The Kia XCeed was unveiled in September 2019 as a crossover SUV based on the third generation Kia Ceed hatchback. Kia's marketing positions the XCeed as a vehicle that delivers "impressive functionality, along with all the things that matter most," a promise further underscored by its assertive design that "demands to be noticed.
In 2020 it received the Car Design Award at the Red Dot Awards and the Product Design Award at the iF Design Awards. These awards served as a testament to the XCeed's successful fusion of form and function, solidifying its reputation as a sleek and sporty crossover vehicle that resonated with both critics and consumers.
Read on to examine how well it delivers on Kia's promises, assessing its ability to cater to the demands of modern drivers seeking a versatile and stylish crossover that stands out from the crowd.
The Kia XCeed uses the K2 platform from Hyundai Motor Group, who owns Kia, which is also the basis for other models such as the Hyundai i20, Kia Rio, and the other Ceed family models.
The exterior of the Kia XCeed is bold and eye-catching with striking sporty elements all around. This includes the dramatic rear styling, which is emphasised by the slightly higher suspension that the XCeed offers against the Ceed hatchback, the thick rear pillars, and new diffuser which features a glossy black skid plate.
The GT-Line exterior styling adds an extra flair to the XCeed. Honeycomb designed rear LED lights, black side sills, a gloss black and chrome radiator grille, chrome front and rear skid plates, chrome window surround, and the gloss black roof rails all enhance the sporty characteristic that the Kia XCeed already shows.
Elsewhere there is rear privacy glass and a rear spoiler but on the top trim models you'll also have a sunroof which has tilting and sliding functionality as well as an electric blind.
The interior of the Kia XCeed will be familiar to those who have previously driven a Kia Ceed hatchback, but if you haven't it's well presented, easy to find your way around, and very comfortable.
All models come with a 10.25 inch touchscreen satellite navigation system in the centre of the front console which is also home to Apple Carplay and Android Auto if you'd prefer to use the sat nav and entertainment features from your phone, which can also be charged wirelessly in top trim levels.
There's also a 4.2 inch or 12.3 inch (model dependent) driver display screen which allows you to look at vehicle settings or driving information, whichever is your preference, at a glance.
Premium materials are used throughout the cabin but are most apparent on the GT-Line S models which has black leather and suede seat upholstery which is paired with the leather trimmed steering wheel and artificial leather gearshift.
Elsewhere around the cabin you'll find a JBL Premium sound system comprised of eight speakers and advanced Clari-Fi music restoration technology. It delivers premium and high-quality sound whether you're listening to your favourite playlist, a podcast, or local radio station.
The driver and front passenger are able to enjoy electric lumbar support and heated seats whilst the driver can also use power adjustment to get into the right position for the drive. The steering wheel also offers tilt and telescopic adjustment, allowing you to position it perfectly for you every drive.
Passenger space in the rear space is more than ample for those reaching six feet tall thanks to the slight increase in length that the XCeed has over the regular Ceed hatchback. There are isofix points on the outer rear seats and these are also heated in higher trim levels.
With all five seats in use you'll be able to use 426 litres of boot space but this opens up to 1378 litres with the rear seats folded down. Most trim levels offer standard 40:60 split seats but the top spec GT-Line S offers 20:40:20 flat folded rear seats which allows you to utilise the rear space even better to your needs. This is arguably more flexible than a height adjustable boot floor although does mean that you sacrifice a passenger seat to use it.
Storage space inside the cabin comes from the door bins, pockets on the backs of the front seats, and storage bin between the front seats, plenty of places to store cables and other items you keep handy in your car.
The Kia XCeed has just one engine option available: a 1.5 turbocharged gasoline direct injection (T-GDi) engine, which is known for its fuel efficiency and performance. It's offered in both 6 speed manual transmission and 7 speed automatic transmission, both front wheel drive.
Both options offer 138 bhp and 253Nm of torque and CO2 emissions come in at 142g/km for most variations. Kia notes that the 16 inch alloy wheels bring this down to 137g/km and the 18 inch alloy wheels on the GT-Line S model increase slightly to 144g/km.
Similarly, there is a difference in combined fuel consumption figures for whichever model you choose. Most will give you 44.8mpg combined whilst the manual transmission with 16 inch alloys gives you a slightly more efficient output at 46.3mpg.
It's worth noting that the Kia XCeed, like other cars in the Ceed family, doesn't currently offer a hybrid or plug in hybrid variant. For company car drivers, Kia offers a tax calculator for their models on their website, allowing you to figure out if it's a suitable option for you ahead of purchasing.
The Kia XCeed has four trim levels available: 2, 3, GT-Line, and GT-Line S.
The entry level 2 model offers a comprehensive set of features, including: 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, and rear LED lighting for improved visibility. Exterior enhancements include silver roof rails and a rear spoiler. The interior is designed for comfort and connectivity, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and a 4.2-inch driver display. Manual air conditioning and a leather steering wheel provide a comfortable driving experience. Safety is prioritized with rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, and Kia Connect Services are included for 7 years.
The 3 model builds upon the base features with several key enhancements. Visually, it adds 18-inch alloy wheels and LED front fog lights. Comfort is elevated with heated front seats and steering wheel, electric lumbar support for both front seats, and automatic dual zone climate control with a defog system. Practicality is improved with electrically adjustable, folding, and heated door mirrors (including a wide-view driver's side), rear privacy glass, and rain-sensing wipers. Keyless entry with a start/stop button and an auto-dimming rear view mirror further enhance the driving experience.
Building upon the 3 model, the GT-Line adds a touch of sportiness through its unique styling. Exterior enhancements include a gloss black and dark chrome radiator grille, LED rear lights with a honeycomb design and sequential indicators, and gloss black door mirrors. Body-coloured side sill inserts, chrome skid plates, a chrome window surround, and gloss black roof rails further enhance its dynamic appearance. Inside, GT-Line specific styling and alloy pedals complete the sporty transformation.
The top spec GT-Line S model has a combination of the features of the 3 and the styling of the GT-Line but additionally offers a sunroof with tilting and sliding function and an electric blind, outer heated rear seats, electric driver's seat adjustment with memory function, a smart power tailgate, 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, a 12.3 inch driver display screen, 8-Speaker JBL Premium sound system, wireless phone charger, and front and rear parking sensors.
The Kia XCeed has a four star safety rating from Euro NCAP when equipped with standard equipment but is raised to five stars when a safety pack is fitted, which are likely the additional driver assistance systems that are added to top trim levels. It shares its rating with all other models in the Kia Ceed family and falls in line with the ratings for the new Renault 5 and the Peugeot 408.
When tested with the additional features, the Kia XCeed is on par with other small family cars such as the Ford Focus Active, CUPRA Leon, Volkswagen Golf, and MG 4 Electric.
Standard safety features include ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and automatic emergency braking, electronic stability control and vehicle stability management, forward collision avoidance assist, intelligent stop and go, and lane keep assist. Additional driver assistance systems include blind spot collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning, and rear cross-collision assist.
Kia also offers a seven year manufacturing warranty on all new cars which has unlimited mileage for the first 36 months and then capped at 100,000 miles for months 37-84. This is much more comprehensive than many other manufacturers, highlighting Kia's pride and confidence in their products.
At time of writing, the Kia XCeed starts at £23,340 and increase to £31,915 for the top trim level. There are options that you can add on to your chosen model such as premium paint colours or upgraded alloys but these will increase the price accordingly.
Looking at similar models; the Ford Focus starts at £28,500, the Mazda CX-30 starts at £25,865, and the Skoda Kamiq starts at £24,755. The Kia XCeed is well priced in its segment and offers excellent equipment and styling options across its range.
The Kia XCeed is the perfect model for those looking for something a little more robust than a normal hatchback but don't need to switch into an SUV. It successfully blends hatchback agility with crossover practicality, delivering a stylish and versatile driving experience. Its award-winning design, comfortable interior, and user-friendly technology make it a compelling choice in the competitive compact crossover segment.
Offering a range of efficient engines and trim levels, the XCeed caters to diverse needs, balancing everyday usability with a touch of sporty flair. While facing strong competition, its well-rounded package and competitive pricing position it as a worthy contender for those seeking a distinctive and capable urban SUV.
For more information about the Kia XCeed, to book a test drive, or to discuss your options for purchasing, please contact John Clark Kia Peterhead. The team are always available to answer your questions and help you find your next car!
