Head to Head: Kia Stonic vs Chery Tiggo 2

Crossovers are now becoming more attainable for the mass. Gone are those days when you’re only limited to choose among familiar nameplates like say the RAV4 and CR-V. Now, you’re surrounded by a wide range of crossovers, from small subcompacts to medium compacts, to the larger 7-seat midsize. Now, what we have here are currently two of the most affordable subcompact crossovers in the market, the Kia Stonic and Chery Tiggo 2, with both models’ SRP sitting under the 1-million peso boundary. 

The Kia Stonic has declared battle among other subcompact entries such as the Chery Tiggo 2. In order to fairly compare these two, the match shall be closely based between the Tiggo 2 AT variant and the Stonic LX AT, as both are priced closely together. So without further ado, let’s proceed.

Going over the skin of these crossovers, both have their own design execution, with the Stonic having more of the youthful and funky approach while the Tiggo 2 is quite basic yet it still gets some nifty appointments which make it flashy. Both vehicles come with projector halogens, however, the Stonic LX AT does miss out on the LED daytime running lights unlike the Tiggo 2 AT. However, the Kia does get halogen fog lights in replacement of the LED units found on the higher EX trim. While the side repeaters of the Stonic EX are cleverly situated on the side mirrors, the one on the Stonic LX AT is then placed on the fenders instead. The Tiggo 2, on the other hand, are also placed on the side mirrors. Both of the rear lighting systems feature a halogen setup.

Notably, there’s more chrome on Tiggo 2 AT though the Stonic can also get some extra chrome bit if the buyer would opt to step up to the range-topping trim. As for the shoes, both subcompact crossovers get 16-inch alloys.  

As expected, both vehicles do boast extra in terms of ground clearance, 185mm for the Stonic and 186mm for the Tiggo 2. In terms of size, the two are relatively close, however, the Tiggo is slightly larger than the new kid on the block. Specifically, 4,200mm in length, 1,760mm in width, and 1,750mm in height for the Tiggo 2. While the dimensions for the Stonic are as follows — 4,100mm in length, 1,735mm in width, and 1,532mm in height. However, it is worth noting that the Kia has a longer wheelbase than the Chery.

Like what we always say, beauty is subjective, and by the looks of it, both crossovers do shine in their most distinctive way. Therefore, both models win this round, as it is still up to you buyers to resolve the subjectivity of this round.

Winner: Tie

To start it all off, both models are capable of sitting up to five passengers, plus, there’s a generous amount of cargo for your precious stuff, 420 liters on the Chery and 325 liters on the Kia. However, two of these vehicles do not have flat-folding second-row seats. 

Now, in terms of dashboard layout, the Stonic seems cleaner and well thought out given that the buttons are placed where you’d expect it to be. Despite the lack of soft touch points on the dash, the materials do feel solid and durable. 

The Chery Tiggo 2, on the other hand also has a well-laid-out cabin and like the Stonic, the Tiggo 2 is also treated with a plethora of plastic. That’s quite fine to be honest, given that this is an affordable automobile after all. 

Both vehicles come with manual climate control, however, for the Stonic, there’s an available single-zone automatic climate control which is reserved on the EX. Although it is worth noting that the advantage of the Kia over the Chery would have to be the push start button. Lastly, the seat materials also differ, with the Tiggo 2 used a combination of fabric and leather while the Stonic stuck with fabric upholstery.

Now, coming to the conclusion of this round, the Stonic somewhat delivers the better execution and feel of the interior which makes it the crown holder of this chapter. Though it is worth noting that the Tiggo 2 does have some goodies that are not found on the Kia such as the more upscale seat upholstery.

Winner: Stonic

Both cars come with an 8-inch infotainment system, though the Stonic levels up all thanks to the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, therefore achieving that seamless phone integration. Plus, it's also got a 6-speaker sound system, which overpowers the 4-speaker setup on the Chery.

Seamless phone integration does play a major role for car buyers nowadays, as we’re now living in a digital age wherein most of us are guided by technology. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are quite beneficial given that it enables you to easily access different applications such as Waze or Google Maps which should properly guide you as you make your way to your destination. 

With all that said, we hereby declare the Kia Stonic as the overall winner for this round given its more seamless infotainment system.

Winner: Stonic

These subcompact crossovers can either be had in Manual or Automatic. The Stonic is solely powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, pairing it with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and the said mill is able to produce 99 hp and 132 Nm of torque. Opting for the 5-speed manual, on the other hand, would slightly decrease the engine’s horsepower figure to 94 hp while still retaining the same torque figure.

As for the Chery Tiggo 2, it is then run by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline motor with 4 cylinders. The said engine produces 106 hp and 135 Nm of torque. Unlike the Stonic, opting for the more traditional 5-speed manual won't decrease the engine's power figures. As mentioned, there’s also a 4-speed automatic available for those who prefer a more convenient drive.

The Tiggo 2’s engine may entail greater numbers, but with due comparison between its 4-speed automatic versus the Kia’s 6-speed automatic, we somewhat see a better engine and transmission combo on the Stonic. Therefore, we hail the Korean contender once again as the achiever on this round.

Winner: Stonic

More safety and security features are attainable with the Tiggo 2. With the automatic variant priced at only P770,000, it already gives you two front airbags for the driver and passenger, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, emergency brake assist, brake override system, brake assist system, hill-descent control, hill-hold control, traction control, emergency signal system, and ISOFIX tethers. Other complementary features also include a reverse camera along with rear parking sensors, therefore giving you that added certainty while backing up.

The Kia Stonic LX, on the other hand, is a bit more expensive than the Chery, with its introductory pricing retailing at P785,000. Despite that, it only gives you dual-airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), ISOFIX child seat anchor, and a reverse camera with guidance lines. Now, in order for you to properly match up the safety features of the Tiggo 2 AT, you’re going to have to step up on the EX trim which requires you extra.

After going through the safety pillar of both vehicles, we’ve come to the decision that the Tiggo 2 wins this round given that it gives you more for less.

Winner: Tiggo 2

Now, we’ve finally come to the conclusion, and based on the spec-by-spec comparison between two of the most affordable crossovers in the market today, this competitive battle has hailed the new boy as the holder of the medal. Though, whatever subcompact crossover you choose, you definitely can’t go wrong with these two, as both have their own pros and cons for you to further assess. 

Remember that this head to head was closely based on the mid-trim LX AT of the Stonic and the range-topper Tiggo 2 with due consideration for pricing. Though it is worth noting that the Stonic EX is indeed worth a look if perhaps you can stretch your budget a little bit more as it equates to exactly P875,000. Now, as mentioned Kia is running an introductory rate for the Stonic this month of November, therefore, the current SRPs are significantly decreased throughout the entire month, giving you the ultimate opportunity to purchase and save some extra if you do so.

That said, it is therefore up to you to determine which model fits your taste or rather overall preference with due consideration as to looks, features, practicality, and performance. 

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