Kia unveils the enhanced Niro Hybrid for 2020. The popular and award-winning compact crossover receives several exterior enhancements for its mid-cycle refresh, including new projector-type headlights and fog lamps, a new diamond-pattern grille and dual chevron-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The rear faux skid plate is wider and more pronounced, the rear LED combination lights have more technological appeal than previous, and there are new 16-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

Inside, the new Kia Niro display is more streamlined, incorporating a re-styled 7-inch instrument cluster with improved drive mode graphics and 8-inch standard touchscreen display, or optional navigation with a 10.25-inch screen and Harman/Kardon premium audio system, all with the easy to use interface Kia is famous for.

Optional paddle shifters for a sportier driving experience and active regenerative braking control, optional electronic parking brake, and optional mood lighting with six different colors wrap up the interior mods. Enhancing the Niro's full suite of available Kia Drive Wise Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are newly added Lane Following & Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist.

Motivating the Niro is a highly efficient and engaging powertrain starting with an all-new, state-of-the-art Kappa 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, engineered specifically for hybrid applications. A 43-hp tractive motor, known as the transmission-mounted electric device (TMED), works in tandem with the gasoline engine to produce a robust 146 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. That power is transmitted through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which not only boosts efficiency but is also a key factor to the Niro's great driving experience. Bringing the whole system together is a compact and lightweight 1.56-kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery located underneath the rear seat.