Kia has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years and has become a highly respected name in the industry. In order to keep that positive momentum going forward, the brand needs to be a cutting-edge leader in mobility, and to do that, electrification is vital. The brand intends to only sell electric cars before long, and the Kia Niro is one of the vehicles that has spawned an electric variant. The 2022 model is about to arrive and to get us excited for the new crossover, the Korean automaker has shared a few teaser images before the reveal this Thursday, November 25.

As the teasers and numerous spy shots have revealed, this new model takes styling inspiration from 2019's HabaNiro concept. We'll see exactly how those styling cues translate on a production vehicle when the new Niro is unveiled at the Seoul Mobility Show this week, but it's only expected to go on sale in 2023. As the teaser images show, the cabin will be redesigned too, gaining the infotainment technology of the all-electric EV6 along with a new two-spoke steering wheel, but powertrains will remain varied with a choice between all-electric power, a plug-in hybrid system, or a regular hybrid. With a variety in powertrains, the 2022 Niro will not be compatible with the all-electric E-GMP architecture that Hyundai has developed for its EVs.

That said, the electric Niro might borrow some of this technology. The newer battery pack and electric motors of the EV6 could well be adapted to work here, and if they are, we could potentially see the all-electric Niro offer more than 300 miles of range. As for the gas-powered model, this is likely to get some updates too, possibly eschewing its aging 1.6-liter motor for something more efficient and more powerful. We'll know more after the reveal on Thursday but whatever the decision ends up being, this could be the last time a new Niro will debut with a gasoline option.