Kia Stonic

All Stonic variants come with black fabric seats as well as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The vehicle is also equipped with a 3.5-inch multi-info display, a six-speaker audio system, audio controls on the steering wheel, plus 60:40 split-folding rear seats. The EX variants have some additional advanced features such as single-zone automatic climate control, a push-start button, and height adjustment for the driver’s seat. All trims will be equipped with a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. 

The Stonic features a bold and youthful design with sporty touches. On the front is Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille which is flanked with projector halogen headlights that are standard across all variants. However, the EX variant is equipped with LED daytime running lights while the base LX only has foglights. The Stonic is also outfitted with roof rails as well as 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 195/60/R16 tires. The ground clearance is standard at 185mm. Drivers also have a choice between either monotone or two-tone colors. The monotone range includes Clear White, Extreme Blue, and Prime Red. On the other hand, two-tone offers a blacked-out roof and a choice between Clear White, Flame Orange, Flash Yellow. Two-tone selection is only available for the EX variant.

While essentially a jacked-up version of the Kia Rio, the raised ride height doesn’t affect the nimbleness of the Stonic and remains agile. The subcompact crossover SUV segment isn’t particularly known for exceptional driving experiences, but the Stonic holds its own quite well. The only downside is its way-too-light steering, making it a bit difficult to feel certain manuevers. Drivers might also notice light wind and road noise when on motorway speeds, but it’s not entirely obtrusive. It’s generally pretty composed even when meeting bumps but it does tend to be a bit bouncy due to its 16-inch alloy wheels. Overall, it’s a pretty okay vehicle to drive but might not be the best model for those looking for a more engaging and smooth ride.

Under the hood is a 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This is the same motor that powers the Soluto and the Rio. The manual transmission can generate 94 hp while the higher automatic trim can produce 99 hp, with both churning out a similar 132 Nm of torque. The engine is standard across all variants and can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The LX trim comes with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. However, the EX variant comes with disc brakes for all corners. Overall, the Stonic is equipped with standard safety features including anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, dual SRS front airbags, rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a reverse camera. It’s also outfitted with both front and side-impact beams. The EX does have some additional features including a rear parking sensors, hill start assist, an electronic stability control program, and an anti-theft system.

The Kia Stonic is definitely one of the most affordable subcompact crossovers in the market right now. Besides a plethora of high-end tech and safety features, you’ll also get a five-year (or 160,000 km) warranty plus 24/7 roadside assistance for five years. However, for those looking for more front-end grip and powerful, adaptive driving, this might not be the most ideal model. For the price, it’s more of an affordable entry-vehicle for those looking to own their first subcompact crossover SUV.

Below are the prices for the Kia Stonic:

2021 Kia Stonic LX 1.4L MT - P735,000

2021 Kia Stonic LX 1.4L AT - P835,000

2021 Kia Stonic EX 1.4L AT - P925,000