Feature article
Kia Stonic Review: Buying Guide
No one likes old-boring hatchbacks any longer. The Kia Stonic is the entry point to the brand's SUV line-up.
Last updated: 21 October 2024
The Kia Stonic is the entry point to the brand’s SUV line-up here in NZ. It's what they call a small SUV, it being based on the Rio hatchback. That model is no longer available here new, as no one likes boring old hatchbacks any longer.
Stonic slips in below Seltos in the Kia range, and rivals include the Hyundai Venue, Ford Puma and Toyota Yaris Cross.
How many Kia Stonic models are there?
There are four models to choose from, the SX being the entry point at $28,990, plus on road costs. For a bit extra, you can get a few more goodies in the LX-T which goes for $32,700 before stepping up to the GT-line at $33,200 or the GT-line Plus at $35,200. Like other Kia SUV models, the entry-level SX and LX-T can often be had on special deals which sees them retailing for $27k and $30k respectively.
Is the Kia Stonic a fuel efficient SUV?
It’s not bad, though hybrid models like the Ford Puma and Toyota Yaris Cross are better in this regard. All Stonic models use a 1.0-litre turbocharged triple mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission driving the front wheels. The engine makes 74kW while the torque tally of 172Nm is made low in the engine’s rev range for easy driving. Kia quotes a combined fuel use figure of 6.0L/100km with CO2 emissions of 139g/km.
What is the Stonic’s safety rating?
It has a five-star ANCAP score, but this dates back to 2017 (and is actually based on the Rio’s crash test data). The crash testing regime has become more stringent since then. In fact, this rating is set to expire at the end of 2024. However, all Stonic models feature the usual ABS and ESP and come with six airbags and a reversing camera. Active safety features include forward collision avoidance, a lane keep assist system and driver attention alert. The GT models benefit from adaptive cruise control while the GT-line Plus model alone gains blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
Is the Stonic well specified?
The SX rolls on 15-inch alloys; the rest of the range gains 17-inch wheels. The LX-T adds items like LED front fog lights, cloth and leather seat trim, climate control air con, rain sensing wipers and a few styling details that the SX misses out on.
All models have an eight-inch touchscreen which comes complete with CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition. The GT models gain a smart key, while only the GT-Line Plus has in-built sat nav.
Stonic is covered with a five-year/150,000km warranty, and also comes with five years of road side assistance.
How big is the Stonic?
Kia’s smallest SUV measures up at just under 4.2m long and is 1.7m wide. Being a small car, it has a good turning circle at just 10.2m. So it’s easy to park. With 183mm of ground clearance, this is not something you go off-roading in (being front-wheel drive only doesn’t help either) but that added height aids entry and exit for passengers.
It’s one of the more roomy small SUVs; in the back there’s decent enough leg- and headroom for the class. There are Isofix points for child seats too. Luggage space measures up at 332L, and with a 40/60 split folding rear seat, this can expand out to 1135L. You can even tow with your Stonic, rated at 900kg braked or 450 without trailer brakes.
Shop Kia Stonic listings on Trade Me Motors.
Author
Kyle has been reviewing cars since starting at NZ Autocar magazine in 2003 and has been editor since 2009. In that time he’s become an expert on what makes for a good vehicle while also gaining insights into the local automotive industry.
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