- The XCeed is now six years old, but Kia is already working on a second and more substantial facelift.
- A camouflaged prototype hints at a major redesign, bringing it on par with the rest of the lineup.
- The only surviving member of the Ceed family could gain new tech and mild-hybrid powertrains.
Kia is gradually expanding its EV lineup, but knows that ICE-powered models have to stick around for longer than initially expected in order to satisfy customer demand. A heavily camouflaged prototype of the XCeed suggests that the automaker is working on another facelift for the compact crossover which would keep it relevant for a few more years.
The Kia XCeed was originally introduced in 2019, as the first jacked-up member of the Ceed family. The model that bridged the gap between the Stonic and the Sportage received a facelift in 2022, with mild exterior and interior upgrades alongside the addition of a more potent GT-Line trim.
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Six years after its debut, the XCeed feels outdated compared to its stablemates. In fact, this and the Stonic are the last remaining models in the Kia lineup that have yet to adopt the brand’s latest styling language. Thankfully, this is going to change soon, as it will be updated rather than phased out.
Our spy photographers have spotted the pictured prototype during development testing in Europe. Despite the camo, the model is recognizable as an XCeed from the carry-over greenhouse and the hatchback-like stance. However, the front end has been completely redesigned, adopting a pair of vertically-stacked LED headlights. These will likely be joined by a larger grille, different bumper intakes, and smaller changes on the hood and front fenders.
SH Proshots
The profile could freshen up with new alloy wheels and color options. While most facelifts keep the sheet metal on the sides pretty much intact, the XCeed could benefit from new pieces of plastic cladding, bringing it closer to the SUV world.
As with the front end, the tail is covered in bulky camouflage. Still, it is clear that the taillights are quite different from the existing model, hinting at a major redesign of the tailgate and rear bumper. The provisional tailpipe that sticks out proves there is a combustion engine under the hood.
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The interior will most likely adopt a more modern digital cockpit, bringing the XCeed on par with the rest of the Kia lineup. Besides the new infotainment, the crossover could also gain more advanced ADAS systems and eco-friendly options for the upholstery.
Changes Under The Skin
As for the powertrains, the 1.6-liter diesel will likely be axed due to emission regulations, possibly together with the 1.5-liter gasoline. Our best guess is that Kia will employ mild-hybrid gasoline engines, possibly alongside the return of the PHEV that is no longer available.
In any case, powertrain options could be shared with the mechanically-related Hyundai i30 that could soon be getting a third facelift. As for the rest of the Ceed family, the hatchback and estate recently bowed out of production, following the ProCeed that was axed last year. A return sounds unlikely given their poor sales numbers.
The updated XCeed is expected to debut in mid-2026, with production likely taking place in Slovakia. Following the demise of the Ford Focus Active, the Korean model will compete with the similarly-sized Mazda CX-30, Toyota C-HR, and Citroen C4.
