The 2023 Kia Niro was given its first official reveal just a few months ago as an eco-friendly crossover, but limited information regarding the technical specifications was provided. Now, the South Korean manufacturer has dropped the details on everything that we can expect from this stylish compact car, including engine options, safety features, and cabin kit.

Kia confirms that the next generation of its Niro has been built from the ground up so that it can meet the complex and varied needs of sustainability-conscious consumers. Compared to the previous model, the crossover now boasts a larger body with improved interior space and storage facilities. It has also been put together with premium and eco-friendly materials to create an overall minimalist feeling.

The exterior of the crossover displays the latest generation of the brand's Tiger Face design language which was first previewed by the 2019 HabiNiro concept. The front features a pair of 'heartbeat' design daytime running lights to create a contemporary look while a skid plate and plastic cladding portray a rugged nature.

At the rear, a pair of vertical LED taillights are installed next to a simple tailgate design. This is contrasted by a heartbeat-shaped rear reflector and a lower bumper with an integrated skid plate to maintain a sleek but capable look. The crossover can be had in a choice of nine colors with six contrasting shades for the C-pillars, and three options for the cladding.

Delivering an abstract theme in the cabin of the Kia Niro is an off-center dashboard that curves around the front passengers. This is decorated with opposing horizontal and diagonal lines and ambient mood lighting that features 74 different color combinations. The interior can be tailored in a choice of Charcoal, Medium Gray, Petrol, or Light Warm Gray.

The key feature of the dashboard is the 10.25-inch panoramic display that incorporates the infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster. Below this sits an integrated infotainment screen and a set of buttons for the climate controls. The center console houses an electronic dial-type shift lever together with a variable large-capacity cupholder tray and wireless smartphone charger.

Overall, the Kia Niro measures 174-inches long, 71.9-inches wide and 60.8-inches tall with a wheelbase of 107.1 inches. Kia claims a trunk capacity of 15.9 cubic feet for the hybrid-electric option, a 0.6 cu. ft. increase over the previous generation. This is achieved partially thanks to the repositioning of the Niro's 12-volt battery out of the wheelhouse.

The Kia Niro can be had as a hybrid-electric as well as a plug-in hybrid or fully battery electric vehicle. All of these options drive power to the front wheels and benefit from the brand's Green Zone Drive Mode, which can initiate the electric-only drive operation of the car to provide zero-emissions mobility in select environments and situations.

The HEV features the 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 104 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. In conjunction with the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, the power output is increased to 139 hp. This system transmits power to the wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. PHEV and BEV specs will be revealed closer to their respective market launches.

Kia has also introduced a new suspension and steering system for the Niro. This consists of a front MacPherson strut-type suspension up-front with a rear four-link layout at the rear. The geometry of the front and rear have also been revised to improve responsiveness, stability, and ride comfort together with an optimized steering gear ratio and a new tilt-type strut bearing that reduces friction and enhances steering feel.

To ensure a high standard of safety, the Niro utilizes a high-strength lightweight body that features a multi-load front impact structure. The second-generation model also ships standard with the brand's DriveWise intelligent Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Included in this are front and blind-spot collision avoidance, high-beam and lane-keeping assist, rearview monitoring, front and rear park distance warning, and more.

Being a modern crossover, the Kia Niro will also sport a plethora of connectivity and convenience features. For the driver, a 10-inch head-up display will project information onto the windscreen. This includes ADAS data as well as navigation commands. An advanced voice control system has also been developed with natural voice recognition technology which can be used to control key functions.

Kia's Digital Key 2 Touch system will be implemented into the crossover and can be accessed via smartphone through the Kia Connect app. Using NFC technology, drivers can unlock and start the vehicle without needing a fob. The built-in front and rear cameras will also support a dashcam function for the convenience of the owner.

The Kia Niro is due for a global market launch later this year with even more information due to be announced closer to the time. The brand clarifies that the features detailed here are subject to change and that select kits may only be available to specific markets. Local product details, as well as pricing, can be expected closer to the date of sale.