Kia Stonic Review 2023
The Kia Stonic is a compact crossover SUV that's stylish and practical. Smaller than the Sorento and Sportage, the Stonic is aimed towards families who need a reliable and nippy SUV.
Rivals to the Stonic include the Nissan Juke, Skoda Kamiq, Peugeot 2008, and Ford Puma.
Our Kia Stonic review covers:
- Compact and modern exterior
- Well-built and comfortable interior
- 352-litre boot
- Two 1.0-litre petrol engines available
- Four trim levels
Pros:
- Affordable to run
- Pleasant and comfortable interior
- Easy to drive
Cons:
- Rear space is cramped
- Noticeable road noise at motorway speeds
- Boot space is small compared to rivals
The Stonic is essentially a hatchback that's been styled to look like an SUV. Walk towards it, and you'll quickly realise it's not that big of a car, but you'll forget this as your eyes are drawn to the Stonic's unique exterior colours and slick front end.
The Stonic is good enough for those with a small family, but that's about its limit. There's more than enough space in the front for a pair of six-footers, but get in the rear, and you'll feel like you're in a city car. The headroom is okay, but your legs will be rubbing against the front seats. If rear space is what you're after, go for the Seat Arona or Skoda Kamiq.
Boot space comes in at 352 litres, which is smaller than the Ford Puma and Vauxhall Crossland. You do get a wide opening and low-loading lip, which is handy for loading heavier items, and the rear seats can be split and folded 60/40.
The interior is one of the standout features of the Stonic. The interior is pretty generous for the price you pay; it feels solidly made and features a range of soft-touch plastics. It's not as premium as the Audi Q2 or Mini Countryman, but it's more than good enough.
Sitting atop the dashboard is an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a DAB radio, Bluetooth, and mirroring. Positioned high on the dash, the system is easy to use when behind the wheel and displays crisp graphics that are responsive to touch.
Four trims are available for the Stonic: 2, GT-Line, 3, and GT-Line S.
2 has 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, bi-function projection headlights, roof rails, air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen display, rear parking sensors, and cruise control and speed limiter.
GT-Line has 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, automatic air conditioning, privacy glass, black cloth and faux leather upholstery, and a reversing camera.
3 has heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, black faux leather upholstery, rain-sensing front wipers, drive mode select, and smart key with engine start/stop.
GT-Line S adds LED rear combination lamps, front parking sensors, blind spot collision warning, and intelligent speed limit warning.
All Stonic's come with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, available with either 100 or 120hp. Both are available with a manual or automatic transmission and come with front-wheel drive.
The 100hp variants are available on the first two trims, 2 and GT-Line. It's a nippy engine that'll get you from 0-62mph in 11.7 seconds and is more than happy driving around town and on the motorway.
If you want more power, go for the 3 or GT-Line S trims, which come with the 120hp engine, our pick of the two. Adding 48V mild-hybrid technology, it's slightly quicker and does 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and also has enough power to compete on the motorway.
Both versions return an official fuel economy in the early 50s, but in the real world, you'll likely get around 45mpg.
The Stonic is an easy car to drive that's good around town and okay on the motorway, but it's not built for fun. If around-town driving is your norm, you'll have no issues with the Stonic. Its small size makes navigating tight city streets and car parks a breeze, and you get a good view out the front and back, which really helps.
Increase to motorway speeds, and the Stonic feels smooth and stable. Both engines are capable at 70mph, and although the suspension is a bit bumpy and there's road and wind noise, long-distance journeys are relatively easy in the Stonic.
On a country road, the Stonic is precise and safe and is suited to enjoying the countryside rather than having a bit of fun. If you want an engaging drive, look towards the much more entertaining Ford Puma.
Prices for the new Kia Stonic start from £17,820.00 OTR* or to lease from £130.15 per month.
Looking to get behind the wheel of the Kia Stonic? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.
*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.
