Car prices have been increasing, and there are several reasons for this. Blame it on inflation, tariff woes, or even just your typical year-on-year price hikes, but the options for vehicles you can buy near the $20,000 mark aren’t aplenty. In fact, as of April of this year, the average transaction price for new cars was $48,699 – a new peak for price that hasn’t receded since. If you’re in the market for SUVs, the options are even scarcer.
Right now, the cheapest brand-new SUV you can buy is the basic Hyundai Venue and quirky Kia Soul – both priced a hair over $20,000 for the 2025 model year. However, Kia may have launched something that would perfectly fit the list of affordable high-riders. Meet the new-generation Kia Stonic – a small SUV that isn’t sold in America, but perhaps it should be, given the updates that make this model worthy of your attention.
Once known as a swoopy crossover sold in Europe and China, the new Kia Stonic has undergone a design overhaul that keeps pace with its larger siblings, such as the Kia Sorento. It appears more robust under the “Opposites United” philosophy, featuring a fascia updated with Star Map Signature Lighting, a sharper grille, and a revised bumper. The rear also receives a major update, including a redesigned tailgate, an enhanced taillight signature, and a cleaner bumper profile.
Kia also elevated the cabin with features typically found in pricier models, including a panoramic dual-display – two 12.3-inch connected screens for driver’s play and infotainment. Unfortunately, physical HVAC controls have been replaced with a toggle interface for climate and infotainment. Other features include USB-C fast charging, wireless smartphone charging, and ambient lighting.
The Kia Stonic is powered by a 1.0-liter gasoline engine, with a mild-hybrid variant also available, paired with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT transmission. Power output is 99 horsepower on the pure ICE model, while the mild-hybrid version produces 113 hp. For a car that only measures 164 inches long, these numbers should be enough for city errands and occasional highway stints.
However, perhaps the greatest feature of the Stonic – and one that gives it a greater chance for an American arrival – is its suite of advanced driver-assist features, which are typically found in larger, pricier models. Its ADAS features include Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist (HDA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA).
Kia won’t likely offer the Stonic in the US, but note that the automaker claims that it is a global model, so never say never.
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