Enable Smart Recuperation in Eco Vehicle settings or hold the right paddle for more than one second; white AUTO means no vehicle is detected and green AUTO means the radar has a lead vehicle.
Check that your vehicle has it.
Verified in the shared 2026 U.S.-market Niro Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid digital owner's manual for vehicles equipped with Smart Regeneration.
- Required equipment / service
- Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid equipped with Smart Regeneration
Does the documented scope match your car?
This check combines the verified year, any source-supported powertrain scope, source-named trim/package and required equipment. It does not read a VIN or factory build record.
Published availability and qualifications
Verified in the shared 2026 U.S.-market Niro Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid digital owner's manual for vehicles equipped with Smart Regeneration.
Know what kind of control to look for.
This original category diagram is an orientation aid, not a picture of your exact trim. Use the written labels and your vehicle manual to identify the real control.
Step by step.
- 01
With the vehicle on, open Settings → Vehicle → Eco Vehicle → Smart Recuperation, or pull and hold the right paddle shifter for more than one second.
- 02
Confirm AUTO replaces the stepped regenerative-braking indicator in the cluster.
- 03
Drive above 7.4 mph (12 km/h) where conditions permit and keep full control of accelerator and brake pedals.
- 04
Read white AUTO as no vehicle detected ahead and green AUTO as a vehicle detected by the front radar.
- 05
To turn the system off, repeat the menu selection or hold the right paddle for more than one second.
Important limits
- Smart Regeneration is supplemental and cannot be relied on to stop the vehicle or avoid a collision.
- It cancels below 7.4 mph (12 km/h) and may cancel in Park, Reverse, Neutral, manual or Sport mode, during Smart Cruise Control, ABS or ESC operation, or at high battery charge.
- Radar performance can be limited on curves, grades and during abrupt lane changes.
Quick checks.
- ✓If AUTO disappears, check the selected gear, drive mode, cruise-control state and battery state of charge.
- ✓If AUTO stays white with traffic ahead, clean snow, dirt or debris from the front radar area without using abrasive tools.
- ✓If a smart recuperation warning remains after the sensor is clean, have an authorized Kia dealer inspect the system.
What happened on your vehicle?
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2026 Kia Niro HEV/PHEV Digital Owner's Manual — Smart Regeneration Activation
Relevant section or page: Driving your vehicle — Smart regeneration system — Activation. We use the written official source to determine the steps and applicability shown above.
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Reviewed with a visible trail.
Scope and steps were checked by Car Cheat Codes Editorial Review. A guide is narrowed or corrected when the source does not support a broader claim.
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Guide change history
- Initial verified publication.