Kia Ceed Sportswagon running costs and reliability

2018 onwards (change model)

Running costs rating: 4 out of 54.0

Written by Alan Taylor-Jones Updated: 29 November 2023

Miles per pound (mpp) ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.

Petrol engines	6.5 - 7.8 mpp
Diesel engines	7.2 - 8.2 mpp
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	N/A

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.

Petrol engines	44.1 - 53.3 mpg
Diesel engines	56.5 - 64.2 mpg
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	N/A

View mpg & specs for any version

No engine is particularly thirsty
Plug-in is the eco hero
Rivals are more efficient

At the time of writing the Ceed Sportswagon was only available with a single 1.5-litre petrol engine fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. Official figures suggest it’ll do nearly 50mpg, although we hovered around the low-40s in the real world.

An entry-level 1.0-litre petrol engine is expected to re-join the range in due course, although it’s barely any more efficient than the 1.5. A 1.6-litre diesel could also reappear and is capable of over 60mpg when fitted with a manual gearbox according to official figures. It’s good, but rivals from SEAT, Skoda and VW are even more frugal.

A plug-in hybrid was also previously available although we’re not sure it’ll return. It’s the same system that’s fitted to the Xceed so isn’t as efficient as the Octavia iV on account of that car’s superior all-electric range.

Servicing and warranty

Kia’s seven-year warranty isn’t unmatched in the industry anymore, with SsangYong and MG providing cover for the same period, and in the former’s case a more generous 150,000 mile allowance. But Kia has been doing it for the longest and has built up an excellent reputation for reliability and longevity in the process.

Like most manufacturers, Kia offers a service plan that allows you to spread the cost over monthly instalments.

Reliability

Seven-year warranty one of the best in the business
Little to go wrong; proven tech
Kia’s reputation is very good on this front

The new Ceed family hasn’t had any major reported problems, nor have there been any recalls. Use of proven technology and a general feeling of robustness means you’re unlikely to have any issues with your Ceed – even if you keep it for the full seven-year period to make the most of that warranty.