The new Stonic is not a facelift. Kia Stonic EX Plus vs Turbo S is a comparison between two different engines, two different gearboxes and two different ride heights the same name, but a substantially reworked car underneath.
If you own an EX+ and are wondering whether the upgrade is meaningful, or you are choosing between a used EX+ and a new Turbo S, here is exactly what changed on the listed specifications.
Stonic EX+ vs Turbo S: Quick Comparison
| Spec | EX+ | Turbo S |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L MPI | 1.0L Turbo GDI |
| Displacement | 1,368cc | 998cc |
| Power | Not listed | 98.6 hp |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed automatic | 7-speed DCT |
| Ground clearance | 165 mm | 183 mm |
| Wheels | 16-inch | 17-inch |
| Parking brake | Not listed | Electric + Auto Hold |
Listed Pakistan specifications. "Not listed" means the figure was not included in the comparison data.
Engine: Smaller, but Stronger
The engine is where Kia Stonic EX Plus vs Turbo S differs most. The EX+ used a 1.4-litre MPI a naturally aspirated petrol engine with multi-point injection. The Turbo S switches to a 998cc 1.0-litre Turbo GDI: turbocharged, with direct injection, producing 98.6 hp.
The headline change is torque: 172 Nm against 133 Nm, an increase of 39 Nm, or roughly 29%. Torque is what you feel pulling away from a light, overtaking, and climbing a flyover with passengers on board — so despite losing 370cc of displacement, the Turbo S should feel noticeably stronger in everyday driving.
A turbo also delivers its torque lower in the rev range than a naturally aspirated engine of similar output. On paper, that suits stop-start city traffic well. Real-world fuel economy has not been independently tested, so treat any claims on that front with caution until it has.
6-Speed Automatic vs 7-Speed DCT
The EX+ used a conventional 6-speed automatic. The Turbo S moves to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
A DCT pre-selects the next gear, so changes are quicker and more direct, and the extra ratio helps keep the small turbo engine in its most effective range.
The trade-off: dual-clutch gearboxes can feel less smooth than a conventional automatic at crawling speeds, and some drivers notice this in heavy stop-start traffic. It is worth paying specific attention to on a test drive, in the kind of traffic you actually drive in.
Ground Clearance: 165 mm to 183 mm
For Pakistani roads, this is arguably the most practical change in the Kia Stonic EX Plus vs Turbo S comparison. Ground clearance rises from 165 mm to 183 mm an extra 18 mm.
That may sound small, but it is the difference that matters over tall speed breakers, broken road edges, unpaved lanes and standing water in monsoon season. EX+ owners who have scraped the underside on a speed breaker will understand exactly why it matters.
Wheels: 16-Inch to 17-Inch
The Turbo S moves up to 17-inch alloys from the EX+'s 16-inch. Larger wheels fill the arches better and give a more planted look. The practical trade-offs are that replacement tyres usually cost more, and a lower-profile tyre can transmit more of a rough road's texture into the cabin.
Features Listed on the Turbo S
Convenience: electric parking brake, Auto Hold, Drive Mode Select and Idle Stop & Go. Auto Hold in particular earns its keep in Pakistani traffic it holds the car at a standstill so you are not riding the brake pedal at every signal.
Exterior and cabin: LED projection headlamps, a power sunroof, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety: six airbags. Per-variant details for the EX+'s safety and convenience equipment were not included in this comparison, so check the EX+ specification sheet directly if you are comparing like for like. For the full Turbo S picture, see our guide to the Kia Stonic 2026 Turbo S features.
What Actually Changed
| Area | Change |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L MPI → 1.0L Turbo GDI |
| Torque | +39 Nm (about +29%) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed AT → 7-speed DCT |
| Ground clearance | +18 mm |
| Wheels | 16-inch → 17-inch |
Which Stonic Suits Pakistani Driving?
How Kia Stonic EX Plus vs Turbo S plays out depends on where you drive most.
City driving — the Turbo S's extra low-down torque and Auto Hold suit stop-start traffic, provided you are comfortable with how the DCT behaves at crawling speeds.
Rough roads — the 18 mm of extra clearance is a clear practical gain for the Turbo S.
Highway driving — the seventh gear and turbo torque should make overtaking easier on paper, though real-world economy at speed has not been tested.
Long-term ownership — the EX+'s naturally aspirated engine and conventional automatic are simpler, well-understood technologies that most mechanics are familiar with. The Turbo S brings more sophistication, so it is worth asking Kia Pakistan about service intervals and warranty coverage for the turbo and DCT specifically.
Final Thoughts
On listed specifications, Kia Stonic EX Plus vs Turbo S is a genuine generational change: a smaller turbo engine with about 29% more torque, a 7-speed DCT, 18 mm more ground clearance, larger wheels and a longer feature list. The things that still need real-world testing are fuel economy, DCT smoothness in heavy traffic and long-term running costs. Whichever you drive, our Kia Stonic accessories range covers model-specific fitment.
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