Kia Stonic vs. the competition

As one of the emerging players in the compact crossover segment, the Kia Stonic has gained considerable attention with its stylish design, advanced features, and competitive pricing.

The Stonic sports a youthful and sporty look with its bold lines and distinctive grille. It is also available in two-tone color options, allowing you to personalize your vehicle to match your unique style.

Under the hood is a 1.4-liter gasoline engine that delivers up to 98 horsepower (hp) and 132 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It is mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, depending on the variant.

In terms of safety features, 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.

Pricing for the Stonic ranges from P835,000 to P990,000.

Since the crossover segment is filled with a range of options, the Stonic still faces tough competition despite its impressive features. Let us take a look at the Stonic's main competitors and see how it can match up against them.

Toyota Raize

The Toyota Raize has been gaining popularity in the Philippines, impressing with its sleek design, practicality, and modern features.

A sense of sportiness is exuded by its dynamic silhouette and crisp lines. The Raize’s compact dimensions and elevated ride height also provides versatility for both urban maneuverability and off-road adventures.

The crossover offers a choice between a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 96 hp and 140 Nm of torque, and a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine that churns out 86 hp and 113 Nm of torque.

Moreover, safety is prioritized in this vehicle, thanks to its driver-assistance technologies such as blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

Toyota's reputation for reliability further solidifies the appeal of the Raize among car buyers looking for practicality and peace of mind on their daily commutes.

The Raize and the Stonic are within the same price range, as the Toyota crossover retails from P751,000 to P1.063 million.

MG ZS

The MG ZS exudes elegance and modern sophistication, making it a standout choice among compact crossovers in the local market. Its sleek and aerodynamic design is enhanced by striking features such as the London Eye headlights and the eye-catching Stardust chrome grille.

Under the hood of the ZS is a 1.5-liter dual overhead cam engine that delivers 112 hp and 150 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the Stonic.

Safety is guaranteed by the cornering brake control, hill hold control, vehicle dynamic control, reversing camera, and rear parking sensor.

Pricing for the ZS ranges from P848,000 to P1.049 million.

Chery Tiggo 2 Pro

The Chery Tiggo 2 Pro boasts an impressive combination of style, practicality, and performance. It sports a well-designed and sleek exterior that exudes a sense of sophistication. Its modern styling features prominent lines and curves, giving it a sporty yet elegant look.

The Tiggo 2 Pro is driven by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that churns out 108 hp and 140 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the Stonic.

To ensure safety at all times, the crossover is equipped with dual front airbags, anti-lock brake system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability program, hill descent control, traction control system, cruise control, dynamic track reverse camera, and reverse camera.

The Tiggo 2 Pro is also priced within the same range as the Stonic, costing P840,000.

Verdict

While its competitors have their own loyal fanbases and unique selling points, the Stonic offers a well-rounded package that appeals to a wide range of buyers. With its stylish exterior, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features, the Stonic has the potential to become a strong contender in the local crossover market. As Kia continues to enhance and innovate its offerings, the future looks bright for the Stonic and its position in the market.

Photos from Kia Philippines, Toyota Motor Philippines, MG Philippines, and Chery Auto Philippines

Also read:

Small and stylish crossovers: Chery Tiggo 2 Pro vs. Kia Stonic

Kia Stonic: Pros and cons

What’s inside the Kia Stonic