2023 Kia Ceed Owner’s Manual

Finally, Kia drops the gimmicky “Cee’d” from the older version of this car, opting instead for a more mature, punctuation-free name.

The new Ceed also comes with similar structural changes that make it a more well-rounded offering, including the addition of posher interior fittings, significantly enhanced in-cabin aesthetic themes and a marked increase in the standard tech equipment

Elsewhere, the 2023 Kia Ceed stays true to its nature, providing an affordable and practical small family-oriented hatchback that abandons all sporty pretensions, keeping things simple and focusing instead on maximizing your value for money, packing in as many features as possible at this price point, and ensuring the provision of a safe family car.

Another new update to the lineup for 2023 is the ditching of a few variants, narrowing the options to the entry-level Ceed 3 trim and a more luxurious GT-Line trim.

Kia keeps things simple in other areas, too, with the only two options that aren’t standard being paint finishes and the only one engine on offer (in most markets.)

This single powertrain option is a four-cylinder 1.5-liter engine with a decent 158 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. Available transmission options include a six-speed manual unit and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, both of which provide comparable performance levels.

On performance, there isn’t much to expect here. The 2023 Ceed offers a consistent, quiet, and smooth ride but will never make your heart race. Nevertheless, you get maximum fuel economy, a trait that would lend itself more to the nameplate’s family shoppers.

Inside, a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit (with smartphone mirroring ability) does a lot to spruce up the 2023 Kia Ceed’s cabin, while the introduction of new metal-looking accents and soft plastic paneling significantly ups the ambiance from last year’s model.