Kia Stonic review: Another mini SUV hits the market but is this the best one yet?

April 11, 2025
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The Mini SUV Explosion

The SUV segment has exploded over the past decade, especially the mini and subcompact categories. With drivers seeking elevated seating positions, nimble handling, and city-friendly sizes, it’s no wonder nearly every automaker has introduced a contender. But amid this crowded market, does the Kia Stonic have what it takes to stand out?

First Impressions Matter

When it comes to looks, the Kia Stonic immediately scores points. With sharp lines and a clean silhouette, it’s a refreshing alternative to more aggressively styled rivals like the Hyundai Kona. The Stonic offers a less polarizing, more mature design that appeals to a wide demographic. Particularly impressive is its proportion—compact yet robust, with a stance that feels substantial without being overbearing.

Kia Stonic Key Specs

  • Price: Starting at £16,995
  • Engine Options: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol, 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.6-litre turbo diesel
  • 0-60mph: 9.8 seconds (1.0-litre turbo)
  • Top Speed: 115mph
  • Fuel Economy: Up to 56mpg
  • CO2 Emissions: 115g/km

Under the Hood: Performance and Drive

The standout powertrain is undoubtedly the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol, which delivers a punchy 118hp. It’s the engine of choice for anyone who enjoys a spirited drive. Light and responsive in town, it comes to life on open roads, offering a blend of performance and efficiency that’s hard to beat in this segment.

All versions come with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, contributing to a driver-focused experience. While there’s no all-wheel drive option, the Stonic’s nimble handling and composed chassis more than make up for it.

Simplified Choices: Trim Levels and Features

Kia has made the buying decision straightforward with just two trims:

Kia Stonic 2

This entry-level model comes impressively well-equipped:

  • 7-inch infotainment screen
  • DAB radio
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Air conditioning
  • All-round electric windows
  • Rear parking sensors

Kia Stonic First Edition

For just under £20,000, the First Edition adds a suite of upgrades:

  • Two-tone paint
  • Touchscreen with TomTom navigation
  • Rear-seat USB ports
  • Heated front seats and steering wheel
  • Privacy glass
  • Enhanced driver aids including lane-keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking

Cabin Quality and Comfort

Inside, the Stonic surprises with its clean and modern layout. The wide horizontal dash gives a sense of space, while the materials are more premium than you’d expect at this price. Front-seat comfort is solid, and while the rear isn’t the roomiest in the class, it’s sufficient for shorter trips or kids in car seats.

The driving position is elevated and commanding, with excellent visibility all around. Controls are intuitive, and the tech suite is user-friendly, especially with standard smartphone integration.

Tech and Infotainment

Technology is a strong point for the Stonic. Even the base model’s infotainment system is intuitive, responsive, and offers everything you need for daily commuting. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard is a welcome touch, making navigation and media streaming seamless.

The First Edition’s built-in TomTom satnav adds another layer of convenience for those who prefer integrated systems over mobile phone tethering.

Practicality and Boot Space

With 352 litres of boot space, the Stonic offers a competitive cargo hold. Folding the rear seats opens up even more room, making it a solid choice for those occasional Ikea runs or weekend getaways. While it’s not the biggest in class, its clever use of space makes it more practical than it first appears.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety isn’t compromised here either. The Stonic comes equipped with a solid set of safety features even in its base form. These include:

  • Lane keeping assist
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Driver attention warning
  • Hill-start assist

Step up to the First Edition, and the suite is expanded with more advanced features, making it one of the safer bets in the compact crossover segment.

Value for Money

One of the strongest arguments in favour of the Kia Stonic is its value. With a starting price of £16,995 and generous equipment across both trims, it undercuts rivals like the Nissan Juke while delivering more standard features.

Factor in Kia’s impressive 7-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the Stonic begins to look like a no-brainer for cost-conscious buyers who don’t want to skimp on quality or features.

How It Compares

In a market packed with contenders like the Renault Captur, Ford Puma, and the aforementioned Nissan Juke, the Kia Stonic holds its own by offering a smart mix of style, practicality, and affordability. It may not be the absolute class leader in every individual category, but as an overall package, it’s a very strong player.

Final Verdict

The Kia Stonic may be another mini SUV in an already saturated market, but it’s one of the few that genuinely stands out. With punchy engines, a stylish yet practical design, well-integrated tech, and excellent value for money, it deserves a place at the top of any crossover shortlist.

In a segment where only one in five truly impress, the Stonic makes the cut. It’s not just another crossover—it’s one of the better ones.

High five, Kia. You’ve done it again.

Humphrey Yardley
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Humphrey Yardley

Humphrey Yardley is an Aesthetic Writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for exploring the intersection of beauty and creativity. Through insightful writing, Humphrey shares expertise and inspiration in the world of aesthetics.

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