Putting an end to months of speculation, Kia has confirmed what we all saw coming: the Niro EV heads into retirement.
The announcement was made as the company this week opened orders for the updated, hybrid-only Niro in South Korea. Saying they want to focus on the new EV3, EV4 and EV5, which boast “strong electrification capabilities and improved product competitiveness,” Kia’s top executives have decided to discontinue production of the Niro EV and sell off the remaining inventory, according to statements reported by The Korea Herald.
Read also
The Kia Niro has been around since 2017, and the current generation dates back to 2023. The 2026 model continues to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric variants. The first one stands out as the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in vehicle in Canada, with combined fuel consumption as low as 4.4 L/100 km.
The Niro EV, meanwhile, ranks among the cheapest electric vehicles with an all-inclusive price starting at $48,726 (before government incentives and the $3,000 manufacturer’s rebate are applied), but its range of 407 km fails to match that of several competitors (Hyundai Kona Electric, Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan LEAF, Toyota C-HR, Subaru Uncharted, etc.). Additionally, an all-wheel drive option is missing.
Photo: Kia
Kia has just launched the new 2026 EV4 sedan in Canada, delivering identical output (201 horsepower) but a range that varies from 391 to 552 km. It also starts at just $42,276. The 2027 EV5 will arrive very soon, with 215 or 262 horsepower depending on the drivetrain. FWD models will offer approximately 450 km of range. As for the price, it starts at $46,662.
Let’s not forget the little EV3, winner of the prestigious 2025 World Car of the Year award, which uses a single 201-horsepower motor driving the front wheels exclusively, like the Niro EV. Availability in Canada has yet to be confirmed, mind you.
Oh, and if you are more interested in the standard, gas-electric Niro, remember that the next-generation 2027 Seltos, which is more spacious, will hit the Canadian market in the first half of 2026. All-wheel drive is optional and a hybrid variant will be added to the lineup at a time yet to be specified.
