2018 Kia Ceed vs Hyundai i30 hatch: Sibling differences compared

For its third generation, the 2018 Kia Ceed now shares most of its body panels with the US Forte sedan, but how does it compare to its platform mate, the Hyundai i30 (sold as the Elantra GT in the US)?

Ceed

i30

With its pulled back headlamps, tiger nose grille, and more aggressive front bumper design, the Kia looks sportier than the conservative Hyundai i30 hatch. It looks like every panel, except maybe the roof, is unique to each car.

Ceed

i30

Cover the details, and both cars look identical. Even the doors and side windows look the same, although there are subtle differences. The Ceed features sharper window graphics, a larger and more raked third window, and a slight sweep upwards with the side surfacing.

Ceed

i30

The design specifics are, again, very similar, but the Ceed has more modern treatment for the tail-lights with LEDs, and a sportier rear bumper.

Ceed

i30

Like the exterior, the interiors have different designs that aren't too dissimilar to each other. There's a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment in the centre of each dashboard. The Ceed's is flanked by air vents to the side, with its physical controls underneath, while the i30 has vents below, and some buttons to the sides. The door panels of the Ceed have flatter arm rest and bigger grips.

Ceed