Summary
Kia’s long-serving Cerato is set for replacement soon, and the 2025 model year sees it holding onto an aging platform and interior – but also maintaining strong value. Its spacious cabin, generous boot, and affordable price keep it relevant in a dwindling field of small sedans, while Kia’s seven-year warranty remains a class standout.
However, the Cerato’s older design and modest powertrain tech (resulting in less-than-ideal fuel economy) can’t be ignored. If you want a conventional small car without the premium prices of a Hyundai i30 or Toyota Corolla, the Cerato still merits consideration – just be aware you’re buying a run-out model that’s competing with more modern rivals.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Smooth ride and reasonable handling
- Large, class-leading 502L boot (Sedan)
- Backed by Kia’s generous seven-year warranty
Cons
- Dated dash design and limited interior space for smaller items
- Some driver aids (e.g., forward collision-avoidance) can be overzealous
- Higher-than-expected fuel use
Specs
- Body Style: Small sedan or hatch
- Platform: Hyundai-Kia K2 platform
- Launched: Fourth-gen launched 2018, updated in 2021 for MY22+
- Engine Options:
2.0-litre petrol NA (112kW/192Nm, S, Sport, Sport+)
1.6-litre turbo (150kW/265Nm, GT)
2025 Kia Cerato Pricing
Kia Cerato S is priced at $27,060.
Pricing Information
Same pricing for Sedan or Hatch
Before on-road costs
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Find me a dealInterior & Features
A functional but dated cabin layout defines the Cerato. Cloth seats and hard plastics abound in entry-level S and Sport trims; Sport+ and GT bring partial or full leather upholstery plus extra tech.
Infotainment:
- 8.0-inch touchscreen in S/Sport w/ wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 10.25-inch touchscreen in Sport+ & GT (wired phone mirroring, navigation)
Seating & Trim:
- Base cloth => S, Sport
- Leather seats (heated front) => Sport+
- GT includes sports seats, LED lighting
Rear-seat space is adequate for two adults, and the sedan’s 502L boot is best in class. Hatch cargo sits at ~428L. A 60/40-split rear bench expands space for larger items.
Engine & Fuel Economy
- 2.0L NA petrol (112kW/192Nm), 6-speed auto in S/Sport/Sport+
- Official ~7.4L/100km, real-world can exceed 10.0L/100km in heavy city traffic
- 1.6L turbo (150kW/265Nm), 7-speed DCT in GT
- Official ~6.8L/100km, but spirited driving sees 8.0+ L/100km
- All Cerato engines require only 91 RON unleaded. Fuel tank is 50L.
Image Gallery
Expert Media Reviews
Score: 7.7 / 10
"The Cerato is finishing strong with roomy practicality, decent tech, and a polished drive, though it’s ready for a new generation."
Link: Read review
Safety Rating
The Kia Cerato carries mixed ANCAP scores due to varying safety equipment:
S & Sport (no Safety Pack): 4 stars (2019)
- Adult Occupant Prot: 90%
- Child Occupant Prot: 83%
- Vulnerable Road User Prot: 55%
- Safety Assist: 71%
Read the full report here.
S & Sport with Safety Pack, Sport+, GT: 5 stars (2019)
- Adult Occupant Prot: 90%
- Child Occupant Prot: 83%
- Vulnerable Road User Prot: 72%
- Safety Assist: 73%
Read the full report here.
Eco Rating
No official GreenNCAP rating for the Cerato. The 2.0-litre engine is older tech, real-world consumption can run higher if predominantly in city stop-start conditions.
The 1.6-litre turbo (GT) is more potent but can be efficient if driven gently.
Reliability Rating
Owner feedback is generally positive, averaging 4.1/5 over 61 reviews (~81% positive). Notable mechanical concerns haven’t been widespread.
Kia’s seven-year warranty and capped-price servicing add confidence.
Cost of Ownership
- Warranty: 7 years / unlimited km
- Roadside: 7 years
- Service Intervals: 12 months or 15,000km (2.0 NA), 12 months/10,000km (1.6T GT)
- Capped Price: 7 years => $2970 total (2.0L)
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Conclusion
On its farewell tour, the 2025 Kia Cerato remains a strong contender for drivers wanting an affordable yet practical small sedan or hatch. With class-leading boot space (Sedan), reliable if unremarkable engines, and competitive pricing, it still checks a lot of boxes. Kia’s seven-year warranty sweetens the deal for budget-conscious buyers.
However, newer rivals offer more advanced interiors, better efficiency, and higher-tech safety features. The Cerato’s dated infotainment (in base trims) and older design stand out as weaker points. Still, if your priorities include spaciousness, simplicity, and a long warranty at a decent price, the Cerato could be worth a look before it transitions to the next-gen K4.
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Dylan Anderson
