2022 Kia Niro to use engine and drivetrain from current crossover

The recently-revealed 2022 Kia Niro is one of the most highly anticipated crossovers of the next 12 months, set to replace the first-generation model in the near future.

Covers came off the new Niro in late November, showing a radically different design to that of the current Niro which only arrived on Australian shores earlier this year, having been delayed locally to launch just months before its replacement was revealed.

However, the outgoing model lends more than just its name to the upcoming crossover, with reports suggesting the 2022 Niro could utilise the same engines and drivetrains found in its predecessor.

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Kia's 2021 e-Niro

According to The Korean Car Blog, the incoming model will be powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder internal combustion engine coupled with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor – the same setup found in the existing Niro.

Combined with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the "Kappa" engine produces 77kW and 147Nm on its own, but the electric motor bumps its figured up to a combined 104kW and 265Nm.

Currently sold as either a conventional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, the former has a 1.56kWh capacity while the latter's 8.9kWh capacity allows the Niro to drive for up to 58 kilometres in its electric-only mode.

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2022 Kia Niro

Also available is the e-Niro fully-electric vehicle, powered by a single electric motor on the front axle – which is able to deliver up to 150kW and 395Nm, as its 64kWh battery pack allows for a WLTP-tested driving range of 455km.

Specific details have yet to be confirmed for the 2022 Niro, although it's likely to be launched globally in the second half of next year, with Australian pricing set to be announced closer to its arrival.