Kia Just Killed The Niro’s Most Overlooked Version

Kia brought the Niro to market with every type of powertrain one could ask for. That included a convention hybrid, an all-electric version, and a plug-in hybrid. Now, the automaker is axing that last one due to “changing market conditions.” Ultimately, it appears as though it just never sold well enough to continue.

In a statement to KBB, Kia said the 2026 Niro PHEV will no longer be offered in the U.S., effectively slimming the small crossover’s lineup to just the standard hybrid and fully electric versions.

While the Niro has long been sold with three different powertrains, the plug-in hybrid was always the niche option. And despite being the one we’d pick, it was also the one that never gained much traction.

Read: Redesigned 2027 Kia Niro Desperately Wants To Be An EV3

That’s reflected in the sales numbers. Kia sold 31,182 Niro models in total during 2025, making it one of the brand’s slowest-selling nameplates, aside from its EV-only offerings like the EV6 and EV9. Kia doesn’t break out sales by powertrain, but it’s widely assumed the PHEV accounted for only a small fraction of that total.

The Price Was Wrong And The Credit Was Gone

The timing also isn’t accidental. Imported from South Korea, the Niro PHEV lost eligibility for the federal $7,500 EV tax credit in 2024, and it’s subject to tariffs. Neither of which help its value proposition.

With a starting price of roughly $36,000 including destination, it sat about $7,000 above the Niro Hybrid and only around $5,000 below the Niro EV. That was an awkward middle ground that became harder to justify without incentives.

When we first drove in in 2023, we highlighted how it blended positive driving impressions with excellent fuel economy and some EV range. We also liked how drivers could place it in EV mode, gas-engine only mode, or leverage both together. Thankfully, the conventional hybrid version of the Niro is still a pretty good value.