3 Minutes
CGI makeover gives the Niro a contemporary face — for now
Kia’s strong momentum in the U.S. market this year has highlighted a contrast in its lineup: newly refreshed models like the K4 (the Forte’s successor), Sportage, Sorento and Carnival are charging ahead, while older nameplates such as the Seltos and Niro have slipped in sales. To illustrate how a mid-cycle update could revive interest in the Niro, automotive visuals channel AutoYa has released an unofficial CGI study imagining a 2027 Kia Niro facelift.
The render is unofficial, but it’s a useful look at how Kia’s latest design language could be adapted across its compact crossover. AutoYa’s “pixel master” reinterprets the Niro with sharper, more modern details that align it with Kia’s recent family look.
What changed in the CGI design?
- A reworked front end featuring a compact tiger-nose grille flanked by vertical LED headlamps and amber DRLs.
- A larger lower grille that’s visually separated from the bumper for a cleaner, sportier appearance.
- New alloy wheel designs while retaining the Niro’s characteristic two-tone body accents.
- Slim, wraparound LED taillights at the rear and subtle tweaks to the bumper.
- Interior updates include a fresh steering wheel and a more integrated digital cockpit with larger, interlaced screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment.
"It’s a thoughtful mid-cycle look," the host explains in the video — not a radical redesign, but enough to modernize the compact crossover without touching much of the underpinnings.
Powertrain and market positioning
No powertrain details are shown in the CGI — unsurprising, since the project focuses on aesthetics. Given the Niro’s current lineup, a facelift would most likely continue offering hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV) variants. The 2025 Niro starts at $26,990, so buyers should expect price continuity rather than a major step-up if Kia follows the usual mid-cycle refresh pattern.
Highlights:
- CGI by AutoYa previews a potential 2027 Niro refresh.
- Visual updates match Kia’s contemporary family styling.
- Likely retention of HEV/PHEV/EV powertrains.
Why this matters
Kia America reported a record month in August 2025, delivering over 83,000 vehicles and lifting year-to-date sales above 570,000 units. Fresh designs have clearly helped; a timely Niro facelift — even if subtle — could help reverse its recent sales decline by giving the compact crossover a design boost that resonates with showroom shoppers.
Whether the real 2027 Niro will wear these exact details remains to be seen, but the CGI study offers a clear, coherent vision: elegant, slightly more aggressive, and aligned with Kia’s current aesthetic. Yay or nay? For many buyers, a sharper face and modern interior tech might be enough to make the Niro a more compelling choice in the crowded compact crossover segment.
Source: autoevolution
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