2020 Kia XCeed Crossover Spied Testing Against VW T-Roc

Update 1/31/2019: This story has been updated with new information and images, which include shots of the XCeed crossover testing against the new VW T-ROC, as our spy photographers informed us.

After the reveal of the all-new Ceed GT and Proceed at the Paris Auto Show last year, Kia is readying a new member for the Ceed family.

Yes, it’s a new crossover (like most new car debuts these days) and it will be based on the Korean compact. We haven’t got an official name for it yet, but chances are it will feature the Ceed moniker, with some sources saying it will be called XCeed. What’s certain is that it will slot between the Stonic and the Sportage in Kia’s lineup, striking a balance between those two crossovers.

These spy shots don’t allow us to see too much of the Ceed SUV’s design, but we can spot the similar headlights and taillights, as well as the “Ceed-on-stilts” vibe. It looks more like a jacked-up hatchback than an SUV and that’s likely going to benefit on-road dynamics.

Kia’s answer to the Ford Focus Active, Subaru Crosstrek and VW Golf Alltrack

That also means it will go against models such as the Ford Focus Active, Subaru XV (called Crosstrek in America) and VW Golf Alltrack when it goes on sale in Europe later this year. Like said models, the Kia Ceed crossover will try to entice buyers by adopting an “all-in-one approach.” The model will combine an agile compact car chassis with a reasonably roomy interior, and increased capability off the beaten track courtesy of the higher ground clearance.

The design will totally reflect the Ceed’s new-found versatility with features such as the standard roof rails, plastic body cladding around the wheel arches and side sills, front and rear skid plates, as well as more rugged-looking bumpers. The distinct alloy wheels will complete the package.

As for the rest of the bodywork, expect a Ceed-like front-end design featuring the “tiger-nose” grille, as well as a slightly similar but not identical treatment of the rear end compared to the Ceed hatch and wagon.

The window line will also look quite different than that of the Kia Ceed hatchback. The lower part of the rear windows starts to rise towards the back, and the heavy padding behind the C-pillars doing a good job of hiding the vehicle’s third lateral windows.

The big question remains whether Kia will offer it with all-wheel drive

We don’t have any shots of the interior but that should have Ceed written all over it too. The new, driver-oriented center console with the “floating” touchscreen display is a given. Practicality will stand to gain from the SUV’s taller and larger body than the Ceed’s.

When it comes to the engine lineup, the upcoming crossover should get the same turbocharged gasoline and diesel power plants as the Ceed. Unlike the smaller Stonic, it might also get an optional all-wheel-drive system although there’s nothing official from Kia on that.

The adventurous Ceed variant could be revealed as early as in March at the Geneva Motor Show and arrive in European markets in the second half of the year. A North American introduction is unlikely at this point.