When the Kia Sonet launched here in the Philippines in 2024, I kind of brushed it off as just another subcompact crossover.
Another option in a market that already has the Raize, the MG ZS, the Stargazer… you know how it is.
But then I started seeing more and more of them on the roads here in Davao and I thought, okay, let me actually look at this thing properly.
And I’m glad I did.
Appearance
The Sonet looks… confident.
That’s the word.
It’s got Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille at the front, flanked by slim Star Map LED headlights that flow into the body.
The distinctive Heartbeat taillight with a reflector strip at the rear adds to the design, and gives it a look that’s actually hard to forget after you see it on the road.
It comes in six color options: Imperial Blue, Snow White Pearl, Pewter Olive, Snow White Pearl with Black Roof, Vivid Red, and Vivid Red with Black Roof.
The two-tone options with the black roof look really good in person.
Specs
The lone engine option is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 113hp at 6,300rpm and 144Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, paired with either a six-speed manual or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
113 horsepower should be more than enough for city runs, going flat out on the Diversion Road, or even the occasional highway stretch going to GenSan or Digos.
The IVT is smooth and shouldn’t feel as rubbery as older CVTs. And disc brakes are fitted all around, which is a nice safety detail at this price point.
The Sonet measures 4,110mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,642mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,500mm and a ground clearance of 205mm.
That 205mm clearance is genuinely useful here in Davao where some roads, especially in the outskirts and subdivision access roads, can get rough or flood slightly during heavy rain.
Comfort and Practicality for Families
The interior feels like it belongs to a more expensive vehicle.
The top-spec SX trim gets textured leather in contrasting tan and black colors, which is usually only found in higher-end cars, and a 10.25-inch infotainment display angled slightly toward the driver.
The Sonet comes equipped with Kia’s DriveWise ADAS system, which includes Forward Collision Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and High Beam Assist, along with dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and a rear camera.
For a family car in Davao… those safety features matter. Especially if mom or dad is doing the school run every day, navigating through traffic, or parking in tight spots at the mall.
The Parking Distance Warning uses ultrasonic sensors to help you maneuver into and out of tight spaces safely, which is actually really practical for anyone who parks in crowded areas regularly.
It seats 5.
Not huge, but for a small family with two or three kids, perfectly fine for daily use.
Weekend trips to Samal?
Tight but doable.
Long drive to Bukidnon?
Pack smart.
Variant Price List
| Variant | Price |
| LX MT | ₱778,000 |
| LX AT | ₱878,000 |
| EX AT | ₱998,000 |
| SX AT | ₱1,138,000 |
And Kia’s 5-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty comes standard across the whole range. That’s one of the best warranties in its class and a genuinly big deal for peace of mind.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sharp, distinctive design that stands out
- Good safety features including ADAS at this price
- 205mm ground clearance handles local roads well
- 5-year / 160,000km warranty (best in class)
- Premium-feeling interior especially in SX trim
- Disc brakes all around standard
Cons
- Only 5 seats (not for bigger families)
- 1.5L naturally aspirated (no turbo option in PH)
- No official crash test rating yet from NCAP
- Interior space is compact for longer road trips
Should You Get One?
For a young family in Davao who wants something that looks good, feels modern, and doesn’t cost over a million pesos… the Sonet LX AT at ₱878,000 is honestly a very compelling option.
You get the automatic, the safety features, and that great Kia warranty without going over budget.
If you can stretch to the SX, the dual 10.25-inch screens and the more premyum interior feel is worth it.
It genuinely feels like a more expensve car inside.
Worth it?
Yes. Especially at this price point.
