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Expert Rating

Kia Ceed

(2018 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

70
%
B

Used car score:

78
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

68
%
C

Safety Rating:

62
%
C

Eco Rating:

76
%
A

Reliability Rating:

97
%
A

Running Costs:

81
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

70
%
B

Used car score:

78
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

68
%
C

Safety Rating:

62
%
C

Eco Rating:

76
%
A

Reliability Rating:

97
%
A

Running Costs:

81
%
A

Summary


The Kia Ceed is a medium-sized family car, available as a five-door hatchback or estate (called the Sportswagon). The current model is the third generation and was launched in 2018.

The Ceed has received mostly positive scores from the UK motoring media, with the top-spec GT model generally scoring better than the rest of the range. The Ceed has been particularly praised for its value for money and driving dynamics, however prices get expensive quite quickly as you go up the range to the GT.

There is a sleeker, sportier estate vehicle called the ProCeed and a crossover-style vehicle called the XCeed. We have separate pages for both of these models.

As of December 2024, the Kia Ceed has a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 68%. It scores top marks for its excellent reliability record, low running costs and low CO2 emissions. But its safety rating and media review scores are only average.

Key specifications


Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £22,545 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: –
Update due: Autumn 2021


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Business Car

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mail

+

Evo

+

Green Car Guide

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: July 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 52%
Safety assist: 68%

Note on safety

The Kia Ceed 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


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the Kia Ceed has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating


Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Kia Ceed has an excellent reliability score of 85%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both the current and previous generations, which is good news if you are considering a used Kia Ceed.

The only caveat is that this score is based on relatively few cars, with a total of only 36 claims to date. By comparison, the Vauxhall Corsa also has a lower score but is based on more than 220 claims, so the data is more reliable.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Ceed has received

2022

  • UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Small Hatch
  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Small Family Car

2021

  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Small Family Car

2019

  • Intelligent Instructor Awards – Car of the Year
  • Red Dot Awards – Product Design
  • iF Awards – Product Design

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Kia Ceed, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Citroën C4 | Citroën C4 Cactus | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Mazda 3 | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | Renault MeganeSEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Suzuki SwaceToyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf


More news, reviews and information about the Kia Ceed at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Kia

Everything you need to know about Kia

Honda Jazz named the UK’s most reliable used car

Honda Jazz named the UK’s most reliable used car

Kia Ceed range gets plug-in hybrid power

Kia Ceed range gets plug-in hybrid power

Kia XCeed crossover pricing confirmed

Kia XCeed crossover pricing confirmed

Crossover to become fourth Kia Ceed variant

Crossover to become fourth Kia Ceed variant

Pricing and specs announced for trio of sporty new Kia models

Pricing and specs announced for trio of sporty new Kia models

Paris debut for Kia Ceed GT variant

Paris debut for Kia Ceed GT variant

Kia Ceed review

Kia Ceed review

First look – the real Geneva show stars

First look – the real Geneva show stars

Geneva debutant Kia Ceed revealed

Geneva debutant Kia Ceed revealed

New Kia Ceed to debut at Geneva Show

New Kia Ceed to debut at Geneva Show

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The Kia Ceed has received positive scores from the UK media, with the top-spec GT model generally scoring better than the rest of the range.Kia Ceed