Best used Kia small SUVs
Looking for a driver-friendly Kia that unites comfort and compactness? Here are seven Kia small SUVs to help you hit the road with your loved ones
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By Craig Hale
Last updated: 5 August 2025
Kia small SUVs are quite possible the best in the business – they're stylish, efficient and affordable, not to mention practical and reliable.
Whether you’re an adventurer who craves countryside road trips or a city dweller who’s looking for nimble manoeuvrability, there’s a Kia small SUV for every driver.
But with so many options out there, which Kia is right for you? Don’t worry – we’re here to help!
Here are some Kia small SUVs that are bound to make those road journeys extra nice.
The best Kia small SUVs
Kia Stonic
Kia XCeed
Kia Niro
Kia Sportage
Kia EV3
Kia EV5
Kia EV6
Kia small SUVs
Kia Stonic
The Stonic is Kia's smallest SUV – or crossover – so if it's the raised ride height you're after without necessarily driving something big and bulky, this is the one for you.
It's based on the Rio supermini, so you know it's going to be excellent value for money with a high-quality fit and finish and a grown-up feel inside.
The 1.0-litre engine options might not sound like much, but given that the Stonic is such a small Kia SUV, they're perfect for the job. Especially the mild hybrid models, which have a bit more poke despite producing fewer emissions.
Kia XCeed
If you want something a little bit more spacious, but you're still not sold on the idea of a large SUV, then consider the Ceed-based XCeed – it's a worthwhile upgrade if you regularly carry rear passengers.
The ride's comfy, the handling's composed and it's got just enough SUV flavour without being too showy.
Inside, you get the right balance of past and future. Yes, you get the usual touchscreen array with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but you can still quickly tune the car's temperatures with the simple turn of a dial. Perfect if you ask us.
Kia Niro
Now we're into proper SUVs – the Niro isn't just a slightly raised hatchback, but it's very clearly a compact SUV with that highly desired upright stance.
It ticks most drivers' boxes without being flashy, so you get a well-thought-out interior with the latest tech and all the family-friendly features you'd hope for, including up to 475 litres of boot space.
It's the eco-conscious buyer's SUV, proving that big dirty diesel engines are a thing of the past. Pick from self-charging hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric (known as the Niro EV, or previously, the e-Niro).
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is a full-sized SUV, but instead of being a seven-seater that feels as long as it looks, it's still plenty manageable enough around town and in tight car parks.
Arguably the glow-up champion of the crossover world, it's a real head-turner with its large grille and integrated daytime running lights, but it's not form over function.
Because it's a bigger, more expensive car, standard equipment is strong and options can be luxurious (like cooled seats and huge panoramic sunroofs), plus the electrified powertrains produce even more power.
Kia EV3
The Kia EV3 is boxy in all the right ways, much like a shrunken EV9, so if you love the look of that seven-seater but don't fancy your chances with a 2.5-tonne mammoth, this is where you'll want to be spending your money.
Inside, it's more grown-up than you think – futuristic without feeling like a spaceship. All the mod-cons are there, but it doesn't feel over-engineered and unnecessarily complex.
Fancy some range with your electric crossover? The larger 81.4kWh battery will do up to 375 miles on a single charge. Forgot to charge your electric bike? Use vehicle-to-load to take energy from the EV3's battery. It really is a car that's got it all.
Kia EV5
In a world where the EV9 is too big, but you want more than the EV3, then why not consider the Kia EV5? It's like a size medium in a lineup of three similarly-designed electric SUVs.
It feels properly upmarket inside but without the eye-watering price tag, so think family runs, motorway cruising and an eco-conscience that doesn't shout about itself.
In a way, it's an electric alternative to the Sportage, but it's so much more than that, with its own unique shape and a whole new approach to in-car tech.
Kia EV6
Kia might call it a crossover, but we think the EV6 is more similar to a large hatchback. However you define it, you'll agree that it's fast, stylish and comfortable.
Don't forget practical, because with a 490-litre boot and a 'froot' (front boot) for some extra storage under the bonnet, you won't have to worry about packing for those summer trips to the beach.
Nor will you have to worry about charging. If the 84kWh's 361-mile range isn't enough, 10-80% charging in 18 minutes should keep you going for longer.
Buy the best Kia small SUVs
Even if you narrow down your search to small SUVs from Kia, you'll still be faced with these seven fabulous options. So whether you want ultra-compact crossovers or manageably-sized family SUVs – petrol, hybrid or electric – you'll have no problem finding the right model for you by searching our used Kia SUVs for sale.