Overview

The Kia Ceed Sportswagon might not be one of the best estate cars you can buy, but if you want the largest boot for the smallest price, it’s hard to beat, while also leading the way with its seven-year warranty.

It’s a larger, more practical version of the Ceed hatchback and is now Kia’s only estate car now that the sleeker-looking Proceed has been discontinued. In fact, if you want a new Ceed Sportswagon you’ll need to act quickly as production of all Ceed models is set to end in 2025 as the firm replaces it with the electric Kia EV4. Even after then, though, it will still make for an excellent used buy.

The second-generation Ceed Sportswagon (or SW as we’ll call it for short) was introduced in 2018 and was then facelifted in 2021. In its latter years, however, Kia has significantly slimmed the range down, with just one engine – a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol – and two trim levels available. Those looking for a cheaper petrol option, frugal diesel or plug-in hybrid will have to look at used examples instead.

Standard equipment on the entry-level ‘2’ model includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, cruise control and a reversing camera. The top-spec ‘3’ model then adds larger 17-inch alloy wheels, part leather upholstery, LED headlights and heated front seats with a heated steering wheel. This would be our pick of the range.

Though the family estate car segment isn’t as popular as it once was, there are still lots of excellent rivals worth considering. We strongly recommend the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports for its hybrid engine, though it is more expensive to buy. The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer should also be considered for its wide range of powertrains as you can have it as a petrol, diesel, hybrid or all-electric. The Ford Focus Estate and Volkswagen Golf Estate also deserve your attention.

But even though the Kia Ceed SW is starting to show its age, is it still worth considering if you’re looking for a spacious estate car on a tighter budget? In this review, we’ll consider how comfortable it is, what it’s like to drive, how pleasant the interior is and what it’ll cost you before we sum up whether you should buy one. Read more about how we test cars at Parkers.