What is a good daily driver? For most Filipino motorists it has to be pleasing to look at, decent in size, have a good feature set, and be relatively affordable. It’s a tall order, especially the last factor. But the Kia Sonet seems to have ticked these boxes since it was released.
Is it really an underrated gem or just another option in an ever-increasing sea of crossovers in our market? Let’s see.
Styling
It’s an easy 10/10, many would agree. Kia’s latest design language is rendered well in the Sonet’s front end, with its handsome grille flanked by stylish headlights. From the side the Sonet has a good-looking stance. Although looking at the photos I realize the wheel wells look too big for the 16-inch wheels. I think they can accommodate 18-inch alloys quite nicely.
The rear end is lovely, with a fun hatchback vibe to the look. There’s something robotic in the way the light cluster protrudes and connect to each other, and we like it. Strategically placed metal trim adds just the right amount of flair.
I think the Sonet’s main style advantage is it managed to look good AND distinct. The latter is no mean feat considering how many crossovers are copying each other nowadays, thus making the market look homogenous. The Kia Sonet’s chunky and confident look is a bold move that elevates it above its price range
Interior
This is another win for Kia. Open the door of this top-spec 1.5 SX variant for the first time and do a double-take because you’ll be greeted by textured leather in contrasting tan and black colors. This is usually only found in high-end cars. If executed poorly, this can look cheap and chintzy, but in the Sonet it actually looks decent.
The cockpit is driver-centric. The steering wheel has thumb indents and a flat bottom for a better driving experience. And the massive 10.25-inch infotainment display even feels slightly angled toward the driver. Basically everything is within easy reach, and almost everything you can reach feels good to the touch.
Despite the Sonet’s relatively small size, it didn’t feel cramped inside. Visibility is quite good, and the sunroof adds to the feeling or airiness. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to try the back seat, but it looked good enough for short trips for average-sized Filipino adults. There’s actually a respectable cargo area in the back that should be enough for a small family’s road-trip needs.
Performance
All Sonets are powered by a 1.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with 113hp and 144Nm. Even with a high powerband starting around 4,500rpm, the subcompact crossover doesn’t feel lacking in power. The CVT manages to keep the Sonet lively in city driving. On expressways it’s not too shabby either, as long as you don’t expect to do any high-speed overtaking.
We averaged about 10km/L in mixed driving conditions. Could be better but more than adequate for the response it gives. I never felt the Sonet to be underpowered in day-to-day driving. But I didn’t really push it either; I felt most owners will drive it like I did anyway.
Ride and handling
The MacPherson strut in front and torsion beam axle in the back give the Sonet a comfortable ride when going around the metro. Road imperfections and small ruts are handled without causing discomfort to passengers. The Sonet is also quite enjoyable to drive, given its small dimensions.
Within its scope as a comfortable daily driver, the Sonet performs quite well. But push it a bit and its limitations will show; the ride and comfort suffers. It takes time and money to develop a vehicle that can handle a variety of situations—comfort, sportiness, agility. To expect a capable performance envelope from a P1.1 million crossover is asking too much.
Extra features
The Sonet shines again in this area. The top-spec 1.5 SX AT trim comes with ADAS safety systems, once the realm of vehicles half a million pesos above this price bracket. Cruise control is here, but it’s not adaptive (yet). But there’s lane keep assist, lane following assist, forward collision braking assist (this is not merely an alert, the Sonet will brake itself), downhill brake control, high beam assist, and driver attention warning.
There’s also the aforementioned 10.25-inch touchscreen with Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Also exclusive to this SX AT variant are the sunroof, wireless charging, automatic climate control (we wish this had trickled down), and leather seats.
Verdict
The Kia Sonet’s main proposition is a value for money crossover with features usually found above its segment. It was made, ironically, to compete with the handsome design and features of aggressive Chinese brands. Based on market response so far, the Sonet is succeeding in its mission.
There’s a reason we crowned this our Underrated Car of the Year for 2024. It should be selling more given its design, drivetrain, and features. It’s still just a million-peso car, and trained eyes will see where corners were cut to save costs. But in the end its charm and comfort will win you over.
SPECS: Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT 2025
Price: P1,158,000
Engine: 1.5-liter I4 DOHC gasoline
Power: 113hp @ 6,300rpm
Torque: 144Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: CVT
Drive layout: FWD
Seating: 5
Score: 9/10
More photos of the 2025 Kia Sonet:
