The Kia Stonic receives a comprehensive facelift with styling cues inspired by the brand’s latest EVs
- Facelifted Stonic adopts Kia’s latest design language with sharper looks.
- The small SUV gains modern tech and new features inside the cabin.
- Power comes from a 1.0L turbo engine in gasoline and mild-hybrid forms.
The subcompact SUV space is crowded, yet the Kia Stonic has managed to stay in the mix since 2017. To keep it appealing in a market filled with newer rivals, Kia’s latest facelift gives the model a sharper look, an overhauled cabin, and more tech aimed at keeping it relevant.
The Stonic did undergo a facelift in 2020, though the tweaks were relatively modest. For 2025, the updates are more ambitious, bringing the SUV in line with Kia’s latest design direction and its newer EV models.
Sharper Details Outside
The front end now features slimmer headlights with modern LED elements alongside a narrower grille, while the bumper has been completely redesigned. In GT-Line trim, it takes on a sportier look with more aggressive intakes framed by an aluminum-style skid plate
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The profile is largely carried over but gains new designs for the alloy wheels measuring 16 and 17 inches in diameter. Kia designers have also updated the color palette with the addition of Adventurous Green and Yacht Blue. At the rear, the Stonic has gained C-shaped LEDs extending on the cleaner tailgate, and a redesigned bumper.
The new bumpers have resulted in a 65 mm (2.6 inches) increase in length compared to its predecessor. Still, the Stonic retains one of the most compact footprints in the B-SUV segment, measuring 4,165 mm (164 inches) long.
Kia Stonic GT-Line
A Modernized Cabin
The interior has been overhauled with a redesigned dashboard and a new digital cockpit comprising dual 12.3-inch screens. The physical climate controls are gone and the A/C can now be operated through the central touchscreen. Other changes include a new steering wheel, ambient lighting, a wireless charging pad, and USB-C ports. The boot capacity remains the same at 352 lt (12.4 cubic feet).
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The small SUV also benefits from connected car features and a more generous ADAS suite including navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, and Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Safe Exit Warning.
Powertrain Choices
Underneath, the Stonic continues on the platform of the now-discontinued Rio hatchback. It is offered solely with a turbocharged 1.0-liter T-GDI three-cylinder gasoline engine, available in both standard and mild-hybrid forms. Output stands at 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS) or 113 hp (85 kW / 115 PS), depending on configuration. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Kia is expected to announce availability details for the facelifted Stonic in Europe, Australia, and other markets soon.
Kia Stonic