2023 Kia Xceed Release Date, Colors, Specs, Changes & Improvements

Given that the Kia Xceed accounts for nearly 50% of all Kia Ceed sales in Europe, it’s no surprise that we are about to see an upgrade across the board for the 2023 version of the family crossover.

Upgraded technology, style changes, and a plug-in hybrid model are all coming for the 2023 model year.

Furthermore, the top of the range GT-Line trim level on the 2023 Kia Xceed will also be introduced for the upcoming model year.

• 120.000 units of the Kia Xceed have been sold in Europe to date

2023 Kia Xceed facelift exterior design changes

The design changes to the exterior are smaller tweaks that are subtle and along the lines of what we saw on the recently revealed Ceed hatchback facelift.

What that means is that the 2023 Kia Xceed comes with LED headlights that look sharper, an updated Kia logo, and a new look front bumper.

Changes to the side profile give the vehicle a more rigged look, courtesy of plastic body cladding.

Slimmer LED clusters can be found around back, while an increase of 44mm in ground clearance when compared to the standard Ceed 5 hatchback means that this model is ready to go off road.

Interior upgrades

There aren’t many changes to the interior, but the top of the range Kia Xceed GT-Line variant comes with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, alloy pedals, sportier seats, and a black headliner.

A red GT badge with a smaller white line can be found on the steering wheel, while the gear knob will be wrapped in perforated leather.

A frameless rearview mirror is among the other updates, as is a glossy black panel for the transmission tunnel. There is also the option for a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster with full HD.

Diesel and gasoline engine + PHEV drivetrain

Moving to the engine lineup for the 2023 Kia eXceed facelift, it’s starting with the turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder engine delivering 118 hp and 172 Nm of torque.

Moving up to the 1.5L turbo unit, you get 160 hp and 253 Nm.

The 1.6-liter engine found in the Ceed GT, and ProCeed GT is also available, with power there set at 201 hp and 265 Nm.

That final engine combined with a 7-speed dual0clutch transmission will take the Xceed from 0-100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds.

A mild-hybrid 1.6-diesel engine is also an option, delivering 134 hp when mated to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT.

The top of the range engine for the 2023 Kia Xceed is the plug-in hybrid 1.6-liter gasoline unit and a 44.5 kW electric motor.

It also comes with a 6-speed DCT auto and 8.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The combined output for that setup is 141 hp and 265 Nm of torque. On a full charge, the vehicle can run for 37 miles in all-electric mode.

2023 Kia Xceed exterior color options

3 new color options have been added to the 2023 Kia Xceed color range. One of those new colors is a rather striking shade of green that looks absolutely fantastic.

On-sale date

We can expect to see the 2023 Kia Xceed hit the European market in September. The bad news for North American drivers is that this Kia is for the European market only.