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The Top 5 Smallest Kia Vehicles Ever Produced

Blog Dec 05th, 2024

Kia has built a reputation for crafting vehicles that balance style, functionality, and compactness. In this fun and detailed guide, we’ll rank the top five smallest Kia vehicles ever produced. These compact cars and crossovers have made waves for their dimensions, clever design, and practicality. But if you’re curious about the other end of the spectrum, explore our blog on The Top 5 Biggest Kia Vehicles Ever Produced to see how Kia excels with spacious and feature-packed models.

5. Kia Ceed (2006–Present)

Rounding out the list at number five is the Kia Ceed, a compact hatchback that combines performance and practicality while maintaining a relatively small footprint.

  • Dimensions (2006 Model):
    • Length: 4,235 mm (166.7 inches)
    • Width: 1,790 mm (70.5 inches)
    • Height: 1,480 mm (58.3 inches)
    • Wheelbase: 2,650 mm (104.3 inches)
  • Interior Features:
    • Despite being on the larger side for this list, the Ceed offers a compact, cozy cabin with excellent visibility.
    • It has seating for five, with ergonomic front seats and a surprisingly roomy rear bench.
    • The trunk is generously sized for its class, making it ideal for daily commutes and weekend getaways.
  • Unique Characteristics:
    • The Ceed is celebrated for its sporty handling and sleek design, particularly in its GT trims.
    • It introduced advanced technology for its time, such as touchscreen infotainment systems and safety assists.
    • Its compact dimensions make it nimble in urban settings, while its longer wheelbase ensures stability on highways.

The Kia Ceed is an excellent choice for those who want a compact car that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or utility. To dive deeper into what makes the Kia Ceed such a standout model, check out our blog: The Kia Ceed: Europe’s Compact Marvel That’s Redefining Versatility.

4. Kia Stonic (2017–Present)

Coming in at number four, we have the Kia Stonic, a stylish subcompact crossover that blends compact dimensions with SUV-inspired versatility.

  • Dimensions (2017 Model):
    • Length: 4,140 mm (162.9 inches)
    • Width: 1,760 mm (69.3 inches)
    • Height: 1,520 mm (59.8 inches)
    • Wheelbase: 2,580 mm (101.6 inches)
  • Interior Features:
    • The Stonic’s cabin is modern and packed with thoughtful details, offering room for up to five passengers.
    • Its seats are well-cushioned and designed for comfort, even on longer journeys.
    • The dashboard is home to an intuitive infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
    • Rear seats can fold down to expand cargo space, making it a practical choice for small families.
  • Unique Characteristics:
    • The Stonic’s sporty design and sharp lines give it a youthful, vibrant look.
    • It offers excellent handling for a crossover, providing a fun-to-drive experience while remaining fuel-efficient.
    • Its elevated driving position offers a commanding view of the road, giving drivers a sense of confidence in tight spaces.

The Kia Stonic stands out as a compact crossover with the soul of a city car. Its clever design and features land it solidly in fourth place on our list. For a more in-depth look at what makes the Kia Stonic a standout choice, explore our blog: Discover the Kia Stonic: The Compact SUV with Big Style and Versatility.

3. Kia Soul (2009–Present)

Claiming the third spot on our list is the Kia Soul, a vehicle that’s as unique as it is compact. Known for its boxy design and quirky personality, the Soul has become a fan favorite among urban drivers.

  • Dimensions (2009 Model):
    • Length: 4,105 mm (161.6 inches)
    • Width: 1,785 mm (70.3 inches)
    • Height: 1,610 mm (63.4 inches)
    • Wheelbase: 2,550 mm (100.4 inches)
  • Interior Features:
    • Despite its compact exterior, the Soul offers an impressively spacious cabin.
    • The upright design provides excellent headroom, making it feel larger inside than its dimensions suggest.
    • The rear seats fold flat to create a generous cargo area, perfect for shopping trips or small moves.
    • It’s packed with technology, including user-friendly infotainment systems and premium sound options in higher trims.
  • Unique Characteristics:
    • The Soul’s distinctive boxy design is not just for looks—it maximizes interior space while keeping the exterior small.
    • It offers vibrant customization options, from bold paint colors to fun interior accents.
    • The Soul is perfect for city driving, with great visibility and a tight turning radius.

The Kia Soul’s blend of practicality, personality, and compact dimensions makes it a standout vehicle that earns its place in the middle of our list.

2. Kia Rio (2000–Present)

Coming in at number two is the Kia Rio, a subcompact car that has been a go-to choice for drivers seeking efficiency and simplicity in a small package.

