KIA XCeed Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Slotted between the small-sized Kia Stonic and the Niro, the Xceed enlarged the offering for the Ceed lineup by adding a crossover flavor to the already appealing Korean hatchback.

Kia considered that it didn't have enough crossovers and SUVs in its lineup and increased the ground clearance of a Ceed hatchback, added some plastic trims around the wheel arches, and called it Xceed. But that was in 2018.

Come 2022, Kia refreshed the Ceed lineup, which led to an upgrade for the Xceed as well. The new, facelifted version came with a new grille and LED headlights. At the front, the chromed trim around the main grille emphasized the tiger-nose design theme created by Peter Schreyer for Kia in 2006. Underneath, the bumper sported a second grille fitted with a black mesh grille and flanked by boomerang-shaped trims and a pair of side scoops. From its profile, the Xceed showed a higher ground clearance than its regular hatchback sibling, and a set of black trims adorned the wheel arches. On top of the vehicle, the carmaker added roof rails as standard. The back of the car revealed a new rear apron, with a mix of black and body-color elements but no tailpipes in sight.

Inside, Kia updated the infotainment system mounted on top of the center stack in a floating-design position. Inside the instrument cluster, an improved 12.3" digital instrument cluster provided all the required information for the driver. Depending on the options and packages, the Xceed offered a pair of sports seats at the front, while the 40-20-40 split-folding rear bench was similar for the entire range. That could enlarge the trunk space from a generous 426 liters (15 cu-ft) to an impressive 1,378 liters (48.6 cu-ft).

Under the hood, Kia installed a choice of three engines, ranging between 118 hp (120 PS) and 201 hp (204 PS). In addition, a 139 hp (141 PS ) PHEV version was available as well.

Designed as an urban crossover utility vehicle, the xCeed targeted customers who needed a vehicle with a larger trunk and higher ground clearance than a regular C-segment vehicle but didn’t want to spend a fortune on gas.

While the regular urban commute doesn’t involve dirt roads or uneven surfaces, some customers try to use their regular vehicles to go outdoors to hike or go camping. For those kind of activities, a vehicle with a higher ground clearance was a better option than a regular hatchback. For them, Kia introduced the xCeed in 2019, a car made on the same platform as the rest of the Ceed range introduced in 2018. Still, Kia didn’t make it with an all-wheel drive system. For those who needed a 4x4 one, the automaker had other options.

They say not to judge a book by its covers, and the xCeed is a perfect example. Its aggressive-looking front fascia featured a silver trim on the lowest side that mimicked a skid plate. Still, that was a plastic element made to meet curbs, not roots and boulders. Above it, the apron featured a grille that sported a chicken-wire-style mesh that helped to cool the engine and was flanked by a pair of scoops made to host the fog lamps. Above the bumper, Kia installed a pair of LED headlights with a swept-back design and daytime running lights that looked like eyebrows.

From its profile, the crossover showed its front and rear overhangs that were longer than on the regular Ceed. Its 174 mm (6.8”) ground clearance was emphasized by the black trims around the wheel arches and the black side sills. Those who considered that it was not enough could opt for the 18” light-alloy wheels and raise that value up to 184 mm (7.2”), which was respectable for a C-segment hatchback. The swept-back greenhouse created a dynamic look for the car, and the roof rails amplified the sensation of an adventure vehicle, although it wasn’t. Finally, at the back, the LED taillights were extended from the quarter panels onto the tailgate.

Inside, the automaker used different materials than in the regular Ceed and offered the xCeed with unique patterns for the seats and door cards. Furthermore, the exterior color was mirrored on the inside by matching shade trims mounted on the dashboard and around the vents. The Xceed’s high-bolstered bucket seats offered customers a sporty, youthful feeling. The touchscreen for the infotainment system was mounted atop the center stack and supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, while the driver fronted a standard digital instrument cluster. In the back, there was enough room for two passengers, but a third occupant, seated in the middle, had some trouble with the transmission tunnel.

Under the hood, Kia offered the xCeed with a choice of five engines: three with gasoline and two turbo diesel. Apart from the entry-level version, all the others were available with automatic, six- or seven-speed gearboxes. Power went to the front wheels only.