We are driving the 2023 model of the Kia XCeed with 1.6 T-GDI and 204 PS. This compact SUV is based on the Kia Ceed and has 4-5 mm of extra ground clearance. The Kia XCeed is perfect for people who need a comfy and fast ride for daily driving.
The XCeed iswell manufactured and another prove that the Koreans are dominating the European mid class market. Ford can bring more fun into a small SUV with the Puma ST but Kia manages to bring the XCeed on a higher level of quality and show their alternative to a VW Tiguan. The XCeed feels reliable, stable and comfortable.
Unfortonately the DCT-transmission is a bit too tired for the T-GDI engine. Driving the i20 N with the same engine and manual transmission is a different world. This is due to the weight of the XCeed 1.6 T-GDI: 1420 kilograms. Load changes feel more sluggish than in the Ceed or i20, which is typical for SUVs.
Overall the XCeed 1.6 T-GDI has everything a fast daily driver needs. We recommend this for those who drive long distances, want some power and don't want to spend their money on big names but on a modern Korean car with a 7 year warranty.
We rate the XCeed
7/10
because its fuel consumption and price is higher compared to the Ceed GT T-GDI 1.6, which is lighter and basically the same car. Also, the XCeed isn't the better Ceed but the more comfy one.