2022 Kia Niro: Electrified SUV spied with new looks

The 2022 Kia Niro will soon be unveiled with new styling, despite the model only going on sale in Australia in May 2021.

The Niro is the only electrified model in the Kia line-up currently – with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric versions available – but is already approaching its first major facelift, having been introduced in overseas markets back in 2016.

Our European spy photography partners snapped the camouflaged Niro while the model was undergoing final testing on European roads, though it appears Kia’s engineers weren’t expecting them to stick around late into the afternoon – removing the heavy canvas camouflage from the front-end and revealing the car’s new headlights.

17

While not entirely unexpected, we can see the small SUV adopt a similar headlight shape and daytime-running light (DRL) signature as Kia’s HabaNiro concept car, first shown at the 2019 New York motor show.

At the rear, new upright LED tail-lights appear to now be integrated into the D-pillar, though it’s unclear whether the rear quarter glass will remain – as with the current Niro – or if the car’s new exterior design will follow the HabaNiro concept with large panels featuring instead.

The 2022 Niro has been heavily facelifted to bring the model into line with the bold looks of Kia’s new range, but a report from UK’s Autocar suggests the updated version will continue to use the current Niro’s platform – albeit with revised powertrains to provide greater driving range and efficiency.

17

If true, it's likely the Niro EV will retain its 64kWh battery pack – though improvements in technology could see its 455km driving range increased slightly, while the Niro PHEV may also see its electric distance capability go up from the current claim of 58km.

In Australia, the current 2021 Kia Niro Hybrid starts at $41,990 drive-away, with the range-topping Niro EV Sport priced from $70,990 drive-away.

The 2022 Kia Niro is expected to be unveiled late next year.