Over recent years, the competition among high-riding compact SUVs has really heated up thanks to the success of the likes of the Ford Puma, Renault Captur and Nissan Juke. In such a crowded marketplace, it can be difficult for carmakers to muscle their way into people’s thinking. However, since launching the Stonic back in 2017, that is exactly what Kia has managed to do. The car is firmly aimed at the family market and spurns the sporty handling seen on many of its rivals in favour of a more sensible and stress-free approach to driving.
The car’s mild-hybrid engines offer a nice blend of performance and efficiency, the technology is bang-up-to-date, and the compact dimensions make it an ideal urban runabout. It may not be the most entertaining crossover to drive, nor the most luxurious, but it offers outstanding long-term value—and that’s what gives it real appeal for families and commuters alike.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe ‘on the road’ price for the most basic editions of the Stonic gets underway at just £21,795, making it one of the most competitively priced cars of any model in this segment. Despite being the entry-level model, the cheapest versions come with a generous amount of technology as standard. Moving through the lineup, mid-level ‘GT-Line’ cars kick off at £24,595, with the range-topping 'GT-Line S' getting underway at £28,295.
The Stonic also represents an outstanding proposition on the used market, with a lot of second-hand models still carrying several years of manufacturer cover. Older models are listed on AA Cars for under £7,000 with, post-facelift cars available from around £9,000.
Away from the Stonic, Kia has a burgeoning reputation for building some of the very best electric vehicles currently available on the UK market. However, when it comes to the crossover, the firm has elected to keep things refreshingly simple when it comes to powertrains. The car is offered with two versions of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (T-GDi), some of which have been given mild-hybrid capabilities for improved efficiency.
The less powerful of the two setups produces 98 bhp and is available as standard in ‘Pure’ spec cars. For those wanting a bit more punch, the 113 bhp mild-hybrid can be found in higher trim levels.
Whichever engine you go for, it can be teamed with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT). The manual is pleasant and easy to shift, while the DCT offers seamless changes and is especially well suited to stop-start urban driving.
The Stonic is a good all-rounder when it comes to driving but it is around town where it particularly comes into its own. The car’s compact dimensions, light steering and good visibility make it feel agile and easy to manoeuvre whether you are darting through inner-city traffic, negotiating tight car parks or navigating narrow residential streets. In these urban environments, the less powerful 98 bhp engine is arguably the stronger of the two, with a good level of torque at low speed.
Elsewhere, the more powerful 118 bhp mild-hybrid engine performs better, especially when you move out onto dual carriageways and motorways. The unit offers by far the best acceleration of the two options, making the Stonic a very capable overtaker on wider highways. While there is some wind and road noise at higher speeds, it is nothing out of the ordinary for a car of this kind.
While most drivers will appreciate the extra convenience of the DCT automatic gearbox, it is worth noting it can feel slightly hesitant when pulling away from a standstill.
The Stonic has been set up to put comfort at the heart of everything it does, and for the most part it succeeds in this mission. Around town, the suspension handles potholes and imperfections well, with the car absorbing most bumps softly and without too much fuss. Having said that, the car does feel firmer when the road surface deteriorates beyond normal wear and tear, and some of that comfort does disappear as a result.
On twisty B-roads, the Stonic stays tidy and predictable, although it lacks the pure driving pleasure that you get from the likes of the Ford Puma or Seat Arona. Whereas those cars feel precise and sharp in the bends, the Stonic suffers from a lack of steering feedback, as well as a touch of body roll. At the top of the range, GT-Line models introduce a choice of larger wheels, which look great, but do result in a slightly stiffer ride.
However, overall, the Stonic is a comfortable and relaxing car to drive – perfectly suited to its family-friendly customer base.
Inside the Stonic, Kia has worked hard to produce an interior which looks funky and cool, even if a lot of the materials themselves leave a bit to be desired. Yes, there are a lot of cheap-feeling plastics all over the cabin but aesthetically it looks great, with a few optional splashes of colour here and there to break up the sea of black nicely. In any case, the main touchpoints – namely the steering wheel and gear lever – have both been covered in more premium-feeling faux leather.
In the front of the car, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is housed on the centre console, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available as standard. The screen is responsive, easy to use and well-placed for driving.
The Stonic offers a good level of head and legroom in the front and the seats themselves are particularly comfortable. In the rear, there is enough room for two adults, although things may be a bit of a squeeze for taller passengers.
When it comes to practicality, the Stonic puts up a very good showing, starting with a perfectly respectable 352 litres of boot capacity. This rises to over 1,100 litres with the back seats folded down, with the space itself easy to access with a low floor and wide opening.
While other cars in this segment can beat the Stonic when it comes to outright volume, few can match it when it comes to making the most of the available space. In the cabin there are large front door bins, a deep central cubby, cupholders and a well-sized glovebox, as well as several ISOFIX anchor points, which are easily accessible. For families with young children, getting car seats in and out of the car is a doddle, thanks to its elevated ride height.
Regardless of which spec you go for, buyers can expect a good level of standard equipment from the Stonic. All cars get an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring; automatic headlights; cruise control; rear parking sensors and roof rails.
Moving up the range, a number of more premium touches begin to appear including 17-inch alloy wheels; keyless entry and start; seated seats and heated steering wheel; an upgraded audio system; integrated navigation; LED headlights; a parking camera and wireless phone charging.
Recent years have seen Kia simplify the Stonic lineup so that it is now only available in Pure, GT-Line and GT-Line S specifications. The Pure cars are by far the most basic but there is not much to choose between the GT-Line and GT-Line S.
Popular colour choices include: Clear White, Asteroid Grey, Blaze Red, Zest Yellow, Midnight Black and Storm Grey, often paired with contrasting roof colours on GT-Line models.
The Stonic boasts a solid four-star Euro NCAP rating, with the judges impressed by the car’s robust selection of safety features. As standard, the Stonic comes with autonomous emergency braking; lane-keep assist; driver attention warning; high-beam assist and speed-limit recognition. Higher-spec cars add even more features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and enhanced camera systems.
When it comes to reliability Kia remains one of the very best brands around, with a strong reputation for dependability. The firm also offers additional peace of mind with its seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, which remains one of the very best in the industry.
Fuel economy is a major strength of the Kona with official mpg figures ranging between 49.6 mpg and 51.4 mpg, depending on which engine setup and gearbox you go for. Meanwhile, CO₂ emissions range from 1 15 to 132 g/km, which help to place the Stonic in competitive tax brackets for both company car users and private buyers.
London
London
London
Connect with us
