Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
48 MPG The 2026 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is EPA-rated at 48 MPG combined (49 city / 47 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 313 gallons, $1000 a year in fuel, or $0.067 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2018–2026 run it averages 46.8 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 8 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 | $0.052 | $521 | $781 | $1042 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.063 | $625 | $938 | $1250 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.067 | $667 | $1000 | $1333 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.073 | $729 | $1094 | $1458 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.083 | $833 | $1250 | $1667 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.094 | $938 | $1406 | $1875 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.104 | $1042 | $1563 | $2083 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 48 MPG | 49 | 47 | $1300 | 71 | 1 |
| 2025 | 48 MPG | 49 | 47 | $1300 | 71 | 1 |
| 2023 | 48 MPG | 49 | 47 | $1300 | 71 | 1 |
| 2022 | 46 MPG | 48 | 44 | $1350 | 90 | 1 |
| 2021 | 46 MPG | 48 | 44 | $1350 | 90 | 1 |
| 2020 | 46 MPG | 48 | 44 | $1350 | 90 | 1 |
| 2019 | 46 MPG | 48 | 44 | $1350 | 90 | 1 |
| 2018 | 46 MPG | 48 | 44 | $1350 | 90 | 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 Plug-in Hybrid ranks 6 on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Kia Niro (49), Kia Niro FE (53), Kia Niro Electric (113), Kia Soul Electric (114), Chevrolet Bolt EV (120).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 71 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 1.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid get?
The 2026 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is rated at 48 MPG combined by the EPA — 49 city and 47 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 46.8 MPG, ranging from 46 to 48 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid cost in fuel per year?
At 48 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 313 gallons — roughly $1000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.067 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $1300.
Has the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 46 MPG in 2018 to 48 in 2026 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 4% across 8 model years.
Is the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid efficient for its class?
It ranks 6 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG. That is 18.8 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.