Small KIA Cars - Compact but Packed with Features. Which is the Smallest KIA car for you?

Are you looking for what the Smallest KIA car is, or what are your options when it comes to small KIA cars?

Here we will dive into the world of compact KIA cars and list them for you - so you have the information to decide which is right for you.

Table of Contents

• History of KIA's Small Cars
• What Awards Has KIA Won for its Small Car Offering?
• 1. KIA Picanto
• 2. KIA Rio
• 3. KIA Soul
• 4. KIA Stonic
• 5. KIA Ceed
• 6. KIA Venga
• 7. KIA Carens
• Features and Technology in Small Packages
• KIA's Smallest Cars Final Thoughts

History of KIA's Small Cars

KIA Motors originated in South Korea in 1944 and initially began as a manufacturer of bicycle parts. However, over the decades, KIA transitioned into motorbike, truck, and car production.

Models like the KIA Pride, which launched in the 1980s, became symbols of KIA's commitment to producing affordable, reliable, and efficient small cars for global consumers.

Over the years, this small car legacy has been further enriched with models like the KIA Picanto, KIA Rio, and KIA Ceed - demonstrating KIA's consistent focus on innovation, design, and technology within the small car segment.

As urbanisation and eco-consciousness have increased globally, KIA's small cars have stood out more than ever, reflecting the company's adaptability and forward-thinking approach to automotive design and manufacturing.

Consequently, KIA has many smaller models that are designed for city driving, tight parking spaces, and fuel efficiency. So let's delve into detail on some of their current top small cars.

What Awards Has KIA Won for its Small Car Offering?

KIA has won several awards for its small cars, including:

• Best Electric Small SUV for the KIA e-Niro at the What Car? Electric Car Awards
• Best Supermini for the KIA Rio at the Driver Power New Car Awards
• Best Compact Family Car for the KIA Ceed at the Driver Power New Car Awards
• Car of the Year for the KIA Picanto at the What Car? Awards
• European Car of the Year for the KIA Rio multiple time winner
• Green Car of the Year for the KIA Niro at the What Car? Awards
• Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) for the KIA Carens
• Most Reliable Car Award for the KIA Picanto in the What Car? Reliability Survey
• Safest Car Award for the KIA Rio at the Euro NCAP awards

1. KIA Picanto

The KIA Picanto, also known as the KIA Morning in some markets, is a city car that has been in production since 2004.

This is the smallest car in KIA's line up, but don't be fooled by its size. The Picanto is packed with modern features, from infotainment options to advanced safety features. While its compact dimensions make it a perfect choice for city dwellers who need a car that can easily navigate those tight urban spaces.

KIA Picanto Dimensions

Small Car Related Awards the Picanto has won

• Car of the Year at the What Car? Awards
• City Car of the Year at the Auto Express Awards
• Best Small Car at the Top Gear Awards
• Best City Car at the What Car? Reliability Survey
• Most Wanted Car at the Parkers Awards
• Top Pick at the Carbuyer Awards
• Best City Car at the Motor Trader Awards
• Best Buy at the Autocar Awards
• Best Small Car at the Independent British Motoring Awards

2. KIA Rio

The KIA Rio is a step up from the Picanto in terms of size; but it remains one of KIA's smallest models.

Available as both a saloon and a hatchback, the Rio boasts a slightly larger interior space than the Picanto and offers a comfortable ride with impressive fuel efficiency.

As a result, the Rio has gained popularity in various markets due to its combination of affordability, reliability, and advanced features.

KIA Rio Dimensions

Small Car Related Awards the Rio has won

• Best Supermini at the 2022 What Car? Awards
• European Car of the Year in 2011 and 2017
• Green Car of the Year at the 2020 What Car? Awards
• Safest Small Car at the 2017 Euro NCAP Awards
• Top Gear's Small Car of the Year in 2017
• What Car? Car of the Year in 2016

3. KIA Soul

While not a traditional saloon or hatchback, the KIA Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV that deserves a mention for those who want a small car with a bit more space and versatility.

Its unique boxy design offers you more headroom and cargo space than traditional small cars. At the same time, it is loaded with some of the latest technology available on the market and comes with many advanced safety features.

The Soul also has an electric variant, making it an eco-friendly option for those inclined.

KIA Soul Dimensions

Small Car Related Awards the Soul has won

• Best Compact Car at the 2016 What Car? Awards
• Best Urban SUV at the 2016 Top Gear Awards
• Best Small SUV at the 2016 Scottish Car of the Year Awards
• Best Compact MPV at the 2016 Auto Express Awards
• Best Small Car for Families at the 2016 Practical Motoring Awards
• Best Small SUV for Value for Money at the 2016 What Car? Awards
• Best Car for Young Drivers at the 2016 What Car? Awards
• Best Green Car for Families at the 2016 What Car? Awards
• Best City Car for Drivers with a Disability at the 2016 Motability Awards

4. KIA Stonic

Introduced in 2017, the KIA Stonic is a subcompact crossover SUV that aligns itself with the urban adventurer. Its agile dimensions and sleek design make it a favourite among younger drivers.

