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KiaStonic (2017-)

Available new
Compact/Small SUV
Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
2017 model + 2020 update tested

£20,367Typical price

Test score

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The Kia Stonic, launched in 2017, is the first small SUV from the Korean company. Based on the Rio small hatchback, it's got the raised ride height and practical interior that make crossovers so attractive to buyers. But can it persuade you to forgo popular rivals such as the Nissan Juke? Read our full Kia Stonic review to find out.

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What's included?

What is it?
What's it great at?
What’s it like to drive?
How reliable is the Kia Stonic (2017 to present)?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Should I buy it?

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KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Model reliability 0-4 years
Brand reliability 0-4 years

Jan 2023Last checked by Which?
Feb 2018First reviewed by Which?
Nov 2017Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test cars

6 Jun 2025

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

How we test ease of driving

To find out how easy a car is to drive, we assess cars across a number of areas from visibility and handling to the layout of the cabin and how smoothly the engine delivers its power.

Performance

Overall
In-gear acceleration
Brakes

How we test performance

We test braking distances and whether the effectiveness of the brakes fade with repeat use. Performance is based on in-gear acceleration.

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Seat space
Boot space (small SUVs and medium cars)

How we test comfort and practicality

Comfort and practicality includes how easy it is, or not, to get in and out of the car and the maximum height of occupants. We also measure road, wind and engine noise and assess how well the car deals with bumps from large potholes to jittery surfaces like cobble stones.

Euro NCAP

How we test euro ncap

Any car that receives a rating of two stars or less from Euro NCAP is made a Don't Buy. Any car that receives three stars can't be a Best Buy. If a car has been available for more than four years and has not been tested by Euro NCAP, it cannot be a Best Buy.

Safety kit

How we test safety kit

We factor in the safety equipment that’s factory-fitted or optional, along with how well the car protects its occupants and pedestrians in the event of an accident. We also test how easy it is to fit a variety of child car seats.

Model reliability 0-4 years

How we test model reliability 0-4 years

How reliable this car is, based on the real life feedback of current owners as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years. A car cannot be a Best Buy if: It's available to buy new and has a 0-4-year model reliability score of two stars or less; or it's only available on the used market and has a 5-9-year model reliability score of two stars or less; or it's only available on the used market and launched less than five years ago and has a 0-4-year model reliability score of two stars of less.

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Electric car reliability
Full hybrid reliability
Plug-in hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Diesel reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

General
Class	Compact/Small SUV
Luxury	No
Convertible	No
Availability	Available new
New price	£20,367 - £24,667
Fuel type	Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
Tested fuel efficiency	43.5 to 45.6mpg
Length	4,140mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,760mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	1,990 to 2,000mm
Height	1,505mm
Driver max height
Second-row passenger max height
Boot space with seats up
Boot space with seats down
Number of seats	5
Folding rear seats	Yes
Isofix attachments	Yes
Turning circle	11.25 m
On sale date	01 November 2017
Model years tested	2017 model + 2020 update tested
Lowest pence-per-mile cost	£13.37

Latest tested engine
Engine and trim name	1.0 T-GDI 120 48V-Mild-Hybrid GT Line DCT7
Fuel type	Mild-Petrol-Hybrid
Capacity and power	1-litre (120hp)
Transmission	7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Driven wheels	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity	45 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway (mpg)
Tested fuel economy: Combined (mpg)
Cost per mile	14p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£60
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
NOx level	Extremely Low (trace)
CO level	Medium
CO2 at tailpipe/tank-to-wheel (TTW) (g/km)	152
Official fuel economy: WLTP	49.6
Official Euro emission level	Euro 6d
Braked tow load (KG)	900kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	450kg
Engine test date	15 June 2021
Test programme	2017

Engine two
Engine and trim name	1.0 T-GDI Spirit
Fuel	Petrol
Capacity and power	1-litre (120hp)
Transmission	6-speed manual
Driven wheels	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity	45 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway
Tested fuel economy: combined mpg
Cost per mile	13.37p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£60
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
NOx level	Extremely Low (trace)
CO level	Medium
CO2 at tailpipe/tank-to-wheel (TTW) (g/km)	143
Official fuel economy: NEDC	56.5
Official Euro emission level	Euro 6b
Braked tow load (KG)	1110kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	450kg
Engine test date	04 December 2017
Car test programme	2017

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KiaStonic (2017-)

where to buy or sell