Kia Niro Leaving Canada After 2026 Despite Sales Growth

Kia will discontinue the Niro in Canada after 2026 despite two years of sales growth.
The updated 2027 Niro will be sold in the U.S. as a conventional hybrid only.
Canadian dealers will steer Niro shoppers toward the Seltos Hybrid, EV3 crossover or EV4 sedan.

Kia will be removing the popular Niro from its Canadian lineup when the 2026 calendar year ends, and this despite recent sales growth thanks in part to its affordability and strong fuel-economy credentials. The decision leaves the redesigned 2027 Niro hybrid as a U.S.-market product.

Kia Canada confirmed the discontinuation. The company had already withdrawn the plug-in hybrid and fully electric Niro (though still listed at the time of writing the story) variants, leaving the conventional hybrid as a logical entry point for efficiency-minded buyers.

The decision is somewhat perplexing, as Canadian Niro sales exceeded 10,000 units in 2025 after increasing 45.9%. Kia sold another 5,449 units during the first six months of 2026, representing a further 21% gain.

The Niro is unique in a way. With combined fuel consumption as low as 4.4 L/100 km, it is Canada’s most efficient vehicle without the ability to recharge. Its all-inclusive starting price of $34,061 also makes it one of the country’s least expensive hybrid vehicles.

The Canadian withdrawal’s timing coincides with updates elsewhere. For 2027, the U.S.-market Niro receives revised styling and new technology; however, only the standard hybrid powertrain returns.

Kia’s Canadian product plan does provide alternatives in the recently redesigned 2027 Seltos, now available with a hybrid powertrain. The only remaining question here is the vehicle’s pricing, which should be announced shortly. Buyers willing to move to an EV can consider the EV3 small crossover or the EV4 compact sedan.

The Niro’s departure follows the discontinuation of the similarly sized Soul in Canada one year earlier. It also adds another difference between Kia’s Canadian and American catalogues.

There’s no need to feel sorry for ourselves, though. Canada gets the EV4 and EV5, neither of which is sold in the United States. Conversely, Canadian buyers no longer have access to the EV6 and K5 sedan. Key differences include internal combustion SUV availability, as the U.S.-built gasoline Sorento and 2027 Telluride are postponed or delayed due to tariffs and/or strong local demand.

Source: Guide de l’auto