Kia XCeed - TopCarNews

Kia XCeed (2019 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Kia XCeed is a high-riding crossover based on the Kia Ceed hatchback. It sits between the Ceed and the Niro models in the Kia family. The XCeed is a new addition to the range, with the first cars arriving in the UK in Autumn 2019.

The XCeed is available with petrol or diesel engines, as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain that was added to the range in Spring 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and associated lockdown, we do not have many reviews of the plug-in hybrid version yet. However, we will keep updating this page as more reviews are published so keep checking back for the latest information.

The Kia XCeed has received generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media, although some titles have pointed out that it it’s priced at a significant premium over the mechanically-identical Ceed hatch while offering less practicality than a more SUV-styled vehicle like the Kia Niro.

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door small crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £21,055 on-road

Launched: Summer 2019Last updated: Spring 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

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic First EditionScore: 7.8 / 10“The Kia XCeed looks impressive and rides well. But the question is whether it offers enough that is different to a standard Ceed to justify the higher price.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automaticScore: 8 / 10“The Kia XCeed PHEV crossover provides efficient family transport, although it’s compromised in a few key areas.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The jacked-up Kia XCeed adds some extra practicality to the growing Ceed range”
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Model reviewed: 1.4 T-GDiScore: 8 / 10“The market for family hatchbacks with SUV trappings is small compared with the more conventional, more expansive C-segment crossover class, but the new Kia XCeed is worth considering if you value a strong kit count, a well built cabin, and peace of mind in the form of a long warranty.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Kia XCeed has its work cut out appealing to buyers in such an overcrowded and competitive section of the market. It has enough style and practicality to cut it on the school run, and it’s also quiet and comfortable to drive, very well equipped and reasonably affordable to buy.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7 / 10“Attractive appearance gives the Xceed a good measure of personality.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7 / 10“At a glance it looks very much like a standard Ceed that’s been treated to a raised ride height and a smattering of tough-looking plastic body cladding in a bid to sate the appetites of buyers who seemingly can’t get enough of the whole off-roader vibe.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Kia XCeed’s interior material quality betters some key rivals, it’s on the sweeter end of the spectrum to drive in this never-ending sea of faux-SUVs and is arguably the most technologically up-to-date Kia on sale.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“In essence, it’s just another thoroughly accomplished Kia to challenge some of the more ordinary contenders with style and up-to-date tech, and will certainly find many places on UK driveways – Kia expects it to become its third best-selling model – and it’s also telling that the most expensive version is likely to the most popular.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8.2 / 10“The Kia XCeed manages to look more stylish and ride more comfortably than the Ceed on which it’s based.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Kia XCeed has a higher ride height, a range of cheap-to-run engines and lots of kit as standard. There are more comfortable SUVs with better rear space, though.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid automatic 3“The Kia XCeed looks good and the PHEV powertrain makes for a tax-efficient and, if managed properly to maximise EV running, cost-efficient package. But the reduced boot space is noticeable, and those wanting a practical PHEV should maybe look at the Ceed SW.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual 3“The Xceed gives Kia a far more appealing car in the small family hatchback market. The looks alone see to this, but the softer suspension will work well on UK roads and the additional tech is a welcome bonus.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual ‘2’Score: 7 / 10“The Kia XCeed is generally competent in most areas but the three-cylinder, 1.0-litre engine had performance that was only just about adequate for most requirements.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Very good looking ‘crossover’ based on the KIA Ceed. Nicely furnished inside. Well equipped. Sensible value for money. Much better on 16-inch wheels than on 18-inch wheels.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4 T-GDi“The interior feels very similar to the hatch, with lots of premium materials (more so than the larger Sportage) and some fresh technology including a new 10.25-inch media system.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.8 / 10“Stylish, tech-filled and accomplished crossover”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol automatic“The XCeed hatchback is yet another knockout crossover from Kia”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic First EditionScore: 8 / 10“XCeeds expectations.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual 3Score: 6 / 10“The Kia Xceed has a classy interior, sleek looks and a large, useful boot. But the trouble is, you have to live with the droning engine and its gutless performance, not to mention the finicky ride quality and seats that grow uncomfortable on longer trips.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“I had hoped the Kia Xceed would be better, not least because I wanted to use ‘Kia’s new crossover Xceeds expectations’ as the headline. But it doesn’t Xceed expectations. It meets them, neatly and predictably, in a pleasing but forgettable way.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“A capable answer to a question nobody should be asking.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Kia Xceed mixes SUV looks with hatchback running costs, but, compared with the regular Kia Ceed, you pay a big premium for its extra style. Proper family SUVs such as the Skoda Karoq are more practical, too.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: plug-in hybridScore: 7.3 / 10“The Kia XCeed Plug-in Hybrid makes great sense as a stylish family car with a bit of urban SUV style. It’s roomy inside, well equipped and safe, while Kia’s seven-year warranty gives great peace of mind.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“The XCeed adds a touch of crossover style to Kia’s family hatchback range without going the whole SUV hog. It’s pretty impressive in terms of space and practicality, is good on the road and is very well equipped as standard.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 4 stars
Date tested: July 2019

88%

ADULT OCCUPANT

85%

CHILD OCCUPANT

52%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

68%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

The Kia XCeed shares its safety rating results with the rest of the Kia Ceed family, as they all share a common structure.

The XCeed has two separate Euro NCAP safety ratings. Lower-specification models do not get as much safety equipment as standard, so they get a four-star rating as shown above.

Higher-specification models get an additional Advanced Driving Assistance Pack (available on most lower-spec models at additional cost), which earns them a five-star rating. This also bumps up the Vulnerable Road Users rating from 52% to 68%, and the Safety Assist Rating from 68% to 73%.

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Kia XCeed has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP, and only a few cars have do far been assessed.

The Sportage is now an old car, so it’s highlyunlikely to be tested by Green NCAP before it the current model is replaced in late 2021.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia XCeed has received

2020

Red Dot Design Awards – Product Design Award
iF Design Awards – Product Design Award

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