2021 Kia Niro Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2021 Kia Niro is a quaint little city vehicle that teeters somewhere between a hatchback and an SUV. Its fuel-efficiency and hybrid layout are just right for those who tend to put a lot of miles on their vehicle. The exterior appearance of the Kia Niro is striking, as well. Appearing rather upscale, its simple accents bring it back down to Earth and level it out as a dynamic compact crossover. One of the highlights of this model is that every powertrain within every model of the 2021 Kia Niro is a hybrid setup. Appeasing those who desire great fuel economy and hybrid technology, this model is the one for you if you do not want to worry about evaluating gasoline engines as an option.

One of the best attributes of the 2021 Kia Niro is the wide array of trim options it entertains. This crossover features five models to choose from, which provides consumers with plenty of options to consider. Available trim levels of the 2021 Kia Niro consist of the LX, LXS, Touring, Touring Special Edition, and EX Premium. A few of the underlying concepts of this vehicle remain the same across all models, but many accents and enhancements are modified as you move throughout the trim level options. Listed below, you will find a comparison of all the models offered by the 2021 Kia Niro to help you decide for your purchase.

Compare the 2021 Kia Niro LX vs LXS Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The entry-level 2021 Kia Niro LX is quite impressive for a mid-level crossover. It incorporates a robust array of premium offerings that are not often seen in vehicles like this. Integrating LED headlights as one of its standard offerings, the Kia Niro LX easily lights up the road ahead. On the inside, its cloth upholstery puts its simplicity on display and helps keep its cost down, as well. Improving its interior demeanor with available shift modes and paddle shifters, the 2021 Kia Niro LX shows it can add in a few fun elements, too. On the outside, 16-inch Aero wheels take their place within standard tires with a 4-wheel anti-lock disc brake set up to accompany.

Building upon the sturdy foundation the 2021 Kia Niro LX set forth, the LXS model has a great starting point. The LXS enhances its look with 16-inch Alloy wheels, satin door accents, and a luggage board. Yet, most of the differences between the LX and the LXS are centered on their functionality. The Kia Niro LXS incorporates High Beam Assist, which automatically turns high beams off when vehicles are detected ahead. Smart Key technology that incorporates remote start and push button start is also introduced in the LXS model. A few additional safety attributes, like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, are also thrown into the LXS.

Many buyers like to consider the 2021 Kia Rio LX and LXS in conjunction with one another, because they are so closely related. Sure, the Kia Rio LXS begins to improve upon the simplicity of the base model, but the changes are not substantial enough to completely sway a buyer one direct or another. Consumers who would enjoy a few upgrades will find excitement in the 2021 Kia Rio LXS, but the jump to the Kia Rio Touring were most of the larger, more meaningful upgrades occur. This is not to say that the LX and LXS are one and the same, because they simply are not. It just proves how similar these two entry-level models are.

Compare the 2021 Kia Niro LXS vs Touring Trims. What is the difference?

Unlike the jump between the 2021 Kia Niro LX and LXS with a focus on functionality improvement, the distance between the LXS and the Touring is filled with attempts to improve comfort and convenience. Where the Kia Niro LXS began to improve its premium features with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the Touring took it a step further to integrate leather upholstery, too. The Kia Niro Touring also added in a sunroof that improves the aesthetic and comfort of this model. Building on these interior attribute upgrades, the exterior of the 2021 Kia Niro Touring also adds an enhancement of 18-inch alloy wheels.

Up to this point, the 2021 Kia Niro LX, LXS, and Touring have all utilized the same powertrain components. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that accompanies a hybrid system layout is present within each of these models. Front-wheel drive, along with a six-speed automatic transmission, also comes standard for these three trims. However, the varying wheel size of the Kia Niro Touring in comparison to the LX and LXS reduce the fuel efficiency of the Touring quite a bit. This aspect should be taken into consideration by those who plan on using this crossover for regular commuting or highway driving, as it will be felt at the gas pump. Its hybrid layout allows the 2021 Kia Niro Touring to feel reduced effects from this change, though.

The difference between the 2021 Kia Niro LXS and Touring is one of the most distinctive differences among models in this vehicle. The Touring pours on tech upgrades and safety enhancements that are so upscale and premium that it draws buyers into the Touring. Comfort and convenience are nice to experience, but the innovative and intuitive aspects of the Touring amplify those contributions further.

Compare the 2021 Kia Niro Touring vs Touring Special Edition Trims. What is the difference?

