Kia has released full details for the 2026 Stonic light SUV, featuring a more powerful engine and updated styling. However, the refresh comes with a price increase of up to $3260 depending on the trim level.
Зміст
Powertrain and Efficiency Improvements
The Australian-market Stonic retains its 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, now enhanced with a 48V mild-hybrid system. While peak torque remains at 172Nm, maximum power has increased from 74kW to 88kW. This translates to improved fuel efficiency, dropping from 5.4L/100km to 5.0L/100km, with CO2 emissions reduced from 125g/km to 116g/km. These changes reflect a broader industry trend towards mild hybridization to meet tighter emissions standards.
Price Increases Across the Range
The base Stonic S now starts at $28,180 (before on-roads), up $2020 from the previous model. The Stonic Sport has seen a $2000 increase to $32,290, while the flagship GT-Line is up $3260 to $35,740. Price hikes are common with major refreshes, but the magnitude here may give buyers pause.
New Tech Features
Sport and GT-Line variants gain access to Kia Connect connected services and over-the-air software updates. Both trims now feature dual 12.3-inch screens in the cabin. However, wireless smartphone mirroring remains limited to the base S model, as higher trims stick with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety and Missing Features
The Stonic no longer holds a current ANCAP safety rating, as its previous five-star rating expired at the end of 2024. Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist detection, blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, and multi-collision brake. Notably, Kia’s Highway Driving Assist (combining adaptive cruise and lane centring) is not available in Australia.
Design and Dimensions
The 2026 Stonic sports Kia’s “Opposites United” design language, with a more angular exterior than its predecessor. The vehicle has grown 25mm in length to 4165mm, and boot capacity has increased by 30 liters to 352L.
Trim Levels and Equipment
- S: Includes 16-inch alloys, 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and manual air-conditioning.
- Sport: Adds 17-inch alloys, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wired smartphone integration, and climate control.
- GT-Line: Features reflector LED headlights, a sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and heated front seats.
Availability and Colors
The 2026 Kia Stonic is now on sale with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Clear White is standard; other colors (Sparkling Silver, Astro Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Signal Red, Yacht Blue, Adventurous Green, Snow White Pearl) add $550.
The updated Kia Stonic offers improvements in performance and technology, but at a higher cost. The lack of a current ANCAP safety rating and the omission of advanced driver-assistance features may also sway some buyers.