  • Dimensions (2000 Model):
    • Length: 4,215 mm (165.9 inches)
    • Width: 1,675 mm (65.9 inches)
    • Height: 1,420 mm (55.9 inches)
    • Wheelbase: 2,410 mm (94.9 inches)
  • Interior Features:
    • The Rio’s cabin is thoughtfully designed, with comfortable seating for four adults and a functional layout.
    • Though compact, the interior materials are durable and practical, making it a budget-friendly option.
    • The trunk space is generous for its size, offering flexibility for groceries or light luggage.
    • Higher trims introduced features like air conditioning and basic infotainment as early as the 2000s.
  • Unique Characteristics:
    • The Rio’s small dimensions make it an excellent choice for navigating tight city streets and parking spots.
    • Known for its reliability, the Rio is also easy to maintain, with low running costs.
    • Over the years, it has evolved with improved safety features and fuel efficiency, making it a competitive option in its segment.

The Kia Rio’s longevity and practicality cement its place as one of the smallest and most versatile vehicles in Kia’s lineup. It’s a close second, but there’s one vehicle that’s even smaller…

1. Kia Picanto (2004–Present)

And the crown for the smallest Kia vehicle EVER goes to… the Kia Picanto! Compact, cute, and bursting with charm, the Picanto has reigned as Kia’s tiniest car since its debut.

  • Dimensions (2004 Model):
    • Length: 3,495 mm (137.6 inches)
    • Width: 1,595 mm (62.8 inches)
    • Height: 1,480 mm (58.3 inches)
    • Wheelbase: 2,370 mm (93.3 inches)
  • Interior Features:
    • Don’t let its size fool you—the Picanto offers clever interior design to make the most of every inch.
    • It seats four adults comfortably with surprising legroom for a car this small.
    • The dashboard features an intuitive layout, with easy-to-reach controls and a no-nonsense design.
    • The rear seats fold down to expand the cargo space, making it practical for grocery runs or small luggage.
  • Unique Characteristics:
    • The Picanto’s ultra-compact size is ideal for squeezing into the tightest parking spots or zipping through crowded city streets.
    • It delivers impressive fuel economy, making it a wallet-friendly option for commuters.
    • With its fun, youthful design and a rainbow of color options, the Picanto stands out wherever it goes.

The Kia Picanto is the ultimate champion of compact cars in Kia’s lineup. It’s the epitome of ‘small but mighty,’ packing efficiency, style, and practicality into the smallest package Kia has ever offered. To learn more about the Kia Picanto’s unique features, history, and why it continues to charm drivers worldwide, check out our blog The Smallest Kia Ever Produced: Introducing the Kia Picanto.

FAQs About Kia’s Smallest Vehicles

  1. What is the smallest Kia vehicle ever made?
    The Kia Picanto holds the title as the smallest Kia vehicle ever produced, measuring just 3,495 mm in length for its 2004 model.
  2. Is the Kia Picanto available in Canada?
    Unfortunately, the Kia Picanto is not currently offered in the Canadian market. However, it remains popular in Europe and Asia.
  3. Which Kia is smaller: the Rio or the Soul?
    The Kia Rio is smaller than the Soul, with a length of 4,215 mm compared to the Soul’s 4,105 mm. However, the Soul’s boxy shape provides more interior space.
  4. What is the smallest Kia crossover?
    The Kia Stonic is the smallest crossover in Kia’s lineup, combining compact dimensions with SUV-inspired practicality.
  5. Does Kia still make small cars?
    Yes! Models like the Kia Picanto, Rio, and Stonic are among Kia’s compact offerings, though availability varies by market.
  6. Are smaller Kia vehicles fuel-efficient?
    Absolutely. Smaller Kia models like the Picanto and Rio are designed for excellent fuel economy, often exceeding 50 miles per gallon depending on the engine.
  7. Which Kia model is best for city driving?
    The Kia Picanto is the ideal city car due to its tiny size and maneuverability, but the Soul and Stonic are also great options for urban environments.
  8. Do small Kia vehicles have enough cargo space?
    Yes, most small Kia models feature clever interior designs with foldable rear seats to maximize cargo capacity when needed.
  9. What’s the price range for Kia’s smallest cars?
    Pricing varies by model and market, but compact Kia vehicles like the Rio and Picanto are known for their affordability, often starting in the $15,000–$20,000 range.
  10. Which small Kia is best for families?
    While the Kia Soul isn’t the smallest, its spacious interior and upright design make it a great option for small families.

Conclusion

From the sporty Kia Ceed to the champion of compactness, the Kia Picanto, Kia has consistently delivered innovative small vehicles that prioritize efficiency, practicality, and fun. Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or looking for a budget-friendly ride, Kia’s lineup of compact cars has something for everyone.

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