Korea strikes back against cheap Chinese small SUVs like the MG ZS and Chery Tiggo 4 with deeply updated and more techy 2026 Kia Stonic small SUV

Kia has revealed an updated version of its long-serving Stonic crossover, which has been confirmed for an Australian arrival in the fourth quarter of 2025.

It's not a new-generation model, but a radically overhauled version of the current car. It adopts the brand’s dramatic new styling language, but maintains the same compact profile.

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Power comes from a choice of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine with or without mild-hybrid assist, mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The three-cylinder turbo produces 75kW/172Nm in straight combustion form, or 86kW/200Nm in mild-hybrid DCT form. Both fall below current requirements for Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES), which requires passenger cars to emit less than 140g/km.

A Kia representative confirmed the Australian-market Stonic will be MHEV across the range when it arrives before the end of the year. As the range is currently dual-clutch automatic only, expect this to continue.

New interior features include dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital dash and multimedia touchscreen, with a ‘multimode’ display unit also seen in the EV6 for toggling between climate and multimedia controls. In addition, core items such as the steering wheel, shifter and dash design have been tweaked to move the Stonic more in line with other Kia models. USB-C also becomes standard throughout the cabin.

The new Stonic will also receive app connectivity features and a more thorough active safety suite including blind spot monitoring with safe exit warning, a more recent version of the brand’s forward collision warning, as well as adaptive cruise control with lane centring.

The current Stonic range consists of just three variants: the S, Sport and GT-Line ranging from $25,660 to $31,980 before on-road costs.

The Stonic has had a decent year so far in Australia, up 31.1 per cent, although it is not one of Kia’s strongest-selling models.

It places behind the Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Venue and Suzuki Jimny in the light SUV category.

Expect to learn more about the Kia Stonic update before its launch window late this year.