Used Kia Venga for sale nearSouthend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 170
Average Price: Around £6,100

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 you'd expect of a Kia

Quick Summary

The Kia Venga (2009-2019) occupies a middle ground between a hatchback and a people carrier, designed as an affordable small car with greater practicality than a typical supermini. It appeals to urban family buyers and those seeking a small automatic car without a CVT transmission. The spacious cabin easily accommodates four adults with generous headroom and legroom, whilst the clever 60:40 split-folding rear bench slides fore and aft to prioritise either passenger comfort or boot space. With the rear seats folded flat, the Venga offers a cavernous 1,253 litres of storage, and even at its smallest configuration provides 440 litres of boot space with a low loading lip and wide opening.

However, the Venga's driving experience leaves much to be desired. The 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines lack performance, with the 1.4-litre petrol being particularly underpowered. The ride is bumpy at low speeds, steering is vague and devoid of feel, and body roll is excessive even at modest speeds. Real-world fuel consumption significantly exceeds official figures, with owners reporting the 1.4-litre petrol achieving around 35mpg rather than the claimed 50mpg. Standard equipment is generous on higher trims, particularly the 3 and 4 versions, which include climate control, satnav, and a responsive touchscreen infotainment system. The 2015 facelift introduced a top-end 4 trim with keyless start and a panoramic sunroof.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers needing a spacious family car, those seeking a small automatic without CVT, and families prioritising practicality and interior space over driving dynamics.

Not ideal for: Drivers valuing engaging handling, responsive engines, or fuel efficiency, and those expecting premium driving dynamics from a Kia.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Venga if: You're on a tight budget, need a spacious family car, seek a small automatic without CVT, or prioritise practicality and interior space over driving dynamics.

Consider alternatives if: You value engaging handling, responsive engines, fuel efficiency, or expect premium driving dynamics from a Kia.

Competitive Position: The Kia Venga (2009-2019) is a practical and affordable choice for families needing space, but it lags behind its rivals in driving engagement and overall appeal. Whilst the Ford B-Max offers superior handling and the Citroën C3 Picasso boasts higher user satisfaction, the Venga remains competitive on price and practicality. The Honda Jazz delivers better driving dynamics and reliability. For budget-conscious buyers prioritising space over driving pleasure, the Venga makes sense, but rivals offer more rounded packages at similar price points.

Read our full Kia Venga Review

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