Kia’s electric vehicle lineup in the United States continues to contract. Following delays and cancellations of the EV4 sedan, the EV9 GT, and the absence of the EV6 GT for 2026, the automaker has now discontinued the Niro EV, according to company executives and reports from InsideEVs and The Korea Herald.
“The Niro EV, which had been produced until the previous model, has been discontinued,” said Jung Yoon-kyung, a senior marketing manager at Kia. “We plan to sell the remaining inventory available.”
Current Inventory Still Available
While Kia phases out the Niro EV, remaining 2026 models, including the Niro LX, EX, Wind, and SX trims, are still available at dealerships across the U.S., with prices ranging from approximately $29,135 to $41,790 depending on trim and location.
Refreshed Niro Continues in Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Form
Kia recently unveiled a refreshed Niro for the Korean market with updated styling consistent with its current lineup. However, the facelifted model will focus solely on hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, with no plans to continue the full-electric version in the U.S. market.
Why the Niro EV is Being Phased Out
The Niro EV featured a single electric motor producing 201 horsepower and a 64.8-kWh battery pack, delivering an EPA-estimated range of 253 miles. Its starting price of $41,195 positioned it above competitors such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which offers a longer range of 318 miles and starts at just $36,600 after a recent price cut. The Tesla Model Y Standard also presents stiffer competition with nearly 300 horsepower and 321 miles of range starting at $41,630.
Additionally, the Niro EV is manufactured in South Korea and subject to import tariffs, unlike the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, which are assembled in Ellabell, Georgia, allowing them to avoid these extra costs.
Implications for Hyundai’s Kona Electric
The discontinuation of the Niro EV raises questions about the fate of its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Kona Electric. Hyundai recently announced that the Kona Electric would skip the 2026 model year, returning in 2027, but the Niro EV’s cancellation could indicate a permanent hiatus for the Kona Electric as well.
Looking Ahead
Kia has not confirmed whether the refreshed Niro will launch in the United States. If it does arrive, it is expected to debut as a 2027 model year vehicle with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, likely going on sale toward the end of 2026.
