CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 160
Average Price: Around £6,300

Kia Venga (2009-2019) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Versatile family-friendly cabin	Dull to drive
Some of the original seven-year warranty should still cover recent examples	Disappointing fuel economy
Generous kit on all models bar the entry-level '1'	More reliability issues than expected of a Kia

Quick Summary

The Kia Venga (2009-2019) occupies a middle ground between a hatchback and a people carrier, offering greater practicality than a typical supermini. It features a spacious and versatile cabin with clever 60:40 split-folding rear seats that slide fore and aft, providing up to 1,253 litres of boot space when fully folded. The high-mounted front seats and low sills appeal to older drivers, whilst generous standard equipment levels—especially on 3 and 4 trim versions—add value. However, the Venga is let down by cheap, hard plastics that scratch easily, though improvements were made following the 2015 facelift.

The driving experience is disappointing. Available 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines lack performance, with the 1.4 petrol particularly underpowered. All engines are noisy when revved, and the ride is bumpy at low speeds. The steering is vague and devoid of feel, whilst excessive body roll occurs even at modest speeds. Real-world fuel consumption significantly exceeds official figures, with owners reporting thirsty performance. Running costs are further hampered by poor fuel economy and higher tax for pre-2017 petrol models. The six-speed automatic is preferable to the earlier four-speed unit if choosing an auto variant.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers needing a spacious family car with generous equipment, those seeking a small automatic without a CVT transmission, and elderly drivers appreciating easy access and high seating positions.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising engaging dynamics, good fuel economy, or premium build quality, and those expecting Kia's typical reliability standards.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Venga if: You're on a budget seeking a spacious family car with generous equipment, need a small automatic without a CVT transmission, or appreciate easy access and high seating positions.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging dynamics, good fuel economy, premium build quality, or expect Kia's typical reliability standards.

Competitive Position: The Kia Venga (2009-2019) is a practical and affordable option for budget-conscious family buyers, but it lags behind rivals in driving dynamics and overall appeal. Whilst the Honda Jazz and Ford B-Max offer superior driving experiences and higher expert ratings, the Venga's spacious cabin and generous equipment levels provide value. The Citroën C3 Picasso offers better value for money with a higher percentage of good deals available. The Venga's disappointing fuel economy and reliability concerns further weaken its position against more accomplished competitors in this segment.

Read our full Kia Venga Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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