Verified year comparison
What changed on the Kia Niro?
Compare only the features our editors have verified. A blank cell does not prove the vehicle lacks a feature—it means the cited guide does not cover that year.
Official configuration changes
Powertrain and efficiency by researched year.
This table compares the complete EPA-tested configuration set for each researched year, independently of feature-guide coverage.
Documentation matrix
Verified feature coverage
Scroll horizontally on a phone. Select two years above to highlight them and see the documented differences.
| Feature and equipment note | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Choose When the Niro EV Charging Connector LocksVerified in the 2025 U.S.-market Niro EV digital owner's manual. This Electric guide does not apply to the Niro Hybrid or PHEV connector menu. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Match the Niro EV Portable Charger Current to the OutletVerified for the adjustable Kia portable charger described in the 2025 U.S.-market Niro EV manual. Portable-cable supply and control-box design can vary by vehicle and region. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Power Devices With the Exterior V2L ConnectorVerified for the 2026 U.S.-market Niro EV when equipped with the exterior V2L connector. V2L hardware is equipment-dependent. | Covered by this guide | Not covered by this guide |
| Power External Devices With the 2025 Niro EV V2L ConnectorVerified in the 2025 U.S.-market Niro EV digital owner's manual. The exterior V2L connector is equipment-dependent and does not apply to Niro Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Prepare the Niro EV Battery for DC Fast ChargingVerified in the 2025 U.S.-market Niro EV digital owner's manual. Kia marks this function as equipment-dependent and tied to a battery heater. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Reduce Niro EV AC Charging Current After an InterruptionVerified in the 2025 U.S.-market Niro EV digital owner's manual. The setting is Electric-only and affects AC charging, not DC fast charging. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Save a Custom Niro Power-Liftgate HeightVerified in the shared 2025 U.S.-market Niro Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid manual for vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Set Separate AC and DC Charging Limits on the Niro EVVerified in the 2025 U.S.-market Niro EV digital owner's manual. This does not apply to the Niro Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Start Charging Now Without Deleting the ScheduleVerified for the 2025 U.S.-market Niro Plug-in Hybrid with scheduled charging. It does not apply to the non-plug-in Hybrid. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
| Use Niro Smart Regeneration and Read AUTOVerified in the shared 2026 U.S.-market Niro Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid digital owner's manual for vehicles equipped with Smart Regeneration. | Covered by this guide | Not covered by this guide |
| Use Utility Mode While the Niro EV Is ParkedVerified in the 2025 U.S.-market Niro EV digital owner's manual. This guide does not apply to Niro Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. | Not covered by this guide | Covered by this guide |
Important: this matrix compares published documentation coverage, not every factory option. The equipment/trim control filters the scope labels recorded on guides; it is not a factory build matrix. Confirm an individual vehicle in its window sticker, owner portal or dealer build record.