Moving from the 2021 Kia Niro Touring to the Touring Special Edition, passengers will begin to feel extremely pampered by the premium amenities within this upscale crossover. The exact same powertrain components of every underlying model are still present in the Touring Special Edition trim, but it is the minor accents and functionality of this model that see improvements. Reaching a size of 10.25 inches for its touchscreen, the 2021 Kia Niro Touring Special Edition also adds in a premium Harman Kardon sound system. Leather seats come standard on this model, as well.

Comfort abounds in the 2021 Kia Niro Touring Special Edition, but the effects of this distinctive upgrade are felt in this model's technology. UVO-Link integration is standard for the Touring Special Edition, as are a Command Navigation System and a premium eight-speaker sound system. As if that is not impressive enough, the 2021 Kia Niro Touring Special Edition offers smart cruise control for safer and more intuitive highway driving. Highway Driving Assist is a feature that goes right alongside it.

When opting for the 2021 Kia Niro Touring Special Edition trim over the Touring model, buyers will see the removal of several standard Touring features to make room for newer ones in the Touring Special Edition. Projector beam headlights are replaced with LED projector beam headlights and AM/FM radio is replaced with HD radio and SiriusXM. The Touring Special Edition will also no longer get an option between cloth or leather trim or a six-speaker audio system, as more impressive features take over.

2021 Kia Niro Touring Special Edition vs EX Premium Trim Level. What is the difference?

Once you make the jump from the 2021 Kia Niro Touring Special Edition to the EX Premium, all the best attributes begin to emerge. Kia offers nothing but the best in its EX Premium model of the 2021 Niro, which is evident in its enhanced technology, comfort, and design amenities. The 2021 Kia Niro EX Premium is the luxurious and well-equipped model this crossover has to offer, but it is also accompanied by an exuberant price tag that reflects these improvements.

On the inside, simulated leather upholstery, known as SynTex, creates a modern look with durability that buyers crave. This material does wear down as quickly as real leather but offers the same upscale look for buyers who want it. Heating and ventilation are present throughout this vehicle, allowing drivers to modify their environment base on the weather outside. A heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats are upgrades in the Kia Niro EX Premium. In addition, a driver's seat that boasts 10-way adjustability allows for maximum comfort, while wireless charging keeps passengers seamlessly always connected.

Outside this model, a reduction in wheel size to 16-inches improves the fuel efficiency of prior models. Rear parking sensors are also integrated to help drivers back safely and be alerted of any hazards in the rear of the vehicle. Projector beam headlights are also added for the Kia Niro EX Premium as standard, but these take the place of LED headlights in the Touring Special Edition. Similarly, the larger 18-inch wheels of the Niro Touring Special Edition are removed in lieu of the smaller ones offered by the EX Premium.

Still yet, the 2021 Kia Niro stays true to its powertrain potential in even its best model offering. The trusted hybrid powertrain that features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine remains in the EX Premium trim. With its pairing to an electric motor, this setup continues to provide 139 horsepower to all trim levels, including the 2021 Kia Niro EX Premium model.

Which Trim to Choose?

As a culmination of all the research you do on a new vehicle model the result should be a purchase you are happy with. Whether you enjoy the look or amenities of a specific 2021 Kia Niro trim, the attributes of each model should be considered in conjunction with the overall price to determine if it is a good fit for you. There are many different types of clients that various levels of the 2021 Kia Niro will fit, but in general this model appeals to those who desire fuel efficiency, extra space, and good looks at an affordable price. Sustainability is also a highlight of this hybrid model, as well. Those who are on the road often or travel frequently will enjoy the benefits the 2021 Kia Niro has to offer.

If you are searching for a luxury crossover or a value model, the 2021 Kia Niro is neither. Falling somewhere in between conventional and luxury, the Kia Niro throws in a few premium enhancements without going so far that it increases the price of this model substantially. Buyers who would like to gain access to modern attributes at a price that is affordable will certainly enjoy the 2021 Kia Niro.

With five trim levels to choose from, buyers have plenty of options in this crossover model. One that stands out above all others is the mid-level 2021 Kia Niro Touring. It sits perfectly in the middle, blending utility features with functional enhancements and aesthetic improvements. This is the trim level where more advanced technology features and safety amenities begin to appear, as well. It is affordable, but not too cheap, which appeals to a wide array of buyers in search of a vehicle in this financial segment. Simply put, the 2021 Kia Niro Touring trim has all the highlights we enjoy about a contemporary crossover model. This is the one we would opt for over all others.