Kia Australia has confirmed pricing for the 2026 Kia Stonic PE2, which brings mild-hybrid technology, refreshed styling, and new features across the range. However, these updates come with notable price increases of up to $3260.
The light SUV will arrive in Australian showrooms later this month, starting from $28,180 before on-road costs, a $2020 increase over the outgoing model.
2026 Kia Stonic pricing in Australia
| Variant | Engine & Fuel | Transmission | Price | Change |
| Kia Stonic S | 1.0L T-GDI 48V MHEV (Petrol) | 7-speed DCT | $28,180 | +$2,020 |
| Kia Stonic Sport | 1.0L T-GDI 48V MHEV (Petrol) | 7-speed DCT | $32,290 | +$3,000 |
| Kia Stonic GT-Line | 1.0L T-GDI 48V MHEV (Petrol) | 7-speed DCT | $35,740 | +$3,260 |
All prices exclude on-road costs. Actual cost may vary depending on regional taxes.
Design and cabin tech upgrades
The Kia Stonic PE2 adopts Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language, aligning it with newer models like the EV3 and K4. The exterior updates include:
- Redesigned front and rear fascias
- New alloy wheel designs
- Updated bumpers and tail-lights
Two new colours, Yacht Blue and Adventurous Green, have been added to the colour palette.
The SUV has grown slightly to 4165mm in length and offers a larger 352L boot (up 30L).
Inside, the cabin gains dual 12.3-inch displays, a significant step up from the previous 8.0-inch screen, and now supports Kia Connect telematics and over-the-air (OTA) software updates (available on Sport and GT-Line).
Other interior enhancements include:
- Touch-capacitive “Multimode Touch Display” for climate and media control
- New steering wheel and gear selector
- Updated centre console and USB-C ports
Key mechanical updates
| Specification | 2026 Kia Stonic |
| Engine | 1.0L turbocharged 3-cyl petrol |
| Hybrid System | 48V mild-hybrid (standard) |
| Power | 84.5–88 kW (depending on market data) |
| Torque | 172 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| 0–100 km/h | 10.8 s |
| Fuel Economy | 5.0–5.6 L/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions | 116–126 g/km |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
Safety and tech upgrades
Kia has expanded the Stonic’s safety suite, introducing Highway Driving Assist, which integrates adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and navigation-based speed adjustment.
While full local specifications are yet to be detailed, buyers can expect improved driver-assist features and semi-autonomous functions across higher trims.
New features across the range
While Kia Australia hasn’t confirmed the exact equipment list for each trim, the following features are based on European specifications and may vary for local models.
Kia Stonic S
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (up from 8.0-inch)
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Lane-keep assist
- LED daytime running lights
- Electric parking brake
- Post-collision braking
- Push-button start
Kia Stonic Sport
All Kia Stonic S features, plus:
- Kia Connect connected services
- Adaptive cruise control
- Ambient interior lighting
Kia Stonic GT-Line
All Kia Stonic Sport features, plus:
- All Sport features
- Adds a distinctive three-spoke, two-tone steering wheel design
Where does it stand in the market?
The updated Kia Stonic faces stiff competition from top-selling rivals such as the Hyundai Venue (from $22,750), Mazda CX-3 (from $27,070), and Toyota Yaris Cross (from $30,900), placing it mid-pack in Australia’s light SUV segment.
Key takeaways for buyers
The 2026 Kia Stonic offers meaningful updates – mild-hybrid tech, larger displays, and connected services, but buyers will pay more for the privilege. It’s a smarter, more modern Stonic, but not necessarily a cheaper one.
For those who value tech and efficiency over a rock-bottom price, the refreshed Kia Stonic makes a strong case. For value seekers, however, the competition remains stiff, with several rivals offering similar features at a lower entry point.
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