Kia’s New SUV Is The Antidote America Wants In opposition to Rising Costs

{Car} costs have been growing, and there are a number of causes for this. Blame it on inflation, tariff woes, and even simply your typical year-on-year worth hikes, however the choices for automobiles you should purchase close to the $20,000 mark aren’t aplenty. In reality, as of April of this yr, the typical transaction worth for brand spanking new vehicles was $48,699 – a brand new peak for worth that hasn’t receded since. If you happen to’re out there for SUVs, the choices are even scarcer.

Proper now, the most cost effective brand-new SUV you should purchase is the fundamental Hyundai Venue and quirky Kia Soul – each priced a hair over $20,000 for the 2025 mannequin yr. Nevertheless, Kia could have launched one thing that will completely match the record of reasonably priced high-riders. Meet the new-generation Kia Stonic – a small SUV that is not offered in America, however maybe it ought to be, given the updates that make this mannequin worthy of your consideration.

Design Overhaul That Retains Tempo With Bigger Kia SUVs

As soon as often known as a swoopy crossover offered in Europe and China, the brand new Kia Stonic has undergone a design overhaul that retains tempo with its bigger siblings, such because the Kia Sorento. It seems extra sturdy below the “Opposites United” philosophy, that includes a fascia up to date with Star Map Signature Lighting, a sharper grille, and a revised bumper. The rear additionally receives a serious replace, together with a redesigned tailgate, an enhanced taillight signature, and a cleaner bumper profile.

Kia additionally elevated the cabin with options usually present in pricier fashions, together with a panoramic dual-display – two 12.3-inch related screens for driver’s play and infotainment. Sadly, bodily HVAC controls have been changed with a toggle interface for local weather and infotainment. Different options embrace USB-C quick charging, wi-fi smartphone charging, and ambient lighting.

Double-Digit Horsepower Is All You Want

The Kia Stonic is powered by a 1.0-liter gasoline engine, with a mild-hybrid variant additionally accessible, paired with a 6-speed guide or a 7-speed DCT transmission. Energy output is 99 horsepower on the pure ICE mannequin, whereas the mild-hybrid model produces 113 hp. For a automobile that solely measures 164 inches lengthy, these numbers ought to be sufficient for metropolis errands and occasional freeway stints.

Nevertheless, maybe the best function of the Stonic – and one that provides it a higher likelihood for an American arrival – is its suite of superior driver-assist options, that are usually present in bigger, pricier fashions. Its ADAS options embrace Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Help (BCA) with Secure Exit Warning (SEW), Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help 1.5 (FCA 1.5), Navigation-based Good Cruise Management, Freeway Driving Help (HDA), and Lane Following Help (LFA).

Kia will not possible supply the Stonic within the US, however be aware that the automaker claims that it’s a international mannequin, so by no means say by no means.