Explore 2025 Kia Stonic Reviews - CarExpert, Drive

The 2025 Kia Stonic offers a new turbocharged engine and enhanced features across all models. It’s competitively priced with added safety tech, making it a strong option in the compact SUV market. However, the expiring safety rating and limited interior space could be drawbacks.

Explore 2025 Kia Stonic Reviews - CarExpert, Drive
2025 Kia Stonic Review

The 2025 Kia Stonic has undergone significant upgrades, including an all-turbo lineup and enhanced standard features across all variants. This review compiles insights from CarExpert and Drive, focusing on the key updates, pricing, and overall value offered by this compact SUV.

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Overall Comparative Rating

Pricing

The 2025 Kia Stonic lineup starts at $25,460 for the entry-level S variant, with the Sport priced at $28,590 and the GT-Line at $31,780. Nationwide drive-away pricing is available for all models.

Model Price before on-road costs Driveaway
2025 Kia Stonic S $25,460 (+$1670 to $3170) $27,740
2025 Kia Stonic Sport $28,590 (+$1800 to $3300) $30,340
2025 Kia Stonic GT-Line $31,780 (+$990) $33,540
2025 Kia Stonic GT-Line $31,780 (+$990) $33,540

Specs Overview

  • Engine: Turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder
  • Power: 74 kW @ 4500-6000 rpm
  • Torque: 172 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm
  • Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
  • Drive Type: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
  • Fuel Efficiency: 5.4L/100km (claimed)
  • CO₂ Emissions: 125 g/km

Car Features

Standard Equipment - Kia Stonic S:

  • 15-inch alloy wheels (NEW)
  • Space saver spare wheel
  • Auto idle stop-start
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Six-way manual driver’s seat adjustment
  • Heated, electric-folding side mirrors (NEW)
  • Roof rails
  • Digital instrument cluster
  • 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Front USB charging port
  • Manual air-conditioning

Sport Adds:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Front fog lights
  • Push-button start
  • Rear privacy glass (NEW)
  • Front center console armrest
  • Rain-sensing windscreen wipers (NEW)
  • Premium shift knob and steering wheel
  • 2x USB charging ports
  • Satellite navigation
  • DAB+ digital radio
  • Single-zone climate control (NEW)
  • Auto window defogger

GT-Line Adds:

  • GT-Line package, body kit, radiator grille, rear diffuser, black side mirrors
  • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
  • LED daytime running lights, LED bi-function headlights, LED front fog lights, LED taillights (NEW)
  • Premium seats, heated front seats (NEW)
  • Sunroof, sports steering wheel, alloy sports pedals, carbon-fibre look dash fascia

Colours Available:

  • Clear White (Standard)
  • Snow White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Astro Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Signal Red, Sporty Blue, Honeybee (All $520 premium)
2025 Kia Stonic Review
2025 Kia Stonic Review

Servicing and Warranty

The 2025 Kia Stonic is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000 km, with a total service cost of $3357 over seven years.


Pros/Cons

Pros:

Turbocharged Performance: The new 1.0-litre turbo engine adds more power and efficiency.
Enhanced Standard Features: More features across all variants, including safety and convenience upgrades.
Competitive Pricing: Despite the upgrades, the Stonic remains competitively priced.

Cons:

Interior Space: As a compact SUV, interior space may feel limited for some buyers.
Expiring Safety Rating: The ANCAP safety rating is due to expire in 2025, which could impact its appeal.

Reviewer’s Roundup

CarExpert

Summary: CarExpert highlights the improved powertrain and added features, noting that the Stonic remains a strong contender in the compact SUV market.

Pros:

  • Upgraded turbo engine
  • Enhanced standard equipment

Cons:

  • Interior space may feel cramped
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Drive

Summary: Drive emphasizes the value for money with the new upgrades, particularly the turbocharged engine and additional safety features.

Pros:

  • Great value for money
  • More safety features

Cons:

  • Potential for an expiring safety rating
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Summary

The 2025 Kia Stonic offers a refreshed turbocharged lineup with more standard features across the range. With its competitive pricing, advanced tech, and stylish design, the Stonic continues to be a strong contender in the compact SUV market. However, its ANCAP safety rating is due to expire in 2025, and it remains to be seen if it will be retested following the recent upgrades.

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