Crossover clash: Kia Stonic vs. Volkswagen T-Cross

The local automotive market is filled with a wide range of crossover options, each offering unique features and capabilities. Among the popular choices are the Kia Stonic and the Volkswagen T-Cross.

Let’s compare and contrast these two crossovers.

Exterior

In terms of styling and design, both the Kia Stonic and Volkswagen T-Cross have their own unique appeal. The Stonic sports a more youthful and sporty look, with its bold lines and distinctive grille. On the other hand, the T-Cross exudes elegance and sophistication with its sleek profile and upscale touches.

The Kia Stonic comes equipped with an array of exterior features to enhance both style and functionality. It offers projection-type halogen headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, giving it a modern and premium look. The Stonic also has roof rails, which come in handy for transporting extra cargo. Plus, the available two-tone color options allow you to personalize your Stonic to match your unique style.

Meanwhile, the Volkswagen T-Cross features LED headlights with daytime running lights, adding a touch of sophistication. The T-Cross also offers a panoramic sunroof, allowing you to bring a bit of the outdoors into your driving experience. Additionally, its stylish alloy wheels and chrome accents contribute to its overall premium appearance.

With its premium look and design elements, the T-Cross wins this round.

Interior

When it comes to cabin space and comfort, both the Kia Stonic and Volkswagen T-Cross provide a comfortable and well-designed interior. The Stonic offers ample headroom and legroom for passengers, ensuring a pleasant journey. Meanwhile, the T-Cross boasts a spacious cabin that can comfortably accommodate both driver and passengers.

Inside the Kia Stonic, you will find a host of features aimed at enhancing your comfort and convenience. It offers comfortable seats with fabric upholstery. The Stonic is also equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen display and smartphone integration through Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

The Volkswagen T-Cross ups the ante with its refined interior features. Its seats are upholstered in a combination of leather and fabric, exuding elegance and comfort. The T-Cross also comes with a high-resolution 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple Carplay, ensuring seamless connectivity and entertainment during your drives. Additionally, the T-Cross provides a generous cargo space.

Considering its luxurious interior features, the T-Cross also wins this round.

Engine

Under the hood, the Kia Stonic comes with a capable 1.4-liter gasoline engine that delivers up to 98 horsepower (hp) and 132 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, depending on the variant. The Stonic provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, making it a reliable companion for daily commutes and weekend getaways.

On the other hand, the Volkswagen T-Cross features a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produces 111 hp and 145 Nm of pulling power. The engine is paired with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with sport mode. The T-Cross delivers a comfortable and composed ride, with smooth acceleration and precise handling.

We give this round to the T-Cross as well since it comes with a more powerful engine with  higher output.

Safety

When it comes to safety, both the Kia Stonic and the Volkswagen T-Cross have got your back. These crossovers are equipped with a range of active and passive safety features to keep you and your passengers protected on the road.

The Stonic is equipped with driver and front-passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, hill start assist control, rear-camera display with dynamic guidelines, and parking distance warning.

Meanwhile, the T-Cross comes with driver, front-passenger, front side, and curtain airbags; anti-lock braking system; electronic stability program; hill hold control; anti-slip regulation; rear parking distance control; rear camera; and tire pressure control.

Since the T-Cross has more safety features compared to the Stonic, the Volkswagen crossover wins this round as well.

Pricing

The Kia Stonic comes in four variants: the LX MT, LX AT, Style Edition, and EX AT. Pricing ranges from P835,000 to P990,000.

On the other hand, the Volkswagen T-Cross is available in only one variant, priced at P1.34 million.

Since it comes in numerous trim levels, giving customers more options, as well as affordable pricing, the Stonic wins this round.

Verdict

Winning four out of five rounds, the Volkswagen T-Cross is the victor of this crossover clash. It features premium exterior and interior, delivers a more powerful performance, and comes with more reliable safety features. However, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative that offers decent features and performance, then you may consider the Stonic.

Photos from Kia Philippines and Volkswagen Philippines

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