@ Kia Corporation
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
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Kia XCeed vs SEAT Leon – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Two cars, one duel: Kia XCeed meets SEAT Leon.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

XCeed @ Kia Corporation

In the world of compact cars, two models stand out for their unique blend of style, performance, and technology: the Kia XCeed and the SEAT León. Both vehicles offer a captivating driving experience, but which one should you choose? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison covering technical aspects and innovations.

Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Design and Body Type

The Kia XCeed presents itself as an SUV, with a modern and rugged design that appeals to those seeking a sporty yet practical vehicle. Its dimensions—4395 mm in length, 1826 mm in width, and 1495 mm in height—couple with a spacious trunk capacity of 426 liters, making it an ideal choice for both city commuting and weekend getaways.

On the other hand, the SEAT León embraces the classic hatchback format. Measuring slightly shorter at 4368 mm in length, but wider at 1799 mm, the León offers striking lines and an athletic stance. Despite its smaller trunk capacity of 380 liters, it still provides ample space for everyday needs.

XCeed @ Kia Corporation

Performance and Engine Options

Under the hood, the Kia XCeed houses different petrol engine options: a 100 HP three-cylinder and a more powerful 140 HP four-cylinder engine. Both engines are mated to either a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission, assuring smooth driving dynamics. The XCeed achieves a respectable acceleration of 0-100 km/h in as quick as 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h. Fuel consumption hovers around 6.3 to 6.5 L/100km, with CO2 emissions ranging from 143 to 148 g/km.

In comparison, the SEAT León offers a broader range of engine choices that include petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and MHEV technologies. With power outputs varying from 110 HP to a staggering 272 HP, the León can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as little as 7.7 seconds, showcasing its sporty pedigree. Notably, the León’s lower consumption figures, reaching up to 4.5 L/100km in diesel variants and 0.4 L for the plug-in hybrid, exemplify SEAT’s commitment to efficiency.

Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Technology and Innovations

Both the Kia XCeed and SEAT León come equipped with modern technological innovations designed to enhance the driving experience. The XCeed features a smooth infotainment system with touchscreen capabilities, offering seamless connectivity options. Kia’s safety suite includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, ensuring peace of mind on the road.

Meanwhile, the SEAT León takes technology a notch higher with its advanced digital cockpit, which presents vital information directly in the driver’s line of sight. The León also integrates impressive driver assistance features, including a comprehensive array of safety systems. Notably, the plug-in hybrid variant stands out with an electric range of 133 km, highlighting its versatility and independence from traditional fuels.

XCeed @ Kia Corporation

Comfort and Practicality

Comfort levels inside both vehicles are commendable, with seating for five adults. The XCeed excels in providing extra headroom and legroom, true to its SUV identity, while the León offers a sportier cabin layout, emphasizing driver engagement. Both models are designed keeping in mind the needs of modern drivers, ensuring practicality without sacrificing aesthetics or comfort.

Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Kia XCeed and the SEAT León ultimately depends on individual preferences and driving needs. If you lean towards a compact SUV with versatility and practicality, the XCeed presents a compelling option. However, for those seeking a high-performance hatchback loaded with innovative technology, the León is hard to beat.

In conclusion, both the Kia XCeed and SEAT León represent the best of what the compact car market has to offer. With impressive specifications and features, it comes down to personal taste and lifestyle. Test driving both models may very well be the best way to determine which one truly fits your driving aspirations.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

XCeed @ Kia Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Kia XCeed has a slight advantage in terms of price – it starts at 23100 £, while the SEAT Leon costs 24500 £. That’s a price difference of around 1320 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: SEAT Leon manages with 1.20 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Kia XCeed with 6.40 L. The difference is about 5.20 L per 100 km.

Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

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 SEAT Leon has a noticeable edge – offering 272 HP compared to 180 HP. That’s roughly 92 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the SEAT Leon is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 7.70 s, while the Kia XCeed takes 8.50 s. That’s about 0.80 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the SEAT Leon performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 220 km/h, while the Kia XCeed tops out at 210 km/h. The difference is around 10 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: SEAT Leon pulls evident stronger with 360 Nm compared to 265 Nm. That’s about 95 Nm difference.

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 curb weight, SEAT Leon is slight lighter – 1344 kg compared to 1351 kg. The difference is around 7 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Kia XCeed offers to a small extent more room – 426 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 46 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Kia XCeed performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1378 L, which is about 77 L more than the SEAT Leon.

When it comes to payload, SEAT Leon slight takes the win – 521 kg compared to 479 kg. That’s a difference of about 42 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the SEAT Leon shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £24,500
Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

SEAT Leon

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 5.5 L
  • Electric Range : 133 km

Kia XCeed

Kia XCeed blends hatchback agility with a coupe-like stance, wrapping practical space in a handsome, modern package that punches above its class in style. It’s an easygoing everyday companion — comfy, well-equipped and priced to make sensible buyers smile — with just enough spark to keep weekend drives interesting.

details

SEAT Leon

SEAT Leon pairs sharp, modern styling with a cabin that's sensible and slightly sporty, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want flair without fuss. It drives with eager composure and offers a neat balance of comfort and agility, so you get everyday usability with a wink of fun.

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Kia XCeed
SEAT Leon
XCeed @ Kia Corporation
Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Costs and Consumption

Price
23100 - 33000 £
Price
24500 - 36400 £
Consumption L/100km
6.4 - 6.8 L
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
133 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
144 - 155 g/km
co2
27 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 45 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1351 - 1419 kg
Curb weight
1344 - 1657 kg
Trunk capacity
426 L
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Length
4395 mm
Length
4368 mm
Width
1826 mm
Width
1799 mm
Height
1483 - 1495 mm
Height
1442 - 1460 mm
Max trunk capacity
1378 L
Max trunk capacity
1187 - 1301 L
Payload
471 - 479 kg
Payload
473 - 521 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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
115 - 180 HP
Power HP
116 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.5 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.7 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
182 - 210 km/h
Max Speed
197 - 220 km/h
Torque
200 - 265 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 132 kW
Power kW
85 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
998 - 1598 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1968 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
Brand
Kia
Brand
SEAT
Is the Kia XCeed offered with different drivetrains?

The Kia XCeed is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.