Kia Niro EV is discontinued — hybrids may keep the brand's line going

Kia confirms the end of the Niro EV in 2026; the Niro Hybrid gets an update in Korea and may arrive in the US, while the brand's electric lineup shrinks.

Quick Summary: What is changing

Kia confirmed, via a report from The Korea Herald, that the Niro EV has been discontinued, with 2026 marked as the last year of production. The manufacturer made it clear that it plans to sell the remaining stock.

Meanwhile, the Niro Hybrid has undergone an update in Korea. There is still no confirmation regarding the arrival of this version in the US, and if it does arrive, it is likely that the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options will remain available.

What happens to the Niro EV and how it compares to the market

The Niro EV specs mention a single motor with 201 hp, a 64.8 kWh battery, and an EPA estimated range of 253 miles. Its starting price for 2026 was around $41,195.

In comparison, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which competes in the same space, has a base version starting at $36,600 after recent price cuts, and the SEL version offers 318 miles of range and 24 hp more than the Niro EV. The Tesla Model Y Standard starts at $41,630, with almost 300 hp and up to 321 miles of range. Furthermore, the Niro EV was produced in South Korea, subjecting it to import tariffs, while the Ioniq 5 and EV6 can avoid this tax by being assembled in Georgia, USA.

What this means for the Hyundai Kona Electric and the future

The fate of the Kona Electric is linked to the same 2026 timeline; Hyundai confirmed that the model skips the year 2026 and returns in 2027, fueling speculation of a permanent hiatus if the situation repeats with the Niro EV.

What to expect from the Niro in the American line-up

Kia has not yet announced if the refreshed version of the Niro will arrive in the US. If it does arrive, the expectation is that the launch will occur for the 2027 model year, with sales possibly starting in late 2026, maintaining the hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Conclusion: What comes next

With the end of the Niro EV on the horizon, Kia signals a trend toward shrinking its purely electric lineup in the US, while hybrids gain traction with local updates. It remains to be seen how the portfolio will adjust in the next cycle of launches and models.

What is your take on the end of the Niro EV? Do you believe hybrids still have a decisive space in Kia's US portfolio? Leave your opinion in the comments below and let's discuss the future of the brand's mobility.