Kia Stonic (2017 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The Kia Stonic is a small SUV/crossover based on the Kia Rio hatchback. It was launched in late 2017 and is the smallest crossover in the Kia range.
The Stonic has received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, with an overall Expert Rating that puts it in the midfield of its class.
One of the reasons for an abnormally high variation in scores is the Stonic’s safety rating. The entry-level models only received a three-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, while the top-end models get more safety kit (optional on the base models) and score five stars. Some sources penalise this more than others, so the Stonic gets a four-star rating from WhatCar? yet a “Don’t Buy” recommendation from Which?
Other than stiffing buyers of the base models when it comes to safety, the Kia Stonic generally gets praised for its driving dynamics and Kia’s standard seven-year warranty. However, it is criticised for poor boot space and not being as good as the Kia Rio hatchback it’s based on.
As of December 2021, the Kia Stonic has an Expert Rating of 58%, based on 18 different reviews published by UK media sources.
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £17,755 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2017Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 6.4 / 10“The Kia Stonic is an easy car to live with, but doesn’t stand out from its rivals in any significant areas.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Kia Stonic is a decent small crossover, but its rivals have it beaten for style, space and efficiency”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.2 / 10“You’re spoiled for choice in the small SUV sector, the Kia Stonic playing for your attention through a combination of sharp looks, generous equipment and an enjoyable driving experience. These are all appealing, but if you want comfort or a more premium feel you may be better served elsewhere.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 1.0 T-GDi 48V Connect iMT 2021Score: 7 / 10“The Kia Stonic a stylish, pleasantly likeable and slightly alternative machine, but still not a leading class contender.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Not a radical change in the segment, then, but the class average moves up a grade. There’s a little while to go before a small SUV can be called a driver’s car, though. “
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“It’s a likeable little package that does its job easily as well, if not better, than the vast swathes of rivals it has to contend with. While it’s a little staid in isolation, taken in context it’s a good effort to build a car that a lot of people want to buy.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.2 / 10“The Kia Stonic is competent rather than compelling and it’s hard to justify paying the extra over the Kia Rio on which it’s based”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Kia Stonic is an affordable small SUV with funky looks and an industry-leading warranty, but alternatives are roomier and have posher-feeling interiors.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual First EditionScore: 7.1 / 10“The Kia Stonic just lacks that little something extra to make it a logical option. It’s decent in most areas, but the poor ride and small boot count against it.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual First EditionScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Stonic is good to drive, practical, and interesting, but of course you pay a premium for a small SUV over a boring hatchback”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The decision to choose the Kia Stonic over a SEAT Arona or Mazda CX-3 will very much depend on expectation. For those in need of an affordable crossover with a huge warranty and low life costs, the Stonic will be something of a long-term bargain. “
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.6 / 10“Looks like an off-roader, drives like a sporty hatchback”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview“Good looking, punchy engines, clever technology and great value for money”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Kia Stonic enters a crowded marketplace as one of the better handling compact SUVs, plus of course the firm’s excellent seven-year warranty. However, its pricing is pretty punchy, it has a firmer ride than many rivals and isn’t quite as spacious as the best in class.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Better to drive than most small crossovers, but as hamstrung as its rivals for boot size”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“It’s pretty easy to see what’s in front of you from behind the wheel of the Stonic, thanks to the car’s relatively slim front window pillars.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.7 / 10“The oddly named Kia Stonic is smartly styled, well equipped, and it performs well in 1.0-litre petrol guise. It’s not quite the best SUV in the compact class, but its appeal has been raised since its update in 2020, with all versions now sharing a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 3 stars
Date tested: December 2017
85%
ADULT OCCUPANT
84%
CHILD OCCUPANT
62%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
25%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Note on safety rating: The Kia Stonic is currently available in four trim specifications in the UK. The two lower-spec models have a more basic safety specification than the higher-spec models, and received a three-star score from Euro NCAP. The more expensive models have additional active safety (accident avoidance) equipment, which gives them a five-star rating.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Kia Stonic has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Kia Stonic, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 Aircross | Dacia Duster | Fiat 500X | Ford EcoSport | Ford Puma | Honda HR-V | Hyundai Bayon | Hyundai Kona | Jeep Renegade | Mazda CX-3 | MG ZS | Mitsubishi ASX | Nissan Juke | Peugeot 2008 | Renault Captur | SEAT Arona | Skoda Kamiq | SsangYong Tivoli | Suzuki Vitara | Toyota Yaris Cross | Vauxhall Crossland | Vauxhall Mokka | Volkswagen T-Cross | Volkswagen T-Roc
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Keyword: Kia Stonic