Kia XCeed review

Interior

Dashboard & tech

The inside of the Kia XCeed will feel instantly familiar if you've been in any modern Kia. The dashboard is logically laid out, with clear displays and controls that are easy to find and use. Most models feature a large 10.25-inch touchscreen that gives the cabin a modern, upmarket feel and includes built-in sat nav. Entry-level models get a slightly smaller but still very capable 8-inch screen.

All versions come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to connect your smartphone and use your favourite apps on the car's screen. You also get a reversing camera, cruise control, and air conditioning as standard. Higher-spec models add niceties like a digital driver's display, which replaces traditional dials with a configurable screen, adding to the premium feel.

Comfort

The XCeed provides a comfortable experience for everyone on board. The ride is smooth and does a great job of soaking up bumps and potholes, arguably even better than the standard Ceed hatchback. The seats are supportive, making long journeys feel less tiring.

Finding a good driving position is easy thanks to plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel. For extra comfort on cold days, look for mid-range '3' models and above, which come with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Top-of-the-range '4' models go even further with heated rear seats and an electrically adjustable driver's seat.

Quality

The build quality inside the XCeed is impressive. Everything feels solid and well put together, with materials that feel durable and pleasant to the touch. While it might not have the avant-garde design of some rivals, its straightforward and high-quality finish is very appealing.

Higher trim levels add premium touches like part-faux-leather or full leather upholstery, which elevates the sense of quality. The clear graphics on the infotainment screen and digital dials also contribute to a modern and sophisticated atmosphere.

Practicality & boot space

Interior space

The Kia XCeed is a practical choice for small families. There's good headroom and legroom for those in the front, and rear-seat passengers have a decent amount of space to get comfortable. It's roomier in the back than a standard hatchback, though more traditional SUVs like Kia's own Sportage will offer more generous passenger space.

You'll find two sets of Isofix mounts in the back for securely fitting child seats. Storage is taken care of with reasonably sized door pockets, a pair of cupholders between the front seats, and a useful storage area under the centre armrest.

Boot space

One of the XCeed's key advantages over its hatchback sibling is its larger boot. Petrol and diesel models offer 426 litres of space, which is 31 litres more than you get in a standard Ceed. This is enough room for a big weekly shop, a couple of large suitcases, or a baby buggy.

It’s important to note that the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model has a much smaller boot. The battery takes up space under the floor, reducing the capacity to just 291 litres. That’s similar to what you’d find in a supermini like the Ford Fiesta, so it’s something to consider if boot space is a top priority.

Driving

Driving experience

The XCeed strikes a great balance between comfort and driver enjoyment. Because it isn't as tall or heavy as a typical SUV, it feels more agile and connected to the road. This makes it enjoyable to drive on winding country lanes, yet it remains composed and relaxing on the motorway.

The comfortable ride ensures that city driving is a pleasant experience, with the car handling speed bumps and poor road surfaces with ease. While it offers a slightly raised view of the road compared to a regular hatchback, it doesn't have the high, commanding driving position that many people seek in an SUV.

Performance

There’s a good range of engines available for the XCeed. The line-up starts with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 118bhp, which provides enough performance for most everyday driving situations. For more power, a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 158bhp offers quicker acceleration, making it a better choice for those who frequently drive on the motorway.

For drivers covering longer distances, a 1.6-litre diesel engine was available on earlier models. The range also includes a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, which pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. It’s ideal for town driving and shorter commutes, where you can make the most of its electric-only range. Most engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox, with a smooth automatic available on certain models.

Running costs

Fuel economy & CO2 emissions

Running costs for the Kia XCeed are competitive. The plug-in hybrid model is the star performer if you can charge it regularly. It can officially travel for up to 35 miles on electric power alone, with Kia claiming a potential fuel economy figure of over 200mpg and very low CO2 emissions. To achieve this, you’ll need to do most of your driving using the battery.

For those who can’t plug in, the petrol engines offer sensible fuel economy, while the discontinued diesel model is a great option for high-mileage drivers, officially returning more than 50mpg.

Value for money

The XCeed offers excellent value. It's often more affordable to buy than many rivals, and it comes packed with a generous list of standard equipment. This means you don’t have to opt for a top-spec model to get features like a large touchscreen, a reversing camera, and advanced safety systems.

Reliability & Warranty

Kia has a superb reputation for reliability, and the XCeed is no exception. What really gives peace of mind is Kia’s excellent seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty from new. This means that even a used XCeed that’s several years old will likely still have warranty coverage remaining, which is a huge benefit for secondhand buyers.

Safety

Safety features

Safety is a strong point for the Kia XCeed. It was awarded a full five-star rating when tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP, performing well in protecting both adult and child occupants.

All models come with a good level of standard safety equipment. This includes autonomous emergency braking, which can help prevent a collision, lane-keep assist to stop you from drifting out of your lane, and a driver attention warning system. Higher-spec models add even more advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Trims & Engines

Trim levels

The XCeed is available in several trim levels, each offering a great mix of features. The range starts with the ‘2’ trim, which is very well-equipped.

2: Comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, cruise control, and air conditioning.

Connect: Upgrades to 18-inch wheels, privacy glass, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with sat nav, and part-faux-leather upholstery.

3: Adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, and rear parking sensors.

4: This top-of-the-range model includes a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, an electric driver's seat, heated rear seats, a premium JBL sound system, and a digital instrument cluster.

Engines

You have a choice of several petrol engines and a plug-in hybrid. The 1.0-litre petrol with 118bhp is a great all-rounder, while the 1.5-litre petrol with 158bhp offers a welcome boost in power for motorway driving.

The 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 139bhp. It's the most efficient option if you have access to home charging, allowing for significant fuel savings on shorter trips. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are available, depending on the engine you choose.

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