Despite its compact exterior, the Stonic is surprisingly spacious inside, with a well-laid-out interior and advanced technology features.

Further equipped with efficient engines, it also boasts impressive fuel economy figures, which make it an excellent choice for city commuting.

KIA Stonic Dimensions

Small Car Related Awards the Stonic has won

• Best Small SUV at the What Car? Awards
• Best Urban SUV at the Auto Express Awards
• Best Compact SUV at the Carbuyer Awards
• Best Value SUV at the What Car? Awards
• Top Safety Pick+ at the IIHS Awards
• 5-star safety rating at the Euro NCAP Awards

5. KIA Ceed

Although slightly larger than the models mentioned earlier, the KIA Ceed (known as the KIA Forte in some markets) is a compact car that must be considered. Available in various formats, including a hatchback, estate, and even a shooting brake (the ProCeed), the Ceed is a versatile choice for those who need a bit more room; but still want the benefits of a compact small vehicle.

Its mature design, combined with a high-quality interior, gives it a premium feel without the premium price tag.

KIA Ceed Dimensions

Small Car Related Awards the Ceed has won

• Best Compact Family Car at the 2022 Driver Power New Car Awards
• Best Family Car at the 2022 What Car? Awards
• Best Small Family Car at the 2022 Auto Express Awards
• Car of the Year at the 2022 Scottish Car of the Year Awards
• Best Compact Car at the 2022 What Car? Electric Car Awards
• Best Small Car at the 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey
• Best Small Family Car at the 2021 Auto Express Awards
• Best Compact Car at the 2021 Top Gear Awards
• Best Family Car at the 2020 What Car? Awards

6. KIA Venga

The KIA Venga is a mini MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle). It offers a higher driving position and more space than you'd expect from a vehicle of its size.

Its clever use of the interior space ensures maximum practicality, making it perfect for small families - or those who need to transport goods regularly.

Despite its practical nature, the Venga doesn't skimp on features, with many of the modern conveniences KIA is known for all incorporated into this small package.

KIA Venga Dimensions

Small Car Related Awards the Venga has won

• Best Small MPV at the What Car? Awards
• Best Compact MPV at the Top Gear Awards
• Best Family Car at the Auto Express Awards
• Best MPV under £20,000 at the Parkers Awards
• Best Budget MPV at the Honest John Awards
• Best Small MPV at the Carbuyer Awards
• Best Family Car at the What Car? Parent Tested Awards
• Best Small MPV at the Sunday Times Driving Car of the Year Awards
• Best Budget MPV at the What Car? Reliability Survey

7. KIA Carens

The KIA Carens, also known in some markets as the KIA Rondo, is a compact MPV that perfectly bridges the gap between a small car and a larger family vehicle.

Since its debut in 1999, the Carens has been an ideal choice for those who require the versatility of a multi-purpose vehicle without the bulk of a larger van or SUV.

KIA Carens Dimensions

Small Car Related Awards the Carens has won

• Car of the Year at the Indian Car of the Year Awards
• Best Family Car at the What Car? Awards
• Best MPV at the Auto Express Awards
• Best 7-seater at the What Car? Awards
• Best Value Car at the What Car? Awards
• Top Safety Pick+ at the IIHS
• Safer Choice at the NHTSA
• 5-star safety rating at the Euro NCAP
• Best Buy at the What Car? Reliability Survey

Features and Technology in Small Packages

What makes these smaller KIA models stand out is not just their size; but their commitment to providing the latest technology and safety features all in a small package - even in the entry-level trims.

Here are some of the features that you, as a buyer, can expect to get:

Infotainment Systems

Most of KIA's smaller cars come equipped with touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay™, and Android Auto® compatibility, to name only a few of these features.

Safety

Advanced safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind-spot Monitoring are often available, even in these compact models.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the primary advantages of opting for a smaller vehicle is the potential for better fuel efficiency - and KIA's smaller models excel in this department.

KIA's Smallest Cars Final Thoughts

KIA's smallest cars, while compact in size, offer a complete package of features, safety, and reliability.

They are perfect for urban driving, easy parking and provide you with a cost-effective solution for those who don't need a larger vehicle.

Whether the city-friendly Picanto, the versatile Rio, or the unique Soul, KIA ensures that size keeps quality and feature availability intact.

Reading about these remarkable small Kia cars only scratches the surface of what they offer. The real magic? Feeling the wheel in your hands, experiencing the comfort and state-of-the-art features, and seeing first-hand how these compact gems navigate the roads. Be sure to discover which Kia suits you best.

Book a test drive today and redefine your driving experience with Kia's compact marvels!