Kia Niro axed to make room for new models

Kia has confirmed the Niro compact SUV – once offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV forms, but more recently just as a hybrid – will be discontinued in Australia, with the model set to be phased out as the brand reshapes its electrified line-up.

Having been around for two generations now, Australian executives said the Niro’s role would be absorbed by newer models with broader appeal and sharper pricing like the all-new Seltos hybrid that will debut next week and the similarly-sized EV3.

Although Kia competes in most key segments locally, product planning general manager Roland Rivero said “too many variations of the same offering doesn’t make sense” and that a “clean and simple product line-up” was the brand’s strategic focus.

Earlier this year, the arrival of the EV3 effectively pushed the Niro EV into an early retirement; the first step in winding back the Niro nameplate.

Now it’s the hybrid’s turn to bow out. At $45,000 plus on-road costs, its value factor was always lacking against rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona hybrid, both of which are at least $7500 cheaper.

Kia hasn’t confirmed exactly when order books would close, but Rivero hinted 2025 might be the final year for customers to secure a new Niro.

The decision won’t surprise industry watchers – Niro sales have plummeted over the last 12 months from almost 1400 in 2024 to 375 units so far this year year-to-date.

The Niro’s exit makes room for Kia’s next wave of electrified models, with the introduction of the new mild-hybrid Stonic and upcoming second-gen Seltos leading the way.

Arriving mid-2026, the new Seltos will introduce Hyundai Group’s first hybrid e-AWD system, ride on updated K3 underpinnings and don EV-inspired styling, effectively taking over the Niro’s role in the line-up.

It will be joined by the updated EV6 and all-new EV4 shortly after, creating a streamlined mix of hybrids and EVs.

With this refreshed range covering the same ground more effectively, the Niro is simply no longer needed.

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