With gas prices still a major concern for many drivers, hybrid SUVs have become a popular choice for those looking to cut fuel costs without giving up practicality. In 2025, one model stands out for delivering the lowest fuel expenses in its class, making it an ideal pick for budget-minded buyers.
This compact hybrid SUV offers exceptional fuel efficiency, often exceeding 50 miles per gallon in combined driving. It’s designed for everyday usability, with a roomy cabin, modern infotainment, and the latest safety features. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or taking weekend trips, it helps you go farther on every tank.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing comfort or technology, this hybrid SUV should be at the top of your list. It is proof that saving money at the pump doesn’t have to mean compromising on style or features. Here’s what makes it the most economical SUV in 2025.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
The 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid Is the Most Efficient New Hybrid SUV
Kia’s subcompact Niro is one of the most affordable new crossovers on the market, and the base hybrid model especially furthers your savings. With a ridiculously efficient powertrain, more so than most on the market right now, it is the way to go if you’re wanting a crossover that is easy on your bank account.
139 HP
195 LB-FT
0-60 MPH
Top Speed
106 MPH
If speed is what you’re after, then the Niro Hybrid is not the choice for you. While it isn’t the slowest accelerating crossover on the market, it comes close. However, if you mainly stick to urban areas, you’re not likely to have too many complaints. Alongside the hybrid, shown above, there is alsoa plug-in hybrid, but we don’t think it fits the same budget-oriented brief that the base model does.
A humble four-cylinder engine buzzes away under the hood of the Niro, pairing with a single electric motor to motivate the little crossover. Front-wheel drive is your only choice here, as is the dual-clutch automatic transmission. While not particularly exciting to drive, Kia’s hybrid is plenty comfortable, with a compliant ride that absorbs most bumps in the road.
53 MPG
54 MPG
45 MPG
49 MPG
The Niro Hybrid may not be particularly powerful, but there is no better crossover out therewhen it comes to efficiency. In fact, there are only four other hybrid cars currently on sale with better efficiency ratings, and not by a large margin. The Touring models feature larger wheels, which is a big factor in why they are less efficient. The Niro has an 11.1-gallon fuel tank, meaning it can go around 588 miles before you have to refuel, which is pretty good.
The EPA claims that the average car in the U.S. gets around 28 miles per gallon. What this means is that, comparatively,you’ll save around $3,500 annually on fuel compared to the average car. They calculate this by assuming that you’ll drive on the highway 45 percent of the time, in the city 55 percent of the time, and that you’ll drive 15,000 miles annually.
The Starting MSRP of a New Niro Hybrid Is Impressively Low
Getting a new hybrid crossoverfor under $30,000is something that is extremely difficult, with even the most affordable options floating above that line. The Niro, however, sits well below it. It may not be the quickest or the flashiest option out there, but there is no better or more affordable budget-oriented hybrid SUV.
$26,990
$29,790
$32,090
$32,990
SX Touring
$35,390
There are a number of different trims to choose from with the 2025 Kia Niro, with each jump up the ladder increasing interior comfort. We don’t think that any model is a bad choice, but we’d opt for the EX, which offers a lot of equipment for the additional money. This model comes with fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, and the upgraded infotainment system. If you want larger wheels, a sunroof, and LED interior lights, the EX Touring represents good value as well.
The little crossover is not that much more expensive than the subcompact segments most desirable gas-only models. This means that if fuel savings are your main priority, it really is hard to beat. The additional money that you spend upfront will easily be made back over time because of the crossover’s exceptional efficiency.
Changes For 2025
Kia hasn’t reinvented the Niro for the 2025 model year, but they have made a couple of minor changes. They’ve removed the optional blacked-out C-Pillar, which isn’t that big of a deal. The only other changes were to the PHEV model, with the SX Prestige trim now getting the Cold Weather package as standard.
Warranties and Maintenance
Kia offers one of the most comprehensive warranty packages in the industry right now. The bumper-to-bumper coverage is better than many rivals in this segment. Their powertrain warranty is unbeatable, with only the brand’s cousin, Hyundai, offering the same level of coverage. The only improvement that they could make is adding complimentary maintenance to the mix.
It May Not Be Flashy, but the Niro Is Comfortable and Stylish
There’s no denying that Kia’s Niro Hybrid is a budget crossover. However, there is plenty within the cabin that helps it punch well above its weight in terms of comfort and design. A good helping of technology and a well-thought-out dashboard layout make it feelmore premium than its price tag would suggest.
Cargo Capacity
22.8 Cubic Feet
For a subcompact crossover, the Niro is actually impressively spacious on the inside. Those in the front and the back seats have more than enough room to stretch their legs and be comfortable on longer journeys. We would limit it to four adults, though. Cargo capacity is also pretty reasonable, with enough space for plenty of grocery bags.
The plug-in hybrid model features similar interior dimensions, though the cargo space is a little smaller. This is due to the fact that it has to make room for its battery pack.
The Niro is thoughtfully designed, with recycled materials and natural fibers being used throughout the cabin to reduce its overall footprint. The dashboard is contemporary without being dominated by screen real estate, and things like a rotary shift knob and interior lighting make it feel notably upscale compared to some of its in-class rivals.
Infotainment and Technology
The base LX trim comes with an eight-inch infotainment screen as standard, but every other model gets a larger, crisper 10.3-inch unit instead. Either way, the screen shares a massive housing, which spans half the dashboard, with the gauges and a small 4.3-inch display. Strangely, the smaller eight-inch infotainment system supports wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the larger screen requires a wired connection.
There are multiple USB ports in the cabin for passengers to charge their phones, with a wireless charging pad being available on EX models or better. A six-speaker sound system is standard kit, with top trims getting an eight-speaker Harman Kardon system instead. Kia Connect is available, which allows you to control a number of the car’s features from your smartphone, though it is a subscription service. You can also get digital key functionality on some models, which allows you to unlock your Niro using your smartphone.
