Kia’s Updated Compact SUV Is Eager for You to Perceive It as Electric | Carscoops
The Kia Stonic has undergone a significant facelift, drawing design inspiration from the brand’s latest electric vehicles.
With this update, the Stonic adopts Kia’s newest design language, giving it a more angular and modern appearance.
Inside, the SUV features updated technology and new amenities.
It is powered by a 1.0L turbo engine available in both gasoline and mild-hybrid variants.
Despite the crowded subcompact SUV market, the Kia Stonic has remained competitive since its debut in 2017. To enhance its appeal among newer competitors, Kia’s recent facelift introduces a bolder exterior, a revamped interior, and advanced technology to ensure its continued relevance.
While the Stonic had a facelift in 2020 with minor adjustments, the 2025 updates are more ambitious, aligning the SUV with Kia’s latest design ethos and its newer electric models.
Sharper Aesthetics
The front end showcases sleeker headlights with modern LED features and a more narrow grille, accompanied by a completely redesigned bumper. In the GT-Line variant, it adopts a sportier aesthetic with more aggressive air intakes framed by an aluminum-style skid plate.
The side profile remains largely unchanged but features new alloy wheel designs with diameters of 16 and 17 inches. Additionally, Kia has refreshed the color options, now including Adventurous Green and Yacht Blue. At the rear, the Stonic presents C-shaped LED lights that stretch across the refined tailgate and a revamped bumper.
These new bumpers have led to a 65 mm (2.6 inches) increase in length compared to the previous model, but the Stonic still boasts one of the most compact dimensions in the B-SUV segment, measuring 4,165 mm (164 inches) long.
Modernized Interior
The cabin has been completely redesigned, with a new dashboard featuring a dual 12.3-inch digital display setup. Traditional physical climate controls have been replaced, with air conditioning adjustments now managed through a central touchscreen. Additional updates include a new steering wheel, ambient lighting, wireless charging capability, and USB-C ports. The boot capacity remains unchanged at 352 liters (12.4 cubic feet).
The small SUV also incorporates connected car technology and a more comprehensive advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which includes navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, and Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Safe Exit Warning.
Powertrain Options
The Stonic continues to utilize the platform of the now-retired Rio hatchback. It is equipped solely with a turbocharged 1.0-liter T-GDI three-cylinder gasoline engine, available in both standard and mild-hybrid configurations. Depending on the setup, it produces either 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS) or 113 hp (85 kW / 115 PS). Power is sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Kia is anticipated to announce details regarding the availability of the updated Stonic in Europe, Australia, and other regions shortly.
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