Introduced in 2022, the second-generation Kia Niro is now getting a timely refresh. Now with Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language, the updated 2026 Kia Niro bids farewell to some of its earlier quirks and brings its styling closer in line with the brand’s current electrified lineup.
Its overall proportions haven’t changed much, yet it exudes a far more confident aura. The playful feel has now been replaced by a bolder and stronger identity, while retaining its futuristic edge. According to Kia, this is the result of its ‘Futuristic Originality’ design approach, featuring cleaner and bolder surfaces with more sophisticated lighting elements.
Up front, the old diamond-patterned panels and satin chrome strip that once created a full-width headlight effect are gone. In their place are taller headlamp units featuring Kia’s ‘Starmap Signature Lighting’ daytime running lights.
Lower down, the front bumper has been redesigned for a cleaner look with black gloss that flows into the black front wheel arches and side body cladding. The 2026 Kia Niro now rides on new 18-inch alloy wheels, while the distinctive arrow-shaped C-pillar panel is no longer there… more on that in a bit.
At the rear, the simpler yet bolder design approach is even more apparent. The tailgate has been dramatically cleaned up by relocating the number plate to the bumper, giving the back a much neater appearance.
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Notably, the slim vertical taillights are retained and now sit within a black arrow-shaped trim as a nod to the pre-facelift model’s signature quirk. A new black bar now runs across the tailgate, while a redesigned rear skid plate with a centre split adds a more sophisticated touch.
Inside, much of the cabin is carried over from the pre-facelift model, albeit with a few modern updates. The panoramic curved display housing twin 12.3-inch screens is now slimmer, and it’s paired with a refreshed two-spoke multifunction steering wheel.
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The touch panel that switches between media and climate controls remains, along with the same centre console layout housing the rotary gear selector and physical buttons. Thankfully, the glossy piano black trim has been replaced with a new textured surface — preventing the buildup of fingerprints and scratches over time.
Kia says detailed information, including trim-specific specifications and pricing, will be announced in March. In the meantime, it is expected that the new 2026 Kia Niro facelift will retain much of the outgoing model’s powertrain lineup, which includes hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric variants, with only the EV previously offered in Malaysia.
The hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission for a combined output of 141 hp. The PHEV adds a more powerful 84 hp electric motor, raising total outputs to 185 hp, and is backed by an 11 kWh battery that enables up to 60 km of electric-only driving.
As for the Niro EV, it produces 201 hp and 255 Nm of torque, allowing a top speed of 167 km/h. With a 64.8 kWh battery pack, it offers a WLTP-rated range of up to 460 km. Charging from 10-100% using an 11 kW AC charger takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes, while DC fast charging at up to 80 kW takes around 49 minutes to go from 10-80%.
READ MORE: Gallery – 2023 Kia Niro EV, RM259k – 460km range, 80kW DC charging
