The Sonet is Kia's offering for the subcompact crossover market in the Philippines. Positioned below the Seltos in terms of price and size, the Sonet serves as the smallest crossover in Kia's lineup of vehicles. Powering the Sonet is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine that puts out 113 hp and 144 Nm of torque, all sent directly to the front wheels via an IVT or Intelligent Variable Transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.
This crossover is capable of seating five passengers with ease along with some additional space for luggage thanks to its large trunk. Depending on the variant, the Sonet is available with 16-inch alloy wheels or a 16-inch steel wheel with alloy-styled wheel covers. Standard across the range are disc brakes on all four corners, an anti-lock braking system, rear cameras, rear sensors, and an immobilizer for safety.
Launch
Kia first introduced the Sonet in 2020, and it quickly became a favorite among similar small SUVs. Its combination of features, style, and price helped it stand out. Kia keeps updating the Sonet, adding new versions with even more features but still keeping the prices reasonable.
These updates offer vehicles that meet drivers' needs at various prices. With each update, the Sonet continues to offer good value, which is why it sells well both in local markets and as an export. In 2024, the Sonet finally reached the Philippine shores with its latest facelift and upgrades.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Sonet is equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, delivering 113 hp and 144 Nm of torque. This power is directed to the front wheels through either an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) or a six-speed manual transmission. As for the suspension, the Sonet has MacPherson struts up front and a coupled torsion beam axle suspension at the back. Providing stopping power is a set of disc brakes on all four corners, standard across the Sonet line.
As for the platform on which the Sonet is built, it is the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform, a platform recently introduced in 2017 and underpins the larger Kia Seltos and even the Hyundai Stargazer.
The Kia Sonet is packed with a load of features that gradually increase as you climb up the ladder. Standard features for the Sonet include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto, a four-speaker sound system with two additional tweeters, manual air-conditioning with rear vents, a multi-control steering wheel and a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster.
The range-topping SX takes it a step further with the addition of single-zone automatic climate control, a 10-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch TFT instrument cluster, and advanced driver aids.
Exterior
The outside of the Sonet looks modern and includes LED lights and a stylish grille. It's created to be the right size for easy parking and driving in the city but still has enough space inside. The car also comes in several colors, including some two-tone options, which give it a unique look.
Exterior features include well-designed alloy wheels and a set of striking lights, including LED headlights (Halogen reflectors for the LX variants) and taillights. These features add to the vehicle's stylish appearance and also improve safety through better visibility and road presence.
Interior
Inside the Sonet, there's a focus on comfort and practicality. The seats are made to be comfortable even on long drives, and there's technology like a sunroof that opens up the cabin to more light and air. The car is roomy enough to make sure everyone has space and includes places to store things like drinks and small bags.
Controls within the car are easy to reach and use, and there are additional comforts like air conditioning that make sure the temperature is always right. These interior features make the Sonet a pleasant place to be, whether you're driving through town or long distances.
Safety
For safety, the Sonet is equipped with two front SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes, a rear camera, rear parking sensors, an engine immobilizer, three-point seatbelts, and ISOFIX anchors as standard. Unique to the range-topping SX is a host of advanced driver assist systems which include, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), High Beam Assist (HBA), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
The Kia Sonet is here on this episode of Behind the Wheel, and while it made a great impression at first, let's see how well it fares in a full review. The car's affordable and it's priced well within the subcompact crossover segment. The price starts at under P1,000,000, but with this range-topper, is it still worth it? It has a ton of bells and whistles that's only seen in cars that are way more expensive, plus it has an engine that is rather overachieving for its weight. Find out what Caco and his crew rates this Kia on this episode.
Shall we compare this to a summer's day? Kidding. You're looking at the 2024 Kia Sonet, a small crossover from the South Korean brand that is looking to give its segment rivals a run for the...
Dealer satisfaction score during the first 6 months of car ownership.
