Kia Niro
49 MPG The 2026 Kia Niro is EPA-rated at 49 MPG combined (53 city / 45 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 306 gallons, $980 a year in fuel, or $0.065 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2017–2026 run it averages 49 MPG, essentially flat across 10 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.051 | $510 | $765 | $1020 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.061 | $612 | $918 | $1224 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.065 | $653 | $980 | $1306 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.071 | $714 | $1071 | $1429 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.082 | $816 | $1224 | $1633 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.092 | $918 | $1378 | $1837 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.102 | $1020 | $1531 | $2041 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 49 MPG | 53 | 45 | $1250 | 181 | 1 |
| 2025 | 49 MPG | 53 | 45 | $1250 | 181 | 1 |
| 2024 | 49 MPG | 53 | 45 | $1250 | 181 | 1 |
| 2023 | 49 MPG | 53 | 45 | $1250 | 181 | 1 |
| 2022 | 49 MPG | 51 | 46 | $1250 | 183 | 1 |
| 2021 | 49 MPG | 51 | 46 | $1250 | 183 | 1 |
| 2020 | 49 MPG | 51 | 46 | $1250 | 183 | 1 |
| 2019 | 49 MPG | 51 | 46 | $1250 | 183 | 1 |
| 2018 | 49 MPG | 51 | 46 | $1250 | 183 | 1 |
| 2017 | 49 MPG | 51 | 46 | $1250 | 183 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Kia Niro ranks 5 on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Kia Niro FE (53), Kia Niro Electric (113), Kia Soul Electric (114), Chevrolet Bolt EV (120).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 181 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 2.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Kia Niro get?
The 2026 Kia Niro is rated at 49 MPG combined by the EPA — 53 city and 45 highway. Across all 10 model years in the database it averages 49 MPG, ranging from 49 to 49 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Kia Niro cost in fuel per year?
At 49 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 306 gallons — roughly $980 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.065 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $1250.
Has the Kia Niro become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 49 MPG today against 49 in 2017 — essentially flat across 10 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Kia Niro efficient for its class?
It ranks 5 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG. That is 19.8 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.