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Kia Stonic vs Dacia Sandero comparison

Compare performance (115 HP vs 122 HP), boot space and price (20,400 £ vs 11,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Stonic or Dacia Sandero?

Kia Stonic vs Dacia Sandero: Key differences

Kia Stonic

4.6 (2 Reviews)
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Dacia Sandero

3.1 (5 Reviews)
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  • considerably cheaper
  • marginally more power
  • marginally more efficient
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
  • barely more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Stonic

Head-to-head overview: Dacia Sandero VS Kia Stonic

Dacia Sandero VS Kia Stonic sets up a clear value-versus-refinement clash: the Sandero promises maximal everyday usefulness for the smallest outlay, while the Stonic aims to package modern cabin tech and SUV styling into a compact, city-friendly car. The Dacia feels utilitarian and honest — simple controls, roomy front seats and a straightforward boot that get real jobs done without fuss. The Kia presents a more finished instrument panel, sharper steering and a small‑SUV stance that feels contemporary in the driveway and at the kerb. Choosing between them is mostly about whether you prioritise lowest running cost and roomy practicality or a slightly more polished cabin and livelier city manners. This page unpicks those trade-offs so you know which car better matches your daily routine before we dive into the figures.

Sandero

Character and driving: fuss-free practicality versus nimble city manners

The Dacia Sandero wears its simplicity as a virtue—steering is light for town manoeuvres and the controls are immediately obvious, so it’s an easy car to live with if you value straightforwardness. The Kia Stonic, by contrast, feels more willing to hustle: the steering is more direct and the chassis sharper, which makes it more confidence-inspiring when threading through traffic or switching lanes. That agility comes with a firmer suspension that can make poor surfaces feel nervous, whereas the Sandero soaks up small bumps more forgivingly but transmits more wind and tyre noise at speed. In practice, city drivers who prioritise ease of parking and low-cost operation will likely prefer the Sandero, while those who want a slightly sportier, SUV-like presence and crisper turn-in will lean to the Stonic.

Stonic

Comfort and long-distance behaviour: neither is a cruising limousine

On longer trips the differences become practical rather than philosophical: the Sandero offers an upright, roomy front seating position that keeps fatigue down, but motorway miles bring noticeable wind and road noise that saps composure. The Stonic’s seats are competent but the firmer suspension and higher noise levels make extended motorway stints feel more wearing, especially on coarse surfaces. If you do a mix of town and occasional motorway runs, the Sandero’s predictable ride and comfort-first packaging will feel more forgiving; if your daily routes are short hops and urban errands, the Stonic’s tauter handling feels more rewarding. Neither car is aimed at long-distance serenity, so your tolerance for noise and ride harshness should drive the choice.

Sandero

Practicality and family usability: how much luggage and rear-seat space you really get

The Sandero scores where real‑world hauling matters: a practical boot opening and front space that make school runs and grocery trips straightforward, even if the loading sill is a little awkward. The Stonic trades some luggage volume and rear knee room for a more compact silhouette, which can make fitting two child seats and a stroller a tighter, fiddlier job. Both cars have usable ISOFIX points, but families who routinely travel with more kit will feel the Sandero’s extra cargo sense in everyday packing. If boot access, simple layouts and maximum value for family chores are priorities, the Sandero pulls ahead; if compactness and SUV style for two adults matter more, the Stonic still works but with smaller margins.

Stonic

Cabin feel, tech and perceived quality: modern polish versus honest simplicity

The Kia Stonic’s facelifted cockpit brings cleaner graphics, a layered display look and an overall impression of being more up-to-date, so it feels like a nicer place to spend short commutes. The Dacia Sandero keeps things deliberately basic: physical buttons, plain plastics and a practical ergonomics that’s less about flair and more about usability. Both cabins use a fair amount of hard plastic, so the Stonic’s tech and styling are what lift its perceived quality rather than plush materials; the Sandero wins on straightforward practicality and fewer features to confuse less tech‑oriented users. For buyers who value an up-to-date interface and a slightly smarter dash, the Stonic will feel worth the premium, while those who prize durability and ease-of-use will appreciate the Sandero’s no-nonsense interior.

Sandero

Buyer fit and trade-offs: who should test-drive which car next

If your primary goal is to minimise purchase price and running costs while getting roomy front seats and a practical boot, the Dacia Sandero is the obvious test-car—the trade-off being less refinement, more noise and simpler safety tech. If you want a compact crossover with sharper steering, a refreshed cockpit and a stronger warranty/backing, put the Kia Stonic on your list, accepting a firmer ride and tighter rear seats for that modern SUV feel. Think of the Sandero as the pragmatic choice for sensible buyers who measure value in usable space and low cost; think of the Stonic as the choice for buyers who prefer a livelier city drive and a more contemporary cabin. With those personal priorities clarified, the technical comparison that follows will help you match engines, fuel economy and equipment to the fit that felt right on the road.

Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
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The Dacia Duster and Dacia Sandero are budget-friendly staples from the same brand, but they serve very different needs: the Duster is a compact SUV with higher ground clearance and more interior space, while the Sandero is a practical, economical hatchback ideal for city driving. This comparison …
Hyundai Bayon
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Stonic

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Dacia Sandero is considerably cheaper – starting at 11,000 £ , while the Kia Stonic costs 20,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,429 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Dacia Sandero uses 5.3 L/100km and is marginally more efficient than the Kia Stonic with 5.6 L/100km. The difference is about 0.3 L/100km.

Sandero

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Dacia Sandero offers marginally more power – delivering 122 HP compared to 115 HP. That’s roughly 7 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Dacia Sandero is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 9.7 s, while the Kia Stonic takes 10.7 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

Both models offer the same torque – 200 Nm.

Stonic

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Dacia Sandero is only slightly lighter – 1,100 kg compared to 1,205 kg. The difference is around 105 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Sandero offers barely more boot space – 372 L compared to 352 L. That’s a difference of about 20 L.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Stonic carries barely more – 445 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 9 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Dacia Sandero stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £11,000
Sandero

Dacia Sandero

  • Engine Type : Petrol, LPG
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 67 - 122 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.3 - 7.2 L/100km
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Kia Stonic
Dacia Sandero

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Kia Stonic

The Kia Stonic is a compact crossover that pairs nimble city manners with a surprisingly spacious and comfortable cabin. It’s a practical, well-equipped choice for buyers who value sensible features, approachable styling and easy everyday usability.

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Kia_Stonic_MY22_16
Kia_Stonic_MY22_15
Kia_Stonic_MY22_08
Kia_Stonic_MJ22_05

Reviews Kia Stonic

4.6 (2 Reviews)
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Jan
18 Mar 2026, 07:19:10

Very good car, uses little fuel, nothing's gone wrong in 4 years, no breakdowns.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Ennio
4 Feb 2026, 13:19:36

I'm very satisfied — I have a Stonic Black Edition hybrid, and I haven't had any problems after two years.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero is a no-nonsense hatchback that prioritises practicality and low running costs, making it a smart choice for budget-minded buyers. It delivers a surprisingly roomy interior and straightforward, useful equipment so you get everyday usability without paying for unnecessary frills.

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d220195p
d220191p
d220190p

Reviews Dacia Sandero

3.1 (5 Reviews)
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Thierry
14 Apr 2026, 21:55:26

New car — but problems: water ingress in a vehicle that's only two years old, mould forming, a defective front plate and a black stain.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Le
9 Mar 2026, 11:19:49

Hello — having tried the Sandero Stepway Extreme Auto 120.
The big downside is at the front, where large consoles on both the passenger and driver doors create a feeling that, as the kilometres go by, you have to drive with your knees squeezed together. On top of that, the small compartment between the two seats is more cumbersome than practical.
The rear seats are really spacious.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Kia Niro
Kia Stonic
VS
The Kia Niro and Kia Stonic step into the compact crossover ring with very different tricks up their sleeves — the Niro is the sensible, efficiency-first all-rounder, while the Stonic is the cheeky, city-savvy funster with a pocket-sized personality. Which one suits your life — long motorway miles …
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Toyota Yaris Cross
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Choosing between the Dacia Sandero and the Toyota Yaris Cross is essentially a choice between a straightforward, extremely affordable small car and a more polished compact crossover with hybrid power and advanced safety tech. The Sandero is ideal if stretching your budget is key; the Yaris Cross …
Kia Stonic
Dacia Sandero

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,400 - 26,800 £
Price
11,000 - 16,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 5.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
126 - 128 g/km
co2
111 - 131 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,205 - 1,270 kg
Curb weight
1,100 - 1,297 kg
Trunk capacity
352 L
Trunk capacity
372 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,760 mm
Width
1,853 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
440 - 445 kg
Payload
385 - 436 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
100 - 115 HP
Power HP
67 - 122 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.7 - 12.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.7 - 16.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
172 - 200 Nm
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
74 - 85 kW
Power kW
49 - 90 kW
Engine capacity
998 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
Kia
Brand
Dacia
Is the Kia Stonic offered with different drivetrains?

The Kia Stonic is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.