The Kia Stonic city crossover SUV has been given a substantial reskin and technology upgrade, ahead of an Australian launch during the fourth quarter of 2025 that will see it move to electrified powertrains.

Now sporting the Korean brand’s new ‘Opposites United’ design language as seen on its latest models, the Stonic trades the old model’s more fluid and organic lines for a more angular look shared with the likes of the EV3 and K4.

It has grown slightly, to the tune of 25mm in length (to 4165mm) while boot capacity has expanded by 30L (to 352L), with the sole powertrain confirmed at launch to be the brand’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – which in Australia will be offered with 48V mild-hybrid technology across the range for the first time.

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Above: Stonic Base Line (left); Stonic GT-Line (right)

Further to the new corporate design philosophy – which includes Kia’s ‘Star Map’ lighting signatures and upright motifs – there are other changes including new wheels and bumpers, a redesigned tailgate, as well as new colours such as the Adventurous Green pictured here.

Both ‘Base Line’ and ‘GT-Line’ appearance packages will be offered globally, with wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 17 inches in diameter.

Inside, the Stonic’s dashboard has been redesigned to be more aligned with Kia’s larger and more expensive models, bringing “upper-segment influence” to the more budget-focused city car market.

Dual 12.3-inch displays incorporate the digital instruments and touchscreen infotainment unit, though they appear to be running Kia’s older user interface as currently seen in the Niro crossover rather than the new connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) that is filtering out across the brand’s new EVs and larger models.