2023 Toyota Prius vs. Kia Niro

Comparison

The Toyota Prius and Kia Niro are a pair of definitive hybrid cars with noteworthy functionality and features. The Toyota Prius has a powerful engine, available all-wheel drive for enhanced handling on many types of terrain, and impressive technology – all while maintaining the kind of fuel economy ratings we expect from a hybrid. 

 

The Toyota Prius, in its fifth and latest generation, discards the classic turtle shell design of previous models, and it emerges with a new elegant design and beefy engine while still retaining its legendary fuel economy ratings. Also fresh from a redesign, the 2023 Kia Niro offers decent power, a spacious cabin and storage, and an attractive price. Its tech-laden interiors and stylish, practical design make a compelling package for those looking for a practical vehicle.

Highlighted Features

2023 Prius

2023Niro

Adaptive cruise control

Yes

-

Engine

2.0L inline 4-cylinder

1.6L Kappa inline 4-cylinder

Horsepower

194

139

Estimated Combined (MPG)

57

53

Hybrid type

Active Hybrid

Active Hybrid

Speakers

6

6

Base MSRP

$27,450

$26,590

Whole vehicle warranty months / (miles)

36 / 36000

60 / 60000

Roadside assistance months / (mi)

36 / Unlimited

60 / 60000

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Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2023. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. JATO has been diligent in providing accurate and complete information. However, JATO does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details, see vehicle's "Full Specs" on Toyota.com or contact your Toyota dealer.

Toyota Prius vs. Kia Niro

Safety

Find out if the Toyota Prius or the Kia Niro offers you more when it comes to safety and convenience features.

  • All 2023 Toyota Prius models come with eight airbags — driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. All 2023 Kia Niro models come with dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags.
  • The Toyota Prius comes standard with heated power outside mirrors with a folding feature as well as LED Daytime Running Lights(DRL) with an on/off feature. The Kia Niro also comes standard with heated power side mirrors for all trims but power-folding side mirrors are standard only on the EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring.
  • All Toyota Prius models feature an integrated backup camera display and an available Panoramic View Monitor with a 360-degree Overhead View in low-speed drive and reverse. Curb View is available for the Limited model. In contrast, all Kia Niro models come standard with a rear-view monitor with dynamic parking guidance.
  • All Toyota Prius models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 (TSS 3.0), which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). The Pre-Collision System with TSS 3.0 also has cyclist detection and intersection support. All Kia Niro Hybrid trims include a forward collision avoidance-assist system with car and pedestrian detection, as well as additional pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection available on all but the LX trim. Lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and lane following assist are standard on all trims.
  • Also standard on the Toyota Prius is Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). Similarly, the Kia Niro Hybrid includes hill-start assist control on all trims.
Toyota Prius vs. Kia Niro

Performance

Let's explore the engine and performance features of the Toyota Prius and the Kia Niro.

  • The Toyota Prius starts with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder hybrid engine, with DOHC 16-valve with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The Kia Niro Hybrid features a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder, and full parallel hybrid engine system, with a DOHC 16-valve with Continuously Variable Valve Timing.
  • The Toyota Prius engine produces 150 net combined horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 139 lb.-feet of torque at 4,400 to 5,200 rpm. Its hybrid system offers a combined max power output of 194 net combined horsepower. The Kia Niro Hybrid has a net combined system horsepower of 139 hp and 195 lb.-feet of torque.
  • The Toyota Prius offers a plug-in hybrid version, the Prius Prime, with an engine that generates 220 net combined horsepower and goes 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The Kia Niro also offers a Plug-In Hybrid with a net combined system power output of 180 horsepower and a Niro Electric with 201 net combined horsepower.
  • The Toyota Prius has standard front-wheel drive (FWD) but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for all three of its trim levels. The Kia Niro Hybrid is available only in front-wheel drive.
  • The Toyota Prius has an Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bars and multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bars. The Kia Niro features, as standard, a MacPherson strut front suspension with gas shock absorbers and an independent, multi-link stabilizer bar in the rear.
Jumbo Card Image Toyota Prius vs. Kia Niro

Design

Read about the comfort and design features you get with the Toyota Prius and the Kia Niro.

