2021 Kia XCeed in-depth review - an XCeedingly good crossover?

Summary

The Kia Xceed is a stylish and efficient plug-in hybrid SUV that combines practicality with modern design. While sharing a foundation with the Kia Ceed hatchback, it offers a raised suspension, rugged styling, and a simple, user-friendly interior. The car is available in multiple engine options, including a 1.6L petrol hybrid, offering up to 30 miles of electric-only range. It provides a comfortable driving experience with good fuel efficiency, though space is somewhat compromised in the plug-in hybrid version. Overall, the Kia Xceed is a solid, budget-friendly choice for those seeking a small, family-friendly SUV without compromising on style or efficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kia Xceed is an electrified plug-in hybrid SUV, offering petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrain options.
• 😀 It's based on the Kia Ceed hatchback but is taller, longer, and features a more rugged design with black wheel arches and a skid plate finish.
• 😀 Rivals for the Kia Xceed include the Ford Focus Active, Toyota C-HR, Volkswagen T-Cross, and Mercedes GLA.
• 😀 The Xceed has a simple, functional interior with user-friendly tech, including a 10.25-inch display in higher-spec models.
• 😀 While the cabin is not flashy, it offers comfort and convenience, with features like heated seats and rotary climate control switches.
• 😀 The Xceed's price is higher than the standard Kia Ceed hatchback, with the plug-in hybrid version costing significantly more.
• 😀 The car is available in different trims and engine choices, including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid, each with varying tech and luxury features.
• 😀 Despite being a family SUV, the Xceed has limited rear passenger space, especially with the sloping roofline, but it offers good boot space unless opting for the plug-in hybrid.
• 😀 The plug-in hybrid version has a smaller boot (291 liters) compared to the regular model, due to battery space requirements.
• 😀 The driving experience is comfortable and quiet, though the Xceed is not the most exciting SUV to drive, especially compared to rivals like the Ford Focus Active.
• 😀 The plug-in hybrid version offers good fuel efficiency with an official range of 36 miles, though real-world performance is likely closer to 25-30 miles per charge.

Q & A

What is the Kia Xceed and how is it related to the Kia Ceed?

The Kia Xceed is an electrified, plug-in hybrid SUV that is closely related to the Kia Ceed family hatchback. While many of its components are shared, the Xceed is taller, longer, and features new exterior design elements like a more rugged grille, bumpers, and black wheel arches.

What engine options are available for the Kia Xceed?

The Kia Xceed offers a range of engine options, including petrol, diesel, and a plug-in hybrid variant. The plug-in hybrid uses a 1.6-liter petrol engine paired with an electric motor, while petrol options include a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 1.5-liter engine, with diesel variants also available.

How does the Kia Xceed compare to its rivals in terms of price?

The Kia Xceed is priced around £2,000 more than the standard Kia Ceed hatchback, placing it in competition with crossover models like the Ford Focus Active, Toyota CHR, Volkswagen T-Cross, and even the premium Mercedes GLA.

What are the key features of the Kia Xceed's interior?

The interior of the Kia Xceed is praised for being simple, logical, and easy to use. Notable features include a 10.25-inch display (on higher spec models), rotary dials for climate control, and part-fake leather heated seats. The cabin is focused on functionality rather than flashy technology.

What are the different trim levels and specifications available for the Kia Xceed?

The Kia Xceed comes with several trim levels depending on the engine choice, including two- and three-trim models, plus mid-spec and range-topping First Edition variants. These trims offer varying levels of equipment, with the First Edition offering luxury items like a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

How does the boot space of the Kia Xceed compare to the Kia Ceed?

The Kia Xceed offers more boot space than the Kia Ceed, with a 426-liter capacity, 31 liters more than the Ceed. However, the plug-in hybrid version sacrifices some boot space, reducing capacity to 291 liters.

How comfortable is the Kia Xceed for passengers in the rear seats?

The rear seats in the Kia Xceed are comfortable, but space is somewhat limited due to a sloping roofline, which affects both knee and headroom. The absence of a large transmission tunnel also makes foot space better for rear passengers.

What is the driving experience like in the Kia Xceed?

The Kia Xceed is a comfortable cruiser with raised suspension and higher profile tires, making it quieter and smoother than the standard Kia Ceed. While not the most dynamic vehicle, it handles adequately, offering a satisfying driving experience with responsive steering and minimal body lean.

What is the fuel economy and range of the Kia Xceed Plug-in Hybrid?

The Kia Xceed Plug-in Hybrid has an official fuel economy of 201 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 32 grams per kilometer. The electric-only range is about 36 miles, although real-world figures are likely closer to 25-30 miles.

Why might someone prefer a petrol model over the plug-in hybrid version of the Kia Xceed?

Despite the plug-in hybrid's impressive fuel economy, the petrol models might be preferable for those looking for a more engaging driving experience. The Xceed's driving dynamics are more enjoyable with a petrol engine, and some may find that the hybrid compromises driving fun for efficiency.