Kia Sonet SX in the Philippines: My Long Drive Experience from Mandaluyong to La Union
Our First Long Drive with “Cloud” — The Kia Sonet SX to La Union
Join us on our first-ever long drive with “Cloud” — our brand-new Kia Sonet SX, the stylish and premium compact SUV built for road trips, weekend getaways, and everyday adventures! 🚗✨
In this video, we put the Kia Sonet SX to the test on a real-world drive from Mandaluyong, Metro Manila to La Union (Elyu) — one of the Philippines’ all-time favorite road trip destinations. From the highways of NLEX and TPLEX to the scenic coastal roads of Elyu, the Sonet showed us why it’s the perfect companion for spontaneous escapes.
When I first got behind the wheel of the Kia Sonet SX, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s a compact SUV, yes, but can it handle long drives comfortably? After spending time with it on the road, I can confidently say—it does more than just get the job done. It makes the whole experience enjoyable, and even memorable.
🚙 Why We Love the Kia Sonet SX
On our first long drive, we discovered some of the best features that made every kilometer more enjoyable:
- 🌅 Electric Sunroof – perfect for scenic drives and coastal breezes
- ⚡ Wireless Smartphone Charger – no more tangled cables on the go
- 📱 10.25” Touchscreen Infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto – stay connected and entertained
- 🚙 Smooth & Efficient 1.5L Engine – effortless cruising across expressways
- 🛡️ Smart Safety Tech (Lane-Keep Assist & more) – peace of mind on long stretches
- 🛋️ Spacious, Premium Cabin – comfort for both driver and passengers
- 🎒 Versatile Cargo Space – roomy enough for surfboards, backpacks, and all road trip gear
👉 Learn more about the Kia Sonet here: Kia Sonet Features
👉 Find your nearest Kia dealership: Kia Dealer Locator
🌴 Road Trip Highlights in La Union (Elyu)
Our Kia Sonet adventure didn’t just end on the road—it led us to some of Elyu’s most exciting spots:
- 🏄 Surfing at Urbiztondo Beach – riding the waves at the surfing capital of the north
- 🏝️ Island Hopping at Immuki Island – crystal-clear lagoons and hidden coral gems in Balaoan
- 🌿 Bauang Bakawan Eco-Tourism Park – a serene escape into lush mangrove forests
From thrill-seekers to nature lovers, La Union really has something for everyone.
First Impressions
The Kia Sonet SX in the Philippines feels premium the moment you step inside. Dual 10.25-inch screens greet you—one for infotainment and one for the digital instrument cluster. Add in wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, and even a sunroof—you realize this subcompact crossover punches above its price point.
Engine & Performance
Under the hood is a 1.5L Smartstream engine with 113 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque, paired with an IVT transmission. It’s not a speed demon, but it’s smooth and reliable. In the city, it handles traffic with ease. On the highway, it feels steady, with acceleration that’s calm and linear.
Fuel efficiency averages around 10 km/L in mixed driving. The suspension setup—MacPherson struts in the front and torsion beam at the rear—absorbs bumps well. Even on rougher provincial roads, the ride stays comfortable.
Safety Features
- Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
- High Beam Assist
- Downhill Brake Control
- Driver Attention Warning
Cruise control is also standard, making long highway stretches less tiring.
The Long Drive Experience
Picture this: a Saturday morning, the sunroof letting in soft daylight, playlists streaming wirelessly, and traffic thinning out as you leave the city. That was my first real experience driving the Sonet SX on a long route.
On NLEX, the car felt stable and composed. With cruise control on, I could just relax and enjoy the drive. From TPLEX then reaching the provincial roads toward La Union, the Sonet’s suspension absorbed the uneven terrain comfortably. The higher ground clearance gave me confidence, especially on winding and sloped roads.
Why the Sonet SX Stands Out
- Premium features at a fair price – Dual screens, sunroof, wireless tech.
- Smooth everyday drive – Easy in traffic, comfortable on highways.
- Safety and peace of mind – ADAS features that really work.
- SUV feel in a compact body – Stylish design with practical dimensions.
Quick Specs (Philippines)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine & Transmission | 1.5 L Smartstream MPI (113 hp / 144 Nm), IVT |
| Tech Features | Dual 10.25″ screens, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, sunroof, wireless charging |
| Safety | ADAS suite, Lane Assist, Forward Collision Assist, Downhill Brake Control |
| Fuel Economy | Around 10 km/L (mixed driving) |
| Best For | City driving + weekend long drives |
Final Thoughts
The Kia Sonet SX is more than just a subcompact crossover. It’s a daily driver that’s equally happy being your weekend escape partner. With its blend of comfort, technology, and safety, it makes every trip—short or long—feel easy and enjoyable.
Our Kia Sonet SX truly made our first long drive smooth, comfortable, and fun. From tech-loaded features to its adventure-ready build, it proved to be the perfect compact SUV for surf trips, eco-tourism escapes, and island-hopping adventures.
If you love road trips, car reviews, compact SUVs, or exploring the Philippines, this video is definitely for you. Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 to our channel for more travel and car adventure content!
No comments:
Got Something to Say? Thoughts? Additional Information?