Name: Kia Stonic (2017 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Kia Stonic
Rating: 57.0

Summary

The Kia Stonic is a small SUV/crossover based on the Kia Rio hatchback. It was launched in late 2017 and is the smallest crossover in the Kia range.

The Stonic has received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, with an overall Expert Rating that puts it in the midfield of its class.

One of the reasons for an abnormally high variation in scores is the Stonic’s safety rating. The entry-level models only received a three-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, while the top-end models get more safety kit (optional on the base models) and score five stars. Some sources penalise this more than others, so the Stonic gets a four-star rating from one consumer-focused title yet a “Don’t Buy” recommendation from another…

Other than stiffing buyers of the base models when it comes to safety, the Kia Stonic generally gets praised for its driving dynamics and Kia’s standard seven-year warranty. However, it is criticised for poor boot space and not being as good as the Kia Rio hatchback it’s based on.

The diesel engine version has been discontinued along the way, in line with the world’s overwhelming rejection of diesel power. Now the only engine available is a petrol unit, either with or without mild hybrid assistance.

As of December 2024, the Kia Stonic has a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 57%. It scores top marks for its low CO₂ emissions and running costs, but its safety score and media review scores are very poor.

More Kia Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol (with or without mild hybrid assistance)
Price: From £20,100 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2017
Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

The Car Expert+

Score: 6.4 / 10
“The Kia Stonic is an easy car to live with, but doesn’t stand out from its rivals in any significant areas.”
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Kia Stonic is a decent small crossover, but its rivals have it beaten for style, space and efficiency.” (Ellis Hyde)
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“You’re spoiled for choice in the small SUV sector, the Kia Stonic playing for your attention through a combination of sharp looks, generous equipment and an enjoyable driving experience. These are all appealing, but if you want comfort or a more premium feel you may be better served elsewhere.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“In terms of a mild hybrid comparison in this segment, the obvious choice is the Ford Puma, and on a cost basis the Stonic actually comes out slightly ahead, being cheaper to buy and sitting one company car tax BIK band lower in comparable spec. However, the Puma does remain the more appealing package overall.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s a likeable little package that does its job easily as well, if not better, than the vast swathes of rivals it has to contend with. While it’s a little staid in isolation, taken in context it’s a good effort to build a car that a lot of people want to buy.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The Kia Stonic is competent rather than compelling and it’s hard to justify paying the extra over the Kia Rio on which it’s based.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Kia Stonic is an affordable small SUV with funky looks and an industry-leading warranty, but alternatives are roomier and have posher-feeling interiors.”
Read review

Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual First Edition
Score: 7.1 / 10
“The Kia Stonic just lacks that little something extra to make it a logical option. It’s decent in most areas, but the poor ride and small boot count against it.”
Read review

Green Car Guide+

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual First Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Stonic is good to drive, practical, and interesting, but of course you pay a premium for a small SUV over a boring hatchback”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The decision to choose the Kia Stonic over a SEAT Arona or Mazda CX-3 will very much depend on expectation. For those in need of an affordable crossover with a huge warranty and low life costs, the Stonic will be something of a long-term bargain. “
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Looks like an off-roader, drives like a sporty hatchback”
Read review

The Sun+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Good looking, punchy engines, clever technology and great value for money”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Kia Stonic enters a crowded marketplace as one of the better handling compact SUVs, plus of course the firm’s excellent seven-year warranty. However, its pricing is pretty punchy, it has a firmer ride than many rivals and isn’t quite as spacious as the best in class.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Better to drive than most small crossovers, but as hamstrung as its rivals for boot size”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 72%

Note on safety rating

The Kia Stonic is currently available in four trim specifications in the UK. The two lower-spec models have a more basic safety specification than the higher-spec models, and received a three-star score from Euro NCAP. The more expensive models have additional active safety (accident avoidance) equipment, which gives them a five-star rating.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

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

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of December 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Kia Stonic to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Stonic, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	50 mpg	B	46 – 51 mpg	B – C
Diesel models	57 mpg	B	57 – 57 mpg	B – B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	129 g/km	A	125 – 138 g/km	A – B
Diesel models	130 g/km	A	130 – 130 g/km	A – A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	9	A	8 – 14	A – A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£131	A
Year 2	£429	A
Year 3	£706	A
Year 4	£902	A
Year 5	£1,209	A
Overall	£3,377	A

The Kia Stonic is a pretty affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Diesels will always be the more fuel efficient choice, but petrol models also offer decent fuel economy. Insurance premiums are low, and service and maintenance costs over the course of five years of ownership should be excellent too.