If you’ve ever stood in a showroom or scrolled through car listings wondering what the difference is between a petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric Kia – not to mention which is best for you – you’re not alone. And with all the buzzwords, like ‘self-charging’, ‘regenerative braking’… it’s confusing, right?

But really, it all comes down to how each powertrain works and what kind of driver you are. There are a range of different roads and journeys along the South Coast. At Hendy, we know these roads because we drive them too – and have for over a century.

In this guide, we’ll explore petrol vs hybrid vs electric to help you understand how the different Kia powertrains differ and what they mean for your driving experience.

·       Petrol and diesel provide wider availability, cheaper initial cost and familiarity.

·       Hybrid combines fuel with a battery and electric motor to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

·       Electric (EV) is powered entirely by a battery and electric motor, giving zero tailpipe emissions, low running costs and a smooth drive.

Let’s set the scene.

A powertrain is a group of components that delivers power to the wheels and propels your car forward. This group could include an engine or electric motor, transmission, driveshaft, axles and differential.

Although the list of parts can sound overwhelming, when you’re looking to buy a Kia, the powertrain option will simply be listed as petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric.

For years, petrol and diesel engines – also known as internal combustion engines (ICE) – ruled the roost. But in recent years, technology advancements and environmental concerns have driven a rise in alternative fuels, like electricity, which is used in hybrid and electric. Kia has evolved its engineering to meet drivers’ evolving needs, giving you plenty of exciting options when choosing the right powertrain.

Here at Hendy, we know that as a car dealership, it’s obvious that we’ll want to put a good word in on our Kia cars for sale. But rest assured, most importantly, we want to help you figure out which powertrain best fits your lifestyle – from city commutes to big road trips and everything in between!

Before we dive into Kia’s line-up, it’ll help to understand the main types of powertrains.

Kia models include: Kia Picanto, Kia Stonic, Kia XCeed, Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento 

·       Pros: Availability, cheaper initial cost, familiarity

·       Cons: Fuel efficiency, more emissions

A familiar favourite, internal combustion engines (ICE) have been around since the 1800s. They burn a mix of fuel and air to create energy that moves the vehicle, pushing the resulting fumes out through the exhaust. Most Kia ICE vehicles tend to be petrol, but you can get your hands on the Kia Sorento with a diesel engine.

Combining cutting-edge technology, punchy performance and ultimate versatility, the new Kia Stonic is nearly here. The 2025 version comes with a confident new look, bringing it more in line with Kia’s latest design language. Why not take a drive on the sporty side with the newly added GT-Line S trim?

The Stonic is available with a 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine, offered in both a standard version and a 48V mild-hybrid version. Register your interest today!

The upcoming Kia K4 represents a bold evolution in Kia’s line-up, blending expressive design with intelligent technology. This four-door hatchback offers premium comfort, advanced safety and a range of powertrains. The K4’s panoramic dual displays, Harman Kardon audio and AI-powered voice assistant make every drive a memorable one.

Kia models include: Kia Niro Hybrid, Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento  Hybrid and plug-in hybrid 

·       Pros: Better efficiency, no range anxiety

·       Cons: Higher initial purchase price

In a nutshell, hybrid vehicles use two sources of power to propel the car: a traditional petrol/diesel engine and an electric battery and motor. Hybrid models can often steal the thunder of electric vehicles, as EV-curious drivers see them as a stepping stone between petrol and 100% electric.

As well as getting your head around the difference between electric and hybrid, you’re then faced with different types of hybrid. Here’s the breakdown:

Hybrids (HEVs) – Also known as full hybrids, self-charging hybrids or HEVs, they automatically switch from conventional mode to pure electric mode for short distances. They also recover wasted energy to charge their batteries – no plugging-in required!

·       Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) – A plug-in hybrid vehicle works in a similar way to a self-charging hybrid, but the battery is much larger. This makes them capable of zero-emissions driving for certain distances – great for city commutes! And, of course, for those longer distance adventures, you have the petrol/diesel engine ready and waiting to kick in.

·       Mild hybrid (MHEV) – Mild hybrid vehicles are a good way of introducing yourself to electrified driving. They work in a very similar way to self-charging hybrids, but they have smaller batteries. A mild hybrid cannot drive on battery power alone – instead, the petrol or diesel engine does the majority of the work, and the electric motor is there to provide assistance.

·       Kia models include: EV3, EV9, EV6, EV5, EV4 and Niro EV

·       Pros: Zero emissions, smooth drive, low running costs

·       Cons: Higher initial purchase price

In simple terms, EVs run on electricity alone – no petrol/diesel engine. Also referred to as all-electric or BEVs, these emissions-free vehicles rely on a powerful electric motor fuelled by a large battery, which can be charged at home, work or at thousands of public charging stations throughout the UK. From launching the Soul EV in 2014 to winning UK Car of the Year 2025 for the EV3, Kia has become one of the most industry-leading electric car brands around.

Surely, we’ll miss the full-throated roar of a petrol engine? What about range anxiety? As it turns out, electric vehicles are rather fun to drive, as they deliver instant torque, smooth acceleration and sharp handling. What’s more, Kia electric cars can cover long distances with zero tailpipe emissions. The EV6 can go up to 361 miles (combined WLTP testing) on a single charge, while our newest electric car, the EV3, can travel up to 375 miles.^

This exciting newcomer to the Kia electric range is the perfect embodiment of the brand’s ‘Movement that inspires’ philosophy. This five-seat family SUV boasts a fierce exterior, cutting-edge tech, top-tier safety and a flexible cabin. It’s powered by an 81.4kWh battery, which gives you up to 329 miles of EV range and fast-charge capabilities.

We’ve pitted petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric against each other to weigh up the pros and cons.

At Hendy Kia, we know there’s more to managing a fleet than simply choosing the vehicles; our aim is to offer the highest level of service, providing a one-stop shop to minimise the hassle of buying. With ultra-low running costs, the freedom to drive in low-emission zones and the same practicality as the ICE versions, our electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular with South Coast businesses. Get in touch with your local Kia team to talk through our range of electric and hybrid vehicles and how they can enhance your business.

EVs are generally easier and cheaper to service because they have significantly fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles. No oil changes, no exhaust systems and no complex engine components like spark plugs to worry about. While your brakes and tyres still require maintenance, the overall servicing process is much simpler!

Book your Kia service at Hendy today. We make caring for your car simple and stress-free with tailored service plans, online service booking and our bespoke Hendy app.

So, what is the best Kia car? With which powertrain? The simple answer is: whatever suits your needs best!

Driving the South Coast is like flicking through a pile of postcards – coastal drives, winding country lanes and lively city stretches through the likes of Brighton or Portsmouth. Each road asks something different of you, which is why choosing the right car for your regular drives matters.

At Hendy, we’ve been helping customers find the right balance between performance, efficiency and cost since 1859.

After reading this handy comparison blog, all that’s left to do is decide which Kia model is perfect for you – and hit the road!

With locations across the South Coast, including Tunbridge Wells, Bournemouth, Eastleigh, Salisbury and Portsmouth, we’re perfectly placed to help you explore your options – whether it’s petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric. Visit us to test drive our latest Kia models!

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