The Kia Niro is a great small SUV with a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains. But what’s the right trim level to pick?
The Kia Niro 3 is a mid-range trim level, whereas the 4 is the top-spec model. Let’s find out if it’s worth upgrading to the 4, or whether you’re better off sticking with the 3 trim.
Kia Niro 3 vs 4 compared
| Kia Niro 3 | Kia Niro 4 |
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Cons:
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Specification and standard equipment
Kia Niro 3:
- Automatic LED headlights and LED rear lights
- Folding, heated wing mirrors
- Roof rails
- Tinted rear windows
- Auto wipers
- Heated front seats
- Powered driver’s seat adjustment and lumbar support
- Heated steering wheel
- Climate control
- Keyless entry
- Wireless phone charging
- Touchscreen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Front and rear parking sensors; reversing camera
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Hill-start assist
- Vehicle-to-Load (Niro EV only)
Kia Niro 4:
The top-spec Niro 4 includes all of the features listed on the 3 trim, plus:
- Sunroof – tilting and sliding
- Artificial leather upholstery
- Cooled front seats
- Heated outer rear seats
- Powered passenger seat adjustment; memory function for driver’s seat
- Front passenger ‘relaxation’ seat
- Powered bootlid
- LED interior lights
- 10.25-inch driver’s display
- Head-up display
- Park assist
- Contrast-coloured C-pillar (optional, shown in our pictures)
Cost and value
As a new car, the Niro 4 is about £3,000 more expensive than the Niro 3, so it’s decent value if you know you want the extra features it brings.
However, plug-in versions of the 4 cost over £40,000 new. That’s the point where the car is subject to the luxury car tax, tripling your annual road tax bill to over £600 until the car’s six years old. That includes Niro EVs registered between April 2025 and April 2026.
According to a 2025 pricelist, the Niro EV in 3 trim snuck under £40,000 without any options, but would be over the threshold if the original buyer chose metallic paint. That means it’s worth double-checking how much your road tax will cost before you buy to avoid any nasty surprises.
On the used market, the 3 is still a bit cheaper than a 4 with similar age and mileage, although the difference isn’t massive on a PCP finance deal.
Which is best?
If you’re dead set on the Niro 4 for the extra equipment it brings, you’ll either need to stick to the hybrid to avoid the luxury car tax, or accept that a PHEV or EV will cost you about £400 a year more than the equivalent 3 model.
The 3 is cheaper both new and used, has plenty of features to enjoy, and is more widely available on the secondhand market. We’d recommend sticking with the Niro 3.
Shop used Kia Niro cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Kia Niro review
