Name: Kia XCeed Review
Item: Kia XCeed
Author: Gumtree.com

As the big brother of the Ceed, the Kia Xceed is a crossover SUV with refined styling and an impressive range of features. Available in a choice of petrol, diesel or a plug-in hybrid variants, you’ll have all the power and versatility you need for everyday commuting and longer journeys. Its soft suspension and comfortable seating offer a smooth driving experience, and the higher chassis makes getting in and out a breeze – especially with kids in tow. It’s got family-car practicality and an affordable price tag – what more do you need?

Visit the Kia Xceed model page to explore available cars and learn more.

What we think about the Kia Xceed

Smart and stylish, the Xceed combines all the best bits of the Ceed with the sleek appeal of a crossover SUV.

Pros

Well-equipped inside

Seven-year Kia warranty

Future-ready plug-in hybrid engine

Cons

–

Only a four-star safety rating

–

Doesn’t offer many more features than the cheaper Ceed hatchback

Launched in 2019, the Xceed is largely based on the Kia Ceed, with a larger boot and raised suspension giving it that flowing crossover SUV styling. There are four trim levels – the 2, Edition, 3 and the top-of-the-line 4, with all but the 2 offering 18-inch alloys. You’ll find it in three petrol engine sizes, one diesel and a plug-in hybrid.

Driving performance of the Kia Xceed

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

Where the Xceed mainly differs from the Ceed is its suspension. It’s got a softer set-up and can cope better with bumps, making it more comfortable as a result, especially on longer journeys. Its graceful steering has a good grip that leaves you feeling in control when navigating winding roads. Just note that you may find the hybrid less agile than the petrol due to the increased weight of its batteries, and you can feel a little lean when cornering at higher speeds. A six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed automatic are offered across the range, with the hybrid having a six-speed automatic option that benefits from a smooth transition from hybrid to electric-only power.

Safety and reliability of the Kia Xceed

Our Safety Rating6 / 10

Kias perform very well when it comes to reliability, so there shouldn’t be any worries when you’re out and about. The Xceed has a great level of safety features, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assistance and a driver attention alert system as standard. Higher trim levels will also get you blind spot monitoring and an upgraded AEB including pedestrian collision avoidance assist. The Xceed’s Euro NCAP rating of four stars is based on that of its smaller sibling, the Ceed, and this does put it at a disadvantage compared to its rivals, many of which get the full five stars. It just missed getting the maximum rating for its result on frontal and side collisions in crash testing. You’ll find two Isofix points in the rear, making it ideal for child seats.

Under the bonnet of the Kia Xceed

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

There are three petrol engines to choose from in the Xceed, starting with the 1.0-litre GDi. This turbocharged engine pulls well and has competitive acceleration, achieving 0-60 in under 11 seconds. If you’re regularly going on long journeys, you’d probably prefer the 1.4 GDi with 138 bhp, which is quicker off the mark at just over nine seconds to reach 60 mph, and can cope well with a full carload of passengers. For a more eco-friendly alternative, there’s also a 1.6-litre PHEV plug-in hybrid in the line-up that performs similarly to the 1.0- litre, with the added advantage of increased efficiency.

What you'll find in the Kia Xceed

Our Design Rating7 / 10

Designed with modern living in mind, the Xceed has a stylish look that includes a coupe-style roofline and longer body for a bigger amount of boot space compared to its sibling, the Ceed. Chunkier bumpers, roof rails and a raised chassis with a more forgiving suspension have also been incorporated to offer that premium crossover SUV appeal. A larger grille gives it a sophisticated edge, and you’ll also get a large panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide functionality in the 4 trim level to add a touch of luxury.

Comfort and interiors in the Kia Xceed

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The Xceed has an enviable list of kit supplied as standard, including a handy reversing camera, daytime running lights, cruise control and Apple CarPlay. If you’re keen on gadgets, it’s probably worth an upgrade to the 3 level and above as you’ll get a whole host of extras too. This includes a larger ten-inch digital screen with satnav, dual zone climate control, and heated front seats and steering wheel. If you go for a 4 trim, you’ll also get a 12-inch digital dashboard display, premium sound system and heated rear seats. There’s a large 426-litre boot and everyone on board will find the seating very comfortable – no moaning from the backseats on that point. That said, as its wheelbase is the same as the Ceed, you may find it less roomy inside than other crossover SUVs, making it more suited to smaller families.

What features you'll find in the Kia Xceed

Our Features Rating8 / 10

Where the Xceed beats its sibling is its range of features. Its LED bi-functional headlights and daylight running lights are ideal for wintery days when you may be in a rush and forget to switch on. Keyless entry is also a bonus for when you’re out and about with the kids. You’ll have no problem keeping passengers entertained with the high-quality infotainment system, and with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available as standard, you can keep in touch on the go. It’s well worth looking to the higher-level trims for the larger infotainment screen, wireless phone charger and an improved speaker system. In all but the basic trim level, you’ll also get premium features such as privacy glass, 18″ alloys and electric folding door mirrors. You even get a smart-powered electric tailgate with the 4 trim, which can open by itself when you stand close by with the key in your pocket.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Kia Xceed

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

As you’d expect, the plug-in hybrid is the most efficient of the range, with an impressive mpg of up to 200. It can reach almost 30 miles in its electric-only mode, too, which makes it a great eco-friendly ride for urban roads and short commutes. The entry-level petrol 1.0 GDi will reach up to 44 mpg, and the larger engine sizes reach just slightly less than this, making it comparable to similar models in the crossover category. The diesel performs better at 53 mpg – a good choice if you’re not able to go for the hybrid and want to maximise your fuel economy.

Running costs of the Kia Xceed

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

The Xceed sits in the lower end of insurance groups, with the base model at group 12 and the remainder between 15-19, making your insurance costs quite competitive. Its CO2 emissions are all under 150 g/km so you can expect relatively low road tax costs, too. The real star is Kia’s seven-year warranty, which far exceeds many other manufacturers. This is really reassuring when considering potential maintenance costs – just make sure to check that any remaining time on the warranty is transferrable to you when buying used.

Our verdict of the Kia Xceed

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

There's lots to love about the Kia Xceed: its comfortable ride and modern design offer wide-ranging appeal, making it a top choice for smaller families.

Kia Xceed Review