Compare the2025 Honda HR-VVS 2025 Kia Niro

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Honda HR-V has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Niro doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Honda HR-V achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Kia Niro has not been tested.

The HR-V offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Niro doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the HR-V and the Niro have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Honda HR-V is safer than the Kia Niro:

	HR-V	Niro
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	139	241
Neck Stress	134 lbs.	201 lbs.
Neck Compression	17 lbs.	57 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	278	362
Neck Compression	31 lbs.	120 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	215/108 lbs.	601/129 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Honda HR-V is safer than the Kia Niro:

	HR-V	Niro
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	87	182
Chest Movement	.7 inches	1 inches
Abdominal Force	118 lbs.	246 lbs.
Hip Force	418 lbs.	424 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	173	392
Spine Acceleration	61 G’s	81 G’s
Hip Force	910 lbs.	919 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	13 inches
HIC	292	474
Spine Acceleration	42 G’s	43 G’s
Hip Force	564 lbs.	692 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Honda HR-V has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Niro has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2025.

Warranty

The HR-V’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Niro runs out after 100,000 miles.

There are over 34 percent more Honda dealers than there are Kia dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the HR-V’s warranty.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the HR-V’s reliability 27 points higher than the Niro.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Honda fourth in overall reliability. Kia is ranked 9th.

Engine

The HR-V’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 19 more horsepower (158 vs. 139) than the Niro’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

Fuel Economy and Range

The HR-V has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Niro (14 vs. 11.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The HR-V has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Niro doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

The HR-V has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Niro doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the HR-V’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Niro:

	HR-V	Niro
Front Rotors	12.3 inches	11 inches
Rear Rotors	12.2 inches	10.3 inches

The HR-V stops shorter than the Niro:

	HR-V	Niro
60 to 0 MPH	130 feet	133 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the HR-V has larger standard tires than the Niro (215/60R17 vs. 205/60R16).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the HR-V has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Niro.

The HR-V has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Niro; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The HR-V’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (58% to 42%) than the Niro’s (61% to 39%). This gives the HR-V more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the HR-V LX/EX-L has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Niro (7 vs. 6.3 inches), allowing the HR-V to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The HR-V Sport’s minimum ground clearance is 1 inch higher than on the Niro (7.3 vs. 6.3 inches).

Chassis

The HR-V uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Niro doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The HR-V has .4 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front hip room and .4 inches more front shoulder room than the Niro.

Cargo Capacity

The HR-V has a much larger cargo volume than the Niro with its rear seat up (24.4 vs. 22.8 cubic feet).

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Honda service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks Honda 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 41% lower rating, Kia is ranked 27th.

Ergonomics

The HR-V has standard Push Button Start that allows you to start the engine without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Niro EX/SX offers a Smart Key.

The HR-V’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Niro’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

Compared to traditional radio, the Honda HR-V’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Niro EX/SX.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Honda HR-V and the Kia Niro, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Honda HR-V outsold the Kia Niro by over four to one during 2024.

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