Should you buy a Kia XCeed?

The Kia XCeed has always been a well-rounded family crossover and the 2022 facelift model only improved the formula. It’s a shame the engine range has been reduced to a single option, but speaking generally, this car is spacious, practical, economical (for a 1.5-litre petrol) and absolutely rammed to the gunnels with standard kit. The latest styling make the XCeed look sharper, while the GT-Line trims adds some extra kerb appeal.

Looking at it from a more sensible perspective, though, we’re not sure the XCeed makes much sense when compared with the Ceed Sportswagon and Proceed Shooting Brake. The estates share the same platform and technology, but they have more space inside and bigger boots. It’s classic case of form over function, so our advice is to pick the Ceed that suits the amount of stuff you need to carry.

And it you’re determined to stick with an SUV, this is a fiercely fought sector of the market. Our list of the best family SUVs – not to mention the best SUVs overall – provide plenty of food for thought, and should be carefully considered before you take the plunge on this slightly oddball enhanced-hatchback of a Kia.

What we like

The interior is a nice place to be. It’s well-trimmed, it’s comfortable, it’s quiet and Kia’s 10.25-inch infotainment system look great and is easy to operate. There’s also a surprising amount of space, with lots of legroom in the back and one of the largest boots in its class. We appreciate the comfortable ride quality, too.

What we don’t like

The driving experience leaves a little to be desired, and there are certainly more exciting options on the market from this perspective. The jumped-up hatchback trend has rather fallen by the wayside, with most buyers preferring a more definite SUV style these days. The lack of engine options limits the XCeed’s appeal as well.