2021 Seat Arona vs Kia Stonic: Battle of the baby crossovers

The Seat Arona has been facelifted for 2021 with styling tweaks, new infotainment and improved levels of equipment. But how does it fare against the Kia Stonic, which was also facelifted within the last year?

In this CarGurus UK review Rebecca Jackson tests the two cars back-to-back to see what they offer to buyers. Does the Kia's mild-hybrid powertrain result in superior fuel economy to the Arona? Will the upgrades to the Arona's cabin help it to stand out from the crossover crowd? And which of these cars is the most practical and enjoyable to drive? This test reveals all.

Read our full Seat Arona expert review:

Read our full Kia Stonic expert review:

#kiastonic #cargurusuk #seatarona

[pomerau]

I've just downloaded the complete manuals for both cars, and nowhere is there a function to enter - by - clapping.

[davidpollard]

What's this obsession with "hard, scratchy plastics..." ? Every review in average cars like these makes reference to them. As long as everything is screwed together and assembled properly then it makes no difference to me. If I want door to door leather I'll wait until I win the lottery and can afford a Bentley.

[BillCameronWC]

I have had a top of line Stonic GT Line S manual since June 22 and am very happy with it. On the other hand my partner has had a Seat Arona (not the top model, not the base model) automatic since February 2022 and is also very happy with it - he always drives automatics, and I much prefer manual. The cars are pretty similar in terms of comfort I think, although I personally prefer the Stonic and I suspect the mild hybrid does help with fuel economy on longer trips. It’s personal choice and. I’d say we’re both happy.

[fenegroni]

I chose the Kia, based on the fact that it actually drives well and it's a fair bit cheaper at a similar level of equipment.
It's mostly a subjective review. Objectively the Arona is bigger inside. Costs more. Is less fuel efficient. And has a fair bit fewer active safety equipment as standard.
Subjectively, the Kia looks a whole lot better and drives just as well.

[jrs]

Both of them would look better with interior upholstery like the brown leather Rebecca wore. Nice, thorough review by her. Interesting to compare those vehicles with the same sold in the usa by Kia and VW.

[philipc]

Not expecting a Bently nor Ferrari.. so this mild hybrid and a 7 yr warranty will do nicely

[farahdemir]

When a major maintenance came for my ionic electric, the car dealerships gave me the Arona 1.0 fr.2021
My first thoughts were, what a good looking solid car. But after driving I noticed its literally a brick on wheels.
This car is very heavy on the braking and the throttle response is either too slow or too fast.
And then there is a lot of shaking inside.
I just couldn't believe how bad it drove compared with my ioniq electric.
The Ioniq drives like a dream, everything is just so smooth

[patrickb]

Great video as always, Rebecca. Thank you! Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the music playing while you're talking - I find it a distraction and quite annoying. Does anybody else?

[thanasisconstantinou]

Nice car review, being very detailed and full of useful information, as always, Rebecca. Nevertheless, although the SEAT ARONA is, on average, a better B SUV than the KIA Stonic, a potential buyer might also take into account the fact that KIA cars are very, very reliable.

[MarttiSuomivuori]

I drove a KIA Sportage without any problems for nearly seven years. I did not even consider anything made by VAG when I bought a new car. –A Stonic.

[jonathantaylor]

"...the throttle is as responsive as a teenager on their smartphone..."
That cracked me up...! 🤣
A great line...

[anthonystevens]

I nicely balanced review with just the right amount of humour. "As responsive as a teenager on there smartphone" made me laugh.

[NedNew]

I agree. Seat for the win. Kia is a good car too.

[SethPinnock]

I would agree with your findings, however for me the mold hybrid is more useful. I definitely would have to find a way to cover up and soften some of those hard plastic surfaces.

[DeanoEV]

I got my partner the previous Arona on PCH in FR trim with the same engine/DSG box as this one, and I can't wait to get rid of it. Decent to drive and reasonably roomy but the cost cutting is crazy. No rear lights, no rear seating storage, no grab handles. Everything is covered in cheap plastic.

[MelchizedekKohen]

does kia have good automatic transmission?

[CRiZLA]

SEAT didnt listen to the owners when we request the start/stop button be on the correct side.... Fair they put a lamp in the rear...

[muffindell]

How can a car in this sector be the winner when the MPG is so poor, gearbox rubbish sluggish mmi. What is the obsession with scratchy plastics, they are low down because they are harder wearing than a soft plastic in that area. Why is Rebecca wearing a coat in what looks like a glorious day? So many questions that need answers 🤔

[athollmcnicoll]

I'd have said the Seat over the Kia but then the Seat is still a petrol driven car without gimmickry of hybrid technology which I am not a fan of.
Rear seating looks good to me as the seats fold down almost flat, making for a comfortable nights sleep when out in the country with no urgency to be home before darkness envelopes the skies. Yes my vote goes to the Seat but I still prefer my Fiesta.

[joelhenderson]

Is “squidgy” a word the auto press has introduced to the lexicon or did it have other origins?