Dealer Service Satisfaction
Dealer Satisfaction Score
97.5%
Ease of obtaining an appointment
4.7/5
Convenience of servicing location and hours of service
5/5
Cleanliness and comfort of service center
5/5
Friendliness and service quality of service center staff
5/5
Quality of work performed
5/5
Was it completed on time?
4.7/5
Were there any additional costs, which were not made transparent to you?
5/5
What is your overall satisfaction with your service experience?
4.7/5
Car Satisfaction
Have you encountered any major technical difficulties with your vehicle?
Yes
How would you rate the ownership experience of your vehicle?
5/5
Overall value for money
5/5
Would you recommend this car?
Yes
Recent Owner Reviews
Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT
Kia Santa Rosa
4.7/5
Anonymous · Mar 15, 2025
I'm a new driver so I can't really comment on fuel economy. But all the rest, I love the car! Especially the ADAS. It helps a lot! As for comfort, I agree with the issue on finding the best driving position, mainly the position of my legs. I'm just 5'4" and sometimes I feel like I'm still too tall, too forward, too backward--still haven't found the sweet spot yet. But considering it's my first car, it's not uncomfortable, so it's still 5 stars.
Have you encountered any major technical difficulties with your vehicle?
No
How would you rate the ownership experience of your vehicle?
5
Overall value for money
5
Would you recommend this car?
Yes
Dealer Service Satisfaction
Dealer Satisfaction Score
100.00%
Ease of obtaining an appointment
5
Convenience of servicing location and hours of service
5
Cleanliness and comfort of service center
5
Friendliness and service quality of service center staff
5
Quality of work performed
5
Was it completed on time?
5
Were there any additional costs, which were not made transparent to you?
5
What is your overall satisfaction with your service experience?
5
Kia Sonet 1.5 LX AT
Kia Makati
4.3/5
Richard L. · Feb 27, 2025
Good fuel efficiency on long drives and average when it come to city driving..above par suspension and NVH at this pricepoint..easy to drive and very responsive steering..great value for money!
Have you encountered any major technical difficulties with your vehicle?
Yes
How would you rate the ownership experience of your vehicle?
5
Overall value for money
5
Would you recommend this car?
Yes
Dealer Service Satisfaction
Dealer Satisfaction Score
100.00%
Ease of obtaining an appointment
5
Convenience of servicing location and hours of service
5
Cleanliness and comfort of service center
5
Friendliness and service quality of service center staff
5
Quality of work performed
5
Was it completed on time?
5
Were there any additional costs, which were not made transparent to you?
5
What is your overall satisfaction with your service experience?
5
Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT
Kia Santa Rosa
4.7/5
Anonymous · Mar 15, 2025
I'm a new driver so I can't really comment on fuel economy. But all the rest, I love the car! Especially the ADAS. It helps a lot! As for comfort, I agree with the issue on finding the best driving position, mainly the position of my legs. I'm just 5'4" and sometimes I feel like I'm still too tall, too forward, too backward--still haven't found the sweet spot yet. But considering it's my first car, it's not uncomfortable, so it's still 5 stars.
Good fuel efficiency on long drives and average when it come to city driving..above par suspension and NVH at this pricepoint..easy to drive and very responsive steering..great value for money!
Have you encountered any major technical difficulties with your vehicle?
No
How would you rate the ownership experience of your vehicle?
5
Overall value for money
5
Would you recommend this car?
Yes
Dealer Service Satisfaction
Dealer Satisfaction Score
100.00%
Ease of obtaining an appointment
5
Convenience of servicing location and hours of service
5
Cleanliness and comfort of service center
5
Friendliness and service quality of service center staff
5
Quality of work performed
5
Was it completed on time?
5
Were there any additional costs, which were not made transparent to you?
5
What is your overall satisfaction with your service experience?
5
Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT
Kia New Manila
· Service Score 92.50%
4.7/5
Anonymous · Jan 29, 2025
There's a bit of problem with reservation of slot for pms. The person who confirmed my schedule didn't save it to their record but aside from that I'm satisfied. They just need to do better next time.
