Kia Niro (2016)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,148 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,078
£173/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1580cc Hybrid
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. 7 points above average.
Check a specific Kia Niro
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
89% of MOT tests on Kia Niros from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 2,148 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 66,764 miles.
Got a Kia Niro you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
66,764
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2016 Kia Niro had 66,764 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific Kia Niro?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2017 model has the lowest at 88%. The 2016 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Kia Niro by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Kia Niro
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2016 Kia Niro
The 2016 Kia Niro is a small family car. Our records list a 1580cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,148 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 66,764 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Niro owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 Kia Niro Fuel Costs
The 1580cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Our estimate uses around 42 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2016 Kia Niro?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Kia Niro Reliability Trend
The Kia Niro has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 Kia Niro
At 10 years old, the Kia Niro is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Hybrid Battery Health
Watch outAfter 10 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Medium riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 Kia Niro stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Niro(2016) | 89% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,078 |
| Mercedes C(2017) | 89% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,236+£158 |
| Toyota Yaris(2018) | 91% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £1,853-£225 |
| Audi Q3(2016) | 87% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,003-£75 |
| Toyota C-HR(2018) | 90% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086+£8 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2016 Kia Niro
Is the 2016 Kia Niro reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2016 Kia Niros ended in a pass, from 2,148 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2016 Kia Niro cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Kia Niro?
89% of 2,148 MOT tests on the 2016 Kia Niro ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 225th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (top half).
Which year Kia Niro has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Kia Niro has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2017 the lowest at 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2016 Kia Niro?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Kia Niro is 66,764 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Kia Models
Explore other Kia cars or similar models in the same category.
Kia Sportage
2016 · 1700cc Diesel
Kia Picanto
2018 · 998cc Petrol
Kia Ceed
2012 · 1591cc Diesel
Mercedes C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
Toyota Yaris
2018 · 1349cc Hybrid
Audi Q3
2016 · 1400cc Hybrid
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Kia Niro.
Cheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
ComparisonKia Sportage vs Nissan Qashqai 2026: Which Is Cheaper to Run?
14 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
Check a specific Kia Niro
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Kia Niro? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included