Driving the updated Kia Stonic 2026 through Riyadh’s glass-and-concrete corridors gives you a clear first impression: this isn’t a mild refresh — it’s a full redesign that borrows cues from Kia’s EV family while keeping the compact, city-first footprint buyers love. Unveiled globally in Seoul on September 1, 2025, the facelift stretches the Stonic to 4,165 mm, adds an upper-segment dual 12.3-inch panoramic display and brings ICE and 48V mild-hybrid options aimed at better fuel economy for regional buyers. Al Jabr Automotive — Kia’s Saudi distributor — will handle local arrival and sales, with showrooms in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam expected to open orders before a November 2025 launch.

“The new Stonic demonstrates how Kia continues to bring the benefits of elevated design and advanced technology into the mainstream market,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s CEO — a fitting line for a model that now looks aspirational without outpricing its audience.

Exterior

The Stonic 2026 trades the old model’s softer lines for a crisp, angular face and Kia’s Star Map signature LEDs that read like a smaller EV6. New two-tone colorways (Adventurous Green, Yacht Blue) and 16–17-inch alloy options give buyers visual choice; ground clearance stays practical — up to 183 mm on 17-inch wheels — useful for sand-prone drives toward Al-Ula or uneven city ramps. Compared with the Hyundai Ioniq 6’s sleek EV silhouette or the BMW i4’s more mature GT proportions, the Stonic aims for city drama rather than grand touring grace.

Interior

Inside, the cabin leans premium: connected 12.3-inch displays sweep across the dash, a multi-mode touch centre console replaces many physical HVAC knobs, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is standard. Materials and ergonomics lift it above entry-level rivals, though rear headroom can be tight under the panoramic roof. Practical touches — USB-C ports, wireless charging and 352 liters of luggage space (1,152 L folded) — keep it family-friendly.

Technology

Kia’s updated ccNC infotainment, Kia Connect services and OTA updates put Stonic’s tech on par with larger models. The UI is modern and responsive, but the multimode touch layout will demand a short adjustment period for drivers who prefer physical knobs. Driver aids include Highway Driving Assist (lane centering + adaptive cruise), blind-spot collision avoidance and a 360-degree camera — a near-level-2 ADAS suite for the segment.

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Performance

Power comes from a 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder turning out roughly 99–115 PS depending on MHEV spec; the Stonic darts to 0–62 mph in about 11.0 seconds in standard trim. A 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT are offered. The result is lively city performance and composed highway manners, though enthusiastic drivers will miss the outright shove of larger turbo engines. Real-world refinement is improved by the mild-hybrid’s smoother stop-start behaviour.

Battery and Range

This is not an EV — the Stonic uses petrol and a 48V mild-hybrid system on higher trims to trim consumption. Kia’s combined figures point to roughly 5.4 L/100 km for MHEV configurations; with a 45-litre tank that translates into long, cost-efficient stints between fill-ups — a practical advantage during Saudi cross-country runs. Expect climate and hot-weather tuning from Al Jabr for desert reliability.

Quick spec & price comparison

Model	Engine / Power	0–62 mph	Boot (L)	Est. KSA price (SAR)
Kia Stonic 2026	1.0 T-GDI (MHEV opt) ~100 PS	~11.0s	352	~60,000
Hyundai Venue	1.0-1.6 petrol ~100–120 PS	~10–12s	~355	~65,000
Toyota Yaris Cross	1.5 hybrid / petrol	~9–11s	~390	~70,000
Mazda CX-3	2.0 petrol ~120 PS	~10–11s	~350	~75,000

(Estimates are manufacturer specs and local market pricing; check local dealers for exact offers.

Safety

A full ADAS stack, six airbags and modern passive safety structure place the Stonic at the front of its class for protection. Navigation-based smart cruise and lane-following reduce motorway fatigue — a meaningful benefit on long regional runs and important for buyers assessing NCAP-style safety tech.

Pricing and Value

Local pricing is expected to start near SAR 60,000 for base models with higher trims (GT-Line, MHEV features) climbing to SAR 70,000–85,000. That positioning aims squarely at the Hyundai Venue and Toyota Yaris Cross, offering Kia’s 7-year/150,000 km warranty as a strong ownership selling point.

Pros and Cons

• • Eye-catching EV-inspired design and premium cabin, Panoramic dual 12.3″ displays and modern connectivity
  • Mild-hybrid efficiency for Saudi driving patterns
• – Boot is class-average (352 L)
• – Not a high-speed performer for enthusiasts

Conclusion

If you want compact SUV practicality with an upscale tech cabin and low running costs for Saudi driving, the Kia Stonic 2026 is a smart, value-led choice — especially for young professionals and small families who prize style and warranty peace of mind.