Kia Stonic Gets 2026 Facelift for Australia With 48V Mild‑Hybrid and Higher Prices

Overview

• The refreshed range is in showrooms now, starting at $30,890 drive‑away for the S, $34,490 for the Sport and $37,990 for the GT‑Line after increases of roughly $2100–$3400.
• The carryover 1.0‑litre turbo three‑cylinder now features a 48‑volt mild‑hybrid system rated at 88kW and 172Nm with a 5.0L/100km combined claim.
• Sport and GT‑Line grades add a 12.3‑inch infotainment screen with Kia Connect telematics and over‑the‑air updates, while the S keeps an 8.0‑inch unit with wireless smartphone mirroring.
• Higher trims use wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto when paired with built‑in navigation, and new convenience features include adaptive cruise on Sport and a digital cluster on GT‑Line.
• The mild‑hybrid battery sits under the boot floor and replaces the spare wheel with a repair kit, the model’s previous five‑star ANCAP rating has lapsed with no retest planned, and reviewers note the seven‑speed DCT can hesitate with real‑world fuel use exceeding the claim.