Kia XCeed review - Interior, design and technology

Kia has a good reputation for producing well-made cars with quality interiors and – as of recently – styling exteriors. The XCeed is a car that will sell almost entirely on the latter, with its coupe-like lines and jacked-up suspension feeling particularly on-trend. It’s a car that looks more expensive than it is, ready to take on the likes of the Mercedes GLA in the style stakes.

The XCeed shares its underpinnings with the Ceed hatch but its body is almost completely new – only the standard car’s front doors are carried over to the crossover. It’s about the same size at the aforementioned Mercedes GLA and Toyota C-HR.

Inside, Ceed owners will be in familiar territory – but that’s no bad thing. The dashboard is clearly laid out, features good quality plastics and is firmly screwed together. An infotainment screen sits high on the dash, measuring 8.0 or 10.25-inches depending on trim; a conventional rev-counter and speedometer flank a central information screen that can display trip information, sat-nav directions and other useful readouts.

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

Kia’s tried-and-tested infotainment system features here and is still one of the best around; intuitive to use and packed with plenty of desirable features. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity come as standard, displayed on the 8.0-inch screen on entry-level 2 models or on the 10.25-inch screen that comes with all other versions. Features like wireless phone charging and a reversing camera are also added as you climb up the trim levels. 

A six-speaker audio system is standard, as is Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition and music streaming support, while top-tier cars in GT-Line S trim get a punchier eight-speaker JBL sound system. Unlike some rivals, Kia keeps its options lists sparse but packs each trim level with as much kit as possible – this keeps the buying process simple to understand. Want more equipment? Choose a higher trim.