Overview

While the Kia XCeed may look like little more than a conventional Ceed family hatchback with raised ride height and black plastic body cladding at first glance, its careful targeting of small SUV buyers means the only body panels the two cars share are the front doors. Combining aspirational offroad lifestyle allure with a swooping coupe-like roofline and generally sporty demeanour, the XCeed clearly hits the spot for some customers, as it’s typically the best-selling variant in the entire Kia Ceed line-up.

Following a thorough facelifted in 2022, Kia gave the XCeed another minor overhaul in 2024, this time to simplify the offering to UK buyers. This means a selection of four well-equipped trim levels, but a potentially disappointing reduction to just one engine choice. The 1.5-litre T-GDI petrol engine that remains is, however, available with a choice of six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, depending on spec.

Size-wise, the XCeed sits between the larger Kia Sportage and the smaller Kia Stonic, both or which are more conventional SUVs. It’s similar in dimensions to the Kia Niro – yet another SUV – but while that car’s square silhouette and exclusively hybrid or electric drivetrains mark it out as the sensible and efficient member of the family, the XCeed is apparently trying to offer a bit more kerb appeal. It’s billed as the ‘sporty alternative to a traditional SUV’ on that basis.

Style-led and sporty crossovers are nothing new, though, and the XCeed has plenty of other jacked-up family cars with which to compete. The Toyota C-HR, Volkswagen T-Roc and Ford Puma all aim for a similar area of the market. If that wasn’t complicated enough, there are two more Ceed-based variants from within Kia’s stable, the Sportswagon estate and Proceed Shooting Brake. The brand certainly isn’t short of choice in this area of the market.

The four XCeed trim levels are labelled: 2, GT-Line, 3, and GT-Line S. A touch mindboggling, but it makes more sense when you learn we don’t get a truly entry-level version in the UK. Standard equipment is generous throughout, with all models getting a 10.25-inch infotainment system, stacks of safety kit, LED lights, and seven years of Kia’s connected services to match the length of the warranty.

The 1.5-litre petrol engine uses a turbocharger to achieve 140bhp and is reasonably fuel efficient with acceptable CO2 figures. Prices start at £24,610 at the time of writing (April 2025), delivering good if not outstanding value for money versus the competition. The only factory option is premium paint.

Over the next few pages, we’ll review every aspect of the Kia XCeed, covering its practicality, interior layout, technology, running costs and driving experience before offering our final verdict on the car. So get clicking straight away of check out how we test cars to see why you should trust our expertise.