Updated Kia Stonic gets new lower price and refreshed styling
A mid-life facelift to the Kia Stonic has given it a makeover inside and out, as well as a power boost...
On sale 2026 Price from £21,795
If variety is the spice of life, then Kia is really upping the levels of Korean chilli sauce in its lineup, offering a wide range of both combustion-engined and fully electric vehicles. The latest addition is the new Kia Stonic; while it’s not a new car (having been on our roads since 2017), it has received a significant facelift to keep it hotly competitive with other small SUVs on the market – of which there are many.
Indeed, the Stonic has received a mid-life facelift that has brought updates to its styling, tech and power options. As a small SUV, it sits in between the Kia Picanto and Kia Niro in the firm’s combustion-engined lineup.
In terms of power, the new Stonic keeps the same 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine from the outgoing unit, with an unchanged power output of 98bhp in entry-level versions.
However, when you opt for GT-Line trim and above, that unit will be assisted by mild hybrid (MHEV) tech, which ups the power output to 113bhp and puts it in line with the mid-range Skoda Kamiq. Previously, MHEV versions of the Stonic only pumped out the same 98bhp as regular versions, so buyers of higher-spec variants will be able to enjoy a small power boost.
Both of those power options come with the choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed automatic alternative.
Where the Stonic’s update is arguably most visible, though, is in its new look. Its front end has been redesigned with razor-thin headlights to bring it in line with newer Kia models like the EV3 and EV9, and it’ll receive new 16in or 17in alloy wheels, depending on the trim level.
While the rear has been slightly redesigned too, with new lights and a restyled bumper, boot space remains the same at 352 litres – which means it’s still less practical than rivals like the Seat Arona and Skoda Kamiq. We also found interior space was unchanged compared with the previous version, so rear legroom is still quite tight, but it’s comfortable enough up front.
Inside, top-spec models receive dual 12.3in driver’s display and infotainment screens, which form a single unit spanning the dashboard, much like in the new Sportage. Lower-spec models get a smaller 4.2in driver’s display alongside the larger infotainment screen.
Kia has done away with the Stonic’s old physical climate dials and replaced them with a climate control screen below the central touchscreen, like the one in the new Sportage. In that model, we found it to be more fiddly to operate than rivals which have physical buttons, but it’s still easier to use than if the climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen instead.
There are two new steering wheel designs; which one you get depends on the trim level you opt for. With entry-level models, you get a two-spoke design, while higher-spec models receive a three-spoke variant. The centre console and gearstick have also been redesigned with a slightly more modern, simplistic look.
The new Stonic has received a new streamlined trim lineup with just three options instead of the previous four: Pure, GT-Line and GT-Line S. This will bring it in line with the other models in Kia’s lineup.
Entry-level Pure trim is available exclusively with the entry-level 98bhp engine. It comes with 16in alloy wheels, halogen headlights and rear lights, LED daytime-running lights, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, cruise control, a reversing camera, manual air conditioning and a six-speaker audio system.
Stepping up to GT-Line trim gets you larger 17in alloy wheels, LED headlights and rear lights, the three-spoke steering wheel design, rear privacy glass, some faux leather materials inside and automatic air-con.
Range-topping GT-Line S trim adds a sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, the 12.3in driver's display, wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.
Prices for the Stonic will start at £21,795 – cheaper than the outgoing model, as well as rivals like the Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq. However, a Seat Arona would still be a cheaper purchase.
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