Kia, Hyundai, and Toyota: Which is the best subcompact sedan in the Philippines?

Updated Jun 01, 2021 | Same topic: Best Advice for Car Buyers

Kia and Hyundai have rolled out two subcompacts; aimed at gaining grown over the Toyota Vios. Philkotse will show the ins and outs!

Industry players like Kia and Hyundai have been struggling to be the dominant player, but with Toyota’s aggressive pitch there seems to be no stopping it. Will Kia or Hyundai be the better option over the Vios?

1. Can the Vios be toppled by the price redux of Kia and Hyundai?

Since the introduction of the Toyota Vios 2019 in the Philippines; it caused after-shocks for many car buyers looking for a new ride to get! It begs the question of what sub-compact sedan in the Philippines is really worth it; to help car buyers go beyond the usual reasons why the price is not always a good barometer to base it on. But, the usual arguments for buying based on tag price do come into play.

Toyota Vios, Hyundai Reina, Kia Soluto

Will Kia or Hyundai be the better option over the Vios?

The big question is how well does Kia and Hyundai stack up when everything is taken into account for all three options. We all know the capacity of Toyota; because it is one of the top 3 reliables and trusted auto-makers that remain uncontested. Plus an almost spotless appraisal, even by those who prefer other brands too.

This taken into account should really mix it up; what sub-compact sedan in the Philippines is really worth it to really settle the question. But, personal preference can’t be ignored though. 

2.  Qualities that affect these sub-compact sedans

Before anything else these sub-compact sedans are in the competitively priced zone; so that really could be the decisive qualities that will drive their success. There are several factors that will be more than a driving force to reckon with though, that make them, the preferred option. Here they are; which is something that most buyers consider!

Reliability

Many car buyers will research and check how reliable a brand is. This means from the point of sale to the periodic maintenance, and how good the terms are with all the good stuff. Buyers will and look at this; and will decide from there! Toyota Philippines is in the top 3 of reliable cars brands when compared to either Kia or Hyundai.

Toyota Vios

Toyota is in the top 3 of reliable cars brands when compared to either Kia or Hyundai

Overall value

Cheap and affordable will not be the only components of value; because there are the equipment and comfort that tips the balance. This is not from a fanboy perspective, but Toyota has better safety features for the buck. Unlike Kia or Hyundai that has airbags as an option in non-entry level models in cheaper options

Resale

Deny it or make excuses why Toyota has more resale value; it can’t be denied that it does have more resale value than either of its challengers. This is an undeniable big draw for everyone buying a new car!

Brand loyalty

Undeniably Filipino are driven by brand loyalty because of what a brand offers. Korean car brands are just as reliable; but when numbers and perception are up, that’s a whole new ball game. This may be; that answers what sub-compact sedan in the Philippines is really worth it for the money.

Kia Soluto

Korean brands are just as reliable; but when numbers and perception are up, that’s a whole new ball game

3. Kia vs. Hyundai vs. Toyota: All out spec war!

Here are the specs of the Kia, Hyundai, and the Toyota sub-compact sedans to be compared and what sub-compact sedan in the Philippines is really worth it. Beyond the hype and how the specs show which has the edge; between them in this triple-showdown of sorts. What will be the top dog?

Performance

Models
Displacement
Horsepower
Torque
Drive train
Power train
Better option
Kia Soluto
1.4 liters
94
132
4-speed automatic
FWD

No

Hyundai Reina
1.4 liters
94
132
4-speed automatic
FWD
No
Toyota Vios
1.5 liters
98-123
140-160
4 Speed A/T and 5 Speed M/TCVT-continuously variable transmission
FWD
Yes

Safety

Models
No. airbags
Isofix
Force limiter
Pretensioner
3-pt. ELR Seatbelt
Better option
Kia Soluto
2
---
---
---
No
No
Hyundai Reina
2
---
---
---
No
No
Toyota Vios
7
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

 

Models
VSC
HSA
ABS/EBD/BA
Better option
Kia Soluto
No

 No

Yes, yes, no
No
Hyundai Reina

No

No

Yes, no, no

No

Toyota Vios

Yes

Yes

Yes, yes, yes

Yes

Comfort and Convenience

Models
Auto AC
Multi-zone
Steering wheel controls
Single-din/two-din head unit
Power window
Power locks
Better option
Kia Soluto
No
No
---
Yes/yes
Yes
Yes
No
Hyundai Reina
No
No
---
Yes/yes
Yes
Yes
No
Toyota Vios
Yes
No
Yes
Yes/yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Exterior

Models
Halogen, LED, HIDs
DRLs
Third brake light
Auto headlight
Fog lamps
Better option
Kia Soluto
Yes

 No

Yes
No
Yes
No
Hyundai Reina
Yes, no, no

 No

Yes
No
Yes
No
Toyota Vios
Yes, no, no
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes

Dimensions

Models
Length
Width
Height
Better option
Kia Soluto
4,300
1,700
1,460
No
Hyundai Reina
4300
1705
1460
No
Toyota Vios
4,425
1,730
1,475
Yes

>>> Related: TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS 2012 FOR SALE

Final Verdict: To buy or not to buy!

To wrap up what sub-compact sedan in the Philippines is really worth it; the final verdict based on the specs of what is offered to Filipino drivers!

One of the biggest let down of the Soluto and Reina is how the specs fared against a Vios; noticeably the specs presented by Kia and the Hyundai are what the Toyota Vios already has but with more torque and horsepower.

The sub-compact sedan market is harsh, and they did not deliver the goods. All they gave was bare basic eye candy that’s backed by outdated equipment. The Toyota Vios is called the best taxi model, but they upgraded and made it better! But, both are still lookers with decent performance; need to offer more but still acceptable too.

Kia Reina

One of the biggest let down of the Soluto and Reina is how the specs fared against a Vios

For Kia Soluto

Buy the Kia Soluto because it is affordable and stylish with a 2-din head unit; plus added EBD with an ABS brake for better safety. Although the specs are the same and it comes with a standard dual airbag; with expensive looks!

For Hyundai Reina

For a cheaper price with dual airbags but without EBD equipped, but its performance is just like the Soluto. However, Hyundai Reina all comes down to how much the price play gets to the buyer too. Korean cars are better now, but they need to step up and offer more to the Filipino driver.

>>> List of all Hyundai Reina for sale in the Philippines

For Toyota Vios

The Toyota Vios is perfect in this matchup because it is more equipped and offers more power; with better styling that has substance. It’s way bigger in some dimensions and gives more value for the tag price.

>>> List of all Toyota Vios for sale in the Philippines

Philkotse has everything that car buyers need to know about cars. Visit Philkotse.com and find out more!

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Author

Norjan enjoys writing about various topics, and car is among them. Don't ever ask him which his most favorite car is since he has none. He believes each car is beautiful in its own way.

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