro registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 a year.
›How many Kia Niros fail their MOT?
12.8% of Kia Niros aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 11.3% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Kia Niro combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.