already warned KIA at the launch of the new Kia ceed: "We are going to create one of the largest families on the market." And so it has been. The KIA Xceed is the spitting image of it. Launched in 2019, and minimally updated in the summer of 2022, this compact crossover enters a market where few rivals sail. Its appearance is more compact than SUV, but even so, it has that image that so many people now seek and desire.
We have tested this car:
Test Kia XCeed 1.6 CRDi MHEV 136 CV GT Line (with video)KIA knows that the XCeed is one of its star models for several reasons. The first is because its measurements include it in the competitive C-SUV segment. It goes without saying the immense popularity of this market niche, the most important in Europe. The Korean brand itself knows this well, where it already participates with another of its best sellers, the KIA Sportage.
Such is the importance of this model that the Asian giant has made coincide their arrival with that of new avant-garde solutions. Digital instrument panel and plug-in hybrid versions are the most striking. Everything so that its buyers are the first to have elements that the rest of its brothers in the fleet cannot even contemplate. It is always said that the flagship of a brand is its largest model, but in this case KIA has opted for the XCeed.
Technical characteristics of the KIA XCeed
You don't have to have a very trained eye or be an expert to realize that the KIA XCeed has a lot to do with the Ceed. The compact is the donor of most components of the crossover. The platform is the same in both cases, measure for measure. The wheelbase, 2,65 meters long, is exactly the same for both models. But instead the exterior measurements are slightly altered so that the XCeed has a very characteristic image.
It could be defined as a crossover coupé without fear of making a big mistake. Its C-pillar is wider than normal with intention, thanks to this a more progressive fall is achieved and not as cut as in the case of the compact. Hence, the most differentiated form between the Ceed and the KIA XCeed is the rear. To all this, the compact camper adds typical elements such as black plastics in wheel arches and underbody, as well as various chrome elements that soften the general appearance of the car.
If we talk about measurements, it must be said that the XCeed is significantly larger than its compact brother, but despite this, we remain in very compact figures. 4,39 meters long, 1,83 meters wide and 1,48 meters high. Thanks to that raised suspension we have a ground clearance of 17,2 centimeters. Nothing exaggerated but enough to enter areas of not excessive complexity. In terms of load volume, its larger size pleases you with a minimum capacity of 426 liters (291 for the plug-in hybrid) and a maximum capacity of 1.378.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the KIA XCeed

Below we find a wide range of mechanics, updated in the summer of 2022 as a result of its restyling. That caveat is plug-in hybrid solution which makes an appearance in the spring of 2020. It is a 1.6 T-GDI gasoline engine that is coupled with an 8,9 kWh battery and a 44,5 kW engine. The whole set generates a maximum of 141 hp and 265 Nm of maximum torque, with a maximum electric range of 48 kilometers, which allows it to offer the DGT ZERO label.
Within the standard combustion engine range, we have only two gasoline engines with no diesel options. In terms of power, the entry-level model is known as XCeed 1.0 T-GDI. This is a one-liter, three-cylinder engine that delivers 100 horsepower without power assistance.In Spain, it receives a C label from the DGT (Directorate of Traffic). All-wheel drive options are not available. Engine power is always sent to the front axle.
In August 2024, the date of the last update suffered by the XCeed, an MHEV variant with an ECO label from the DGT will be added. It is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 1.5 liters that develops 140 horsepower and 253 Nm of torquer. As standard, it is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, but a seven-speed dual-clutch unit can be added as an option.
Equipment of the KIA XCeed

As always, KIA is committed to offering a lot of equipment at a contained price. The XCeed range is structured in four trim levels: Drive, Tech, GT-Line and Emotion. The jump between them only affects the equipment load and the mechanical versions they can mount. At an aesthetic level there are no differences between them since the appearance is always the same. We can only choose between a maximum of 10 different shades for the bodywork.
As for its standard endowment the KIA XCeed arrives with equipment without fanfare but enough. The Concept finish features LED headlights, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist and a five-inch touchscreen multimedia system. Jumping to the top finish we see big differences in terms of equipment load. Elements such as the digital instrument panel with a 12,3-inch screen, a multimedia equipment with a 10,25-inch panel, an induction charger, connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a sunroof and keyless entry and start, among other solutions, stand out. .
All this is collected in an interior that, as usual in the Korean house, presents a great sensation of quality. Unlike the first KIA models that arrived in Europe, the current ones look well-finished surfaces with soft materials and correct fits. Upholstery can be fabric or mixed with leather. At this point, the gap that has always separated them from European models is narrowing, something that raises the price-product ratio of KIA models.
Test KIA XCeed on video
The KIA XCeed according to Euro NCAP
To date, the Euro NCAP safety tests pay special attention to driving assistants. Having more or less technological security load allows you to win or lose valuation. In the case of the KIA XCeed, the tests qualify it with a four stars out of five for access versions, and five stars for versions with extended security pack. In this way the access models, Concept and Drive, receive a worse score than their superior brothers Tech and Emotion. These valuations remain in effect after the 2022 renewal.
The KIA XCeed of Km 0 and second hand
In a short time the XCeed has managed to attract a large number of customers. Its mechanical versatility and its attractive design, as well as the excellent price-product ratio, have caused a high number of sales, many of them being diverted to alternative sales channels, where it is shown to be a very popular model with a varied offer. In them it can be verified thatThe depreciation of the model is standard, around 21%, standing in the middle of the segment.
If we take a look at the used market we see the many units for sale. All of them stand out for their low mileage and their little age. The cheapest models have prices around 18.000 euros. The Km 0 channel is also very noticeable. Dealers accumulate stock due to the high number of sales. In it we discover that the price differences are not very large compared to factory models. The minimum is 18.500 euros.
Rivals of the KIA XCeed

Like we have already said, the KIA XCeed enters a field barely explored by the market. We could define it as a compact crossover due to its slight increase in height and its aesthetic change. Although there are not many, the most direct rivals of the Korean are: Mazda CX-30, CUPRA Formentor, Audi Q3 Sportback y Renault arkana. To them we can add other units such as KIA Sonic, or any compact on the market, such as: Ford Focus, SEAT Leon, Hyundai i30 and many more. All of them similar in size and price.
Highlight
- price-output ratio
- Equipment
- Designer
To improve
- Digital instrument cluster
- Little customization
- No 4×4 versions
KIA XCeed Prices
The range of the KIA XCeed is almost complete. Waiting for the most efficient versions of the range, plug-in hybrids and Mild Hybrid, the current range is made up solely of combustion mechanics. That added to the four trim levels leaves us with the Starting price of the KIA XCeed is 27.715 euros No offers or promotions. The top of the range is the XCeed 1.6 PHEV with a ZERO label and 141 hp. Its minimum price starts at 40.240 euros, excluding promotions.
