2025 Kia Niro SX Touring – Familiar Form, Refined Function

The 2025 Kia Niro SX Touring arrived in my driveway wearing Runway Red, a color so bright the neighbors probably thought I’d borrowed something far more expensive. But that’s part of the Niro’s charm. It’s always been a car that doesn’t need to shout. It just quietly gets to work—efficient, well equipped, and easy to live with. And after reviewing every generation of the Niro since its debut in 2017, this latest SX Touring feels less like a discovery and more like catching up with a friend who’s grown in thoughtful ways.

This is the hybrid version, not the plug-in or the EV. And while it’s not chasing headlines or packing jaw-dropping performance numbers, it does something more important: it fits into real life without complaint. If you want to see it in action, check out our full video review on TXGarage’s YouTube channel. But let’s dig into the full story here.

Looks That Stick

The second-generation Niro’s styling hasn’t changed much since 2023, and honestly, that’s okay. The sharp edges, vertical lighting, and signature C-pillar blade are still unique in a segment that tends to play it safe. The SX Touring trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels and LED projector headlights, giving the car a slightly more premium look without going overboard.

The proportions are tidy. At just 174 inches long, the Niro slips into city spaces easily and never feels cumbersome in tight parking lots. Up front, Kia’s “tiger face” design ties it into the brand’s broader lineup, and from the side, the tall greenhouse gives it that practical, everyday shape—less flashy crossover, more functional hatchback with extra ride height.

The Runway Red paint is the real attention-getter, though. It’s bold and saturated, and on a vehicle this size, it’s almost impossible not to notice. The Niro might not be a design icon, but in this color, it does turn heads.

Inside the Lines

Kia has built a reputation on delivering interiors that feel like more than the price tag would suggest. The 2025 Niro SX Touring continues that trend with a cabin that’s simple, clean, and well thought out. It’s not going to fool anyone into thinking it’s a luxury car, but everything feels solid, intuitive, and built with real use in mind.

The seats—SynTex with ventilation up front—are comfortable for long stretches. The driving position hits a nice balance between upright crossover and low-slung hatch. Visibility is outstanding, one of the best traits of this car.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen, paired with Kia’s familiar interface, remains one of the easiest systems to use in this class. Wireless charging, smartphone integration, a Harman Kardon system, and that clever dual-function climate/media panel all work together without fuss. It’s the kind of setup you can hand off to anyone in the family without needing to give a tutorial.

Material quality is what you expect from Kia at this level: mostly soft-touch where it matters, durable plastics where it doesn’t. Nothing fancy, but no corners cut either. Fit and finish throughout my week was solid.

On the Road Again

Under the hood, the 2025 Kia Niro SX Touring uses Kia’s familiar 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder paired with a 32 kW electric motor. Combined output is 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque—a setup found across all hybrid trims. It’s the same powertrain that’s impressed me in previous Niro reviews, and it continues to do its job quietly and efficiently.

Acceleration is modest, which is no surprise. This is tuned for economy, not excitement. Around town, the Niro feels responsive enough. Getting up to highway speed requires some patience, but once settled in, it’s smooth and steady. The six-speed dual-clutch transmission is a big improvement over the CVTs that many competitors rely on; it provides a more natural driving feel, even if the shifts aren’t the quickest.

Ride quality is good for the segment. Those 18-inch wheels on the SX Touring bring a bit more firmness than the base 16s, but not enough to be a problem. Noise levels are reasonable—some road noise creeps in, but you won’t need to raise your voice to talk to passengers.

Steering feel is light, predictable, and exactly what most buyers will want. It’s not a sporty car and doesn’t pretend to be. But it’s composed, easy to maneuver, and genuinely pleasant to pilot in day-to-day use.

What I appreciate most is the overall ease. After a few miles, the Niro disappears into your routine in the best possible way. It’s capable, simple, and consistently comfortable. Sometimes that’s all you need.

Built for Everyday Life

Most crossovers in this class succeed or fail based on how they handle the daily grind. The 2025 Niro SX Touring excels here, offering a surprising amount of usable space for its footprint: 22.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, and up to 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. That’s class-leading, and it’s part of what has always made the Niro stand out.

As a family guy, I pay attention to the back seat more than most. With the Niro, three kids across was tight but workable—similar to my experience in previous generations. Adults will fit comfortably two across. Charging ports on the seatbacks, rear vents, and smart storage touches add real-world benefits.

Entry and exit are easy, thanks to the crossover height and power seat that automatically slides back when parked. Parking in tight spaces is equally stress-free thanks to compact dimensions and solid visibility.

Fuel economy is, of course, one of the Niro’s strongest selling points. With 49 mpg combined on these 18-inch wheels, it’s easy to see why so many commuters gravitate toward it. Over the week, I managed mileage in the mid-40s without trying—a testament to how well this hybrid system works in the background.

Dollars and Sense

Kia positions the 2025 Niro lineup competitively. Base hybrid models start at an approachable price point in the mid-$20,000s. The SX Touring trim tested here lists at $35,390 before destination, and $37,600 as equipped. That puts it near competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Honda HR-V (non-hybrid), and even the Subaru Crosstrek.

What makes the Niro compelling is how much you get for the money. The features list is long, the tech is solid, and the fuel savings are significant. In a market where everything seems to get pricier each year, the Niro still feels grounded in delivering genuine value.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Kia Niro SX Touring isn’t the kind of car that begs for attention, and that’s exactly why I like it. It’s efficient without being weird, useful without being oversized, and modern without overcomplication. It’s the kind of car you recommend to someone who simply wants something reliable, affordable to run, and easy to live with.

For longtime Niro fans—and I’ve driven every generation—it continues to be a reminder of why this model carved out such a loyal following: it’s honest. No gimmicks. No surprises. Just a smart, well-executed hybrid that does almost everything well.