The KIA Stonic is a higher-riding small SUV proving irresistible to drivers who until now have been accustomed only to handy little hatchbacks.
The Stonic takes the bones of the KIA Rio hatchback and introduces chunky wheels and tyres, a bit more height, and tougher styling for some SUV flavour. You can jazz things up even more by opting for the yellow-highlighted Quantum trim, as well as the snazzy two-tone paint.
The range has a straightforward lineup of engines. There’s no diesel option—in fact there’s a simple choice between two 1L petrol engines, one with a manual gearbox and one an automatic. To help you protect your cash, KIA has given the punchier of the two engines mild-hybrid technology to improve both its emissions and its economy. Moreover, there’s no four-wheel–drive option, although that’s not unusual for the class. But before we delve too deeply into the Stonic, let’s check in with its key stats.
| Brand-new price range | £21,000–£26,000 |
| Car Planet price range | £12,000–£17,000 / £245–£346 a month |
| Trims | 4 |
| Engines | 2 |
| Available fuels | Petrol |
| mpg range across all versions | 47–55 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Warranty | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
| Company car tax at 20% (min/max) | £1,145 / £1,480 |
| Company car tax at 40% (min/max) | £2,291 / £2,960 |
Equipment, options and extras
We recommend keeping costs down and sticking with the Stonic’s handsomely equipped entry-level 2 trim, which still brings plenty of features, including aircon, cruise control and 16in alloy wheels. That being said, if you can afford it then you do get some nice extras by jumping up to the GT-Line, including sportier styling, 17in alloy wheels, automatic aircon, privacy glass, aluminium pedals, builtin satnav and infotainment additions. The Quantum trim sits pretty much alongside the GT-Line except as a less sporty alternative, instead building on the aesthetic of the 2 trim. Meanwhile, the 3 trim brings the hybrid engine but adds no further equipment other than drive mode select and black faux leather seats. Finally there’s the range-topping GT-Line S, with two-tone paint and heated seats and steering wheel, but it’s pricey.
Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2
The cheapest KIA Stonic engine is the 99bhp 1L T-GDi, available with the 2, GT-Line and Quantum trims. It’s a punchy performer that goes 0–62 in 11s (or 12 if you opt for the automatic gearbox). It has a fair amount of shove once you get going, but it’s weaker at low revs. For that reason you may appreciate the mild-hybrid assistance the 118bhp 1L T-GDi receives at low engine speeds. It’s 10s 0–62—and anyway, you’ll rarely need to pass 1,500rpm if you’re just tootling around town. Better still, it’s happy to rev away if you need a little more oomph, and reaching motorway speeds is no hardship.
If you can afford, it’s worth checking out the 118bhp engine, gutsier than its equivalent in the Stonic’s competitor the Renault Captur. And those seeking even more punch should consider the Ford Puma or Volkswagen T-Roc.
The Stonic’s entry-level trim is only slightly pricier as a cash buy than the Stonic’s rival the Citroën C3 Aircross, and it undercuts the Ford Puma, SEAT Arona and Renault Captur. The Stonic is also predicted to hold its value as well as the Puma and Aircross.
Safety and security
All KIA Stonics come with lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking as standard, both of which contributed to Euro NCAP awarding it the full five stars for safety. The GT-Line S trim brings more safety kit, including blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control on models with an automatic gearbox. Every Stonic also comes with an alarm and immobiliser as standard, along with deadlocking on all doors.
Reliability
The KIA Stonic comes with KIA’s seven-year warranty, as well as one year’s free UK and European roadside assistance and available at a reasonable price thereafter.
The Car Planet verdict
The KIA Stonic is well equipped, handles well, and comes with a great warranty. That being said, it doesn’t shine in as many areas as some of its rival small SUVs, which offer more space in the boot and rear seats, and ultimately are more refined as well.
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