Mild-hybrid power will be standard across the updated Kia Stonic range, along with new features and a revised look, but price rises of up to $3260.
The updated 2026 Kia Stonic light SUV will arrive in Australia later this month, adding 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and revised styling inside and out – but with price rises of up to $3260.
Priced from $28,190 before on-road costs – up $2020 – the new Stonic light SUV is the first Kia vehicle in Australia with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, joining its regular hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric offerings.
The electrical system helps to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the brand's smallest SUV, from 5.4L/100km and 125g/km to 5.0L/100km and 116g/km, while power increases from 74kW/175Nm to 88kW.
It is capable of switching the petrol engine off when the vehicle is coasting, but unlike regular hybrids, it cannot drive the wheels on electric power.
All variants continue to feature a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, following the discontinuation of the less-efficient 1.4-litre non-turbo four-cylinder in 2024.
The Stonic's main competitor, the Toyota Yaris Cross, offers regular hybrid technology as standard, which further cuts fuel use to as low as 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Kia has revised the front and rear styling of the nine-year-old Stonic – the higher-riding twin to the now-axed Rio – to give it a new lease on life, along with a new dashboard, centre console and door panels.
New features for the Stonic S will include a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen – up from 8.0 inches – larger 16-inch alloy wheels, lane-keep assist, LED daytime running lights, and an electric handbrake.
It is also set to add post-collision braking, front and rear cross-traffic alerts, and push-button start, according to specifications listed on industry database Redbook.
The Stonic Sport, which has increased $3000 to $32,390, will add Kia Connect telematics, along with adaptive cruise control and ambient interior lighting.
Meanwhile, the Stonic GT-Line – up $3260 to $35,740 – will add a unique three-spoke, two-tone steering wheel design, in addition to the new features listed for the S and Sport.
All grades will be available to order in two new colours – Yacht Blue and Adventurous Green – joining the existing Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Sparkling Silver, Astro Grey and Signal Red.
Full Australian specifications for the updated 2026 Kia Stonic will be confirmed closer to first showroom arrivals, which are expected towards the end of this month.
2026 Kia Stonic price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