  • Both the Toyota Prius and Kia Niro have a seating capacity of 5 people and feature 60/40 split folding rear seats.
  • In the front seats, the Toyota Prius provides 38 inches of head room, 55.3 inches of shoulder room, 54.7 inches of hip room, and 43.2 inches of leg room. The Kia Niro Hybrid provides 40.5 inches of head room in the front, along with 56.3 inches of shoulder room in the front, 53.3 inches of hip room in the front, and 41.5 inches of front leg room.
  • The Toyota Prius’s rear seating capacity provides 36.4 inches of head room, 52.8 inches of shoulder room, 51.7 inches of hip room, and 34.8 inches of leg room. In the rear, the Kia Niro Hybrid offers 39.6 inches of head room, 55.4 inches of shoulder room, 53 inches of hip room, and 39.8 inches of leg room.
  • The Toyota Prius comes in three trims, the LE, XLE, and the Limited. All trims start with FWD but can be upgraded to an AWD configuration. On the other hand, the Kia Niro comes in 5 trim levels: the LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and the SX Touring. The Kia Niro is available only in FWD.
  • All Toyota Prius models feature a SofTex®-wrapped (synthetic leather) steering wheel. SofTex®-trimmed front seats are included for the XLE and Limited trims. The Kia Niro features vegan leather and fabric-trimmed seats for the EX and EX Touring trims and perforated vegan leather-trimmed seats for the SX and SX Touring trims. A vegan leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard for all but the LX model.
Available Models (6)
Model image
LE
$27,450
Base MSRP
57/56
Est. MPG
  • Top-mount Multi-Information Display (MID) with indicators and 7-in. LCD display
  • Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia display
Model image
LE AWD
$28,850
Base MSRP
53/54
Est. MPG
  • Top-mount Multi-Information Display (MID) with indicators and 7-in. LCD display
  • Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia display
Model image
XLE
$30,895
Base MSRP
52/52
Est. MPG
  • 19-in. alloy wheels and 195/50R19 tires
  • Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light
  • SofTex®-trimmed front seats with 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
Model image
XLE AWD
$32,295
Base MSRP
49/50
Est. MPG
  • 19-in. alloy wheels and 195/50R19 tires
  • Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light
  • SofTex®-trimmed front seats with 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
Model image
Limited
$34,465
Base MSRP
52/52
Est. MPG
  • Fixed glass roof
  • 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia display
  • 8-speaker JBL® Premium Audio including amplifier
Model image
Limited AWD
$35,865
Base MSRP
49/50
Est. MPG
  • Fixed glass roof
  • 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia display
  • 8-speaker JBL® Premium Audio including amplifier
Toyota Prius vs. Kia Niro

Warranty

Explore details about the warranties, maintenance plans, and roadside assistance plans you get with the Toyota Prius and the Kia Niro.

  • Toyota Prius comes with a Basic Warranty for three years/36,000 miles and a Powertrain Warranty for five years/60,000 miles. The Kia Niro comes with a Limited basic warranty for five years/60,000 miles and a Powertrain warranty for ten years/100,000 miles.
  • The Toyota Prius also offers a Corrosion Perforation warranty for five years/unlimited mileage and a Restraint Systems warranty for five years/60,000 miles. Similarly, the Kia Niro has an Anti-perforation warranty for five years/100,000 miles. Kia does not explicitly list a restraint systems warranty on their official site.
  • The 2023 Toyota Prius comes with a Hybrid Systems warranty for eight years/100,000 miles and a Hybrid Battery warranty for ten years/150,000 miles across all U.S. states. The Kia Niro comes with an Electric Vehicle System Warranty for ten years/100,000 miles.
  • The Toyota Prius comes with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan that covers two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Kia Niro does not come with a maintenance package, but Kia offers them for purchase.
  • All Toyota Prius trims come with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for two years and unlimited miles. The Kia Niro’s warranty includes 24-hour Roadside Assistance for up to 5 years/60,000 miles,
Jumbo Card Image Toyota Prius vs. Kia Niro

Technology

Learn about the interior technology of the Kia Niro and the Toyota Prius.

  • The Toyota Prius comes with a 6-speaker audio system for the LE and XLE, while the Limited comes standard with an 8-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system, which includes an amplifier. The Kia Niro Hybrid comes with a 6-speaker audio system for the LX, EX, and EX Touring and a 7-speaker Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System for the SX and SX Touring trims.
  • The Toyota Prius includes Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging on the XLE and Limited models. Similarly, the Kia Niro includes a wireless phone charger in all but the Hybrid LX trim.
  • The Toyota Prius comes standard with an 8.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. The Kia Niro comes with an 8-inch Touchscreen Display on the LX model with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
  • Available as an option on the Toyota Prius XLE and standard on the Limited is a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display. A 10.25-inch Touchscreen Display is standard for all other Hybrid trims of the Kia Niro except the LX model.
  • The Toyota Prius offers a trial on all models for up to 30 days or 3GB of Wi-Fi Connect, which includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music compatibility. The Kia Niro Hybrid offers a 1-year trial to Kia Connect, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot on select configurations.

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Toyota Prius vs. Kia Niro

Conclusion

In comparisons between the Kia Niro and the Toyota Prius, the Toyota Prius comes out ahead with a combination of a more powerful engine, available all-wheel drive, and a slew of comfort features and smart technologies on top of the estimated fuel economy ratings for which the Prius is known.

  • The Toyota Prius has an engine that generates a maximum power output of 194 net combined horsepower. In contrast, the Kia Niro Hybrid engine has a power output of 139 net combined horsepower.
  • The Toyota Prius starts with front-wheel drive (FWD) but also has available all-wheel drive (AWD) for all three trim levels. In contrast, the Kia Niro Hybrid is available only in FWD.
  • The Toyota Prius offers four driving modes. EV Mode operates solely on battery power at low speeds for short distances/in limited circumstances, Power Mode provides sharper acceleration, ECO Mode helps maximize fuel efficiency, and Normal Mode blends fuel economy with performance. The Kia Niro Hybrid has Drive Mode Select with Sport and Eco modes.
  • Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB) are standard for the Toyota Prius XLE and the Limited and optional for the LE model, while Advanced Park and a Panoramic View Monitor are available add-ons for the Limited model. In contrast, remote parking assist features through DriveWise® are not available for the Kia Niro Hybrid.
Published on August 15, 2023