Kia Niro EV Sales Surge as Hybrid Models Face Decline

The End of the Road for Kia Niro in Australia

The once overlooked Kia Niro small crossover SUV is reaching the end of its journey in Australia. The electric version is now depleted in stock, and the hybrid model is on the brink of being succeeded by the upcoming Seltos in the next generation.

In a conversation with CarExpert, Roland Rivero, Kia Australia’s general manager for product, disclosed that while the Niro is technically still available for purchase, the production of the EV variant ceased in Australia several months ago.

Although not explicitly confirmed, it appears that the Niro EV and Niro Hybrid are on the verge of being phased out in Australia. The Niro EV has been outshined by the current EV3, and the anticipated Seltos Hybrid, expected to arrive late next year, will likely replace the Niro Hybrid.

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Struggles of the Kia Niro in the Australian Market

Despite offering trendy electrified powertrains and an SUV design, the Kia Niro has faced challenges in the Australian market. Its pricing and limited availability have been significant obstacles for the slow-selling crossover.

With a starting price of $45,000 for the basic Niro Hybrid and $66,590 for the base EV model, the Niro struggles to compete in terms of value with similar offerings from mainstream brands.

In 2024, only 1455 units of the Niro were registered, down from the previous year. By November 30, 2025, Kia had delivered just 375 Niros, marking a significant decline in sales.

In contrast, the Hyundai Kona, which offers petrol, hybrid, and electric options, has seen strong performance with over 21,000 registrations in 2025.

The affordability and features of the Kona Hybrid, starting at $36,950, have contributed to its success in the small SUV segment.

While the Niro remains popular in international markets like South Korea and Europe, the introduction of the EV3 has taken over the Niro EV’s position in the local lineup.

The Future of Kia Niro and the Rise of Seltos

The Niro Hybrid is expected to be succeeded by the next-generation Seltos, set to launch in Australia in late 2026. The new Seltos, built on the ‘K3’ platform shared with the Niro and Hyundai Kona, is likely to offer a hybrid variant for the first time.

Kia is gearing up for a global unveiling of the new Seltos on December 10, providing insights into what to expect from the upcoming small SUV.

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