The Kia Stonic has reached nearly eight years in the market, yet the South Korean automaker is still extracting additional vitality from this popular competitor to the Mazda CX-3.
Recent images shared by New Car Scoops showcase camouflaged versions of the refreshed Stonic, adorned with design elements drawn from other, more contemporary models within the Kia family.
Kia has been actively revamping its existing lineup, aiming to introduce its latest corporate aesthetic across the board. The Picanto micro hatch, Sportage and Sorento SUVs, along with the Carnival people mover, have all seen updates to align with newer-generation designs like the K4 sedan and the electric EV5 and EV9 SUVs.
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The upgraded Stonic sports a new front end, characterized by vertical headlights featuring distinctive blocky internals.
While the exact details remain somewhat obscured by camouflage, expectations are that the facelifted Stonic will feature a redesigned front bumper, an updated grille, and possibly a light bar crowning the top of the grille.
At the rear, the tail-lights closely resemble those of Kia’s electric EV5 mid-sized SUV, lending the Stonic a modern touch.
Specifics on additional modifications remain unclear, but we anticipate a refreshed interior showcasing a larger infotainment touchscreen and Kia’s latest instrument cluster configurations.
Not just significant in Australia, the Stonic holds its ground in Europe as an essential model for Kia. It’s also recognized as the KX1 in China, though it was phased out of the brand’s home market in Korea in 2020.
The Stonic made its Australian debut in 2021, following its initial launch in Europe back in 2017. It eventually took the place of the closely related Rio hatchback, which retired in 2023.
In 2024, the naturally aspirated 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that originally launched the Stonic was discontinued, leaving only the turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine as an option. However, Australia has continued to miss out on the 48V mild-hybrid system that is available in Europe with this engine.
Last year, the Stonic secured its position as the sixth best-selling Kia in Australia, with 6,189 units sold—a decline of 11.4% compared to the previous year.
It also ranked as the fifth best-selling vehicle in its segment, trailing behind the market-leading Mazda CX-3, along with the Suzuki Jimny, Toyota Yaris Cross, and Hyundai Venue.
Recently, Kia introduced a glimpse of a new entry-level electric SUV concept called the EV2, presenting a Slovakian-built production model designed to serve as an electric alternative to the Stonic in Europe. However, it’s improbable that this model will make its way to Australian shores.
Priyam Gera