BYD Seal 5 DM-i Premium (2025) vs Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT (2024)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of BYD Seal 5 DM-i Premium (2025) vs Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT (2024) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | BYD Seal 5 DM-i Premium (2025) BYD ₱1,198,000 | Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT (2024) Kia ₱1,178,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2025 | 2024 |
| Warranty | 6 years or 150,000 km | 5-years/160,000km |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Hybrid | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1500cc | 1497cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Hybrid / Electric | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Type | PHEV | Gasoline |
| Max Power | 197 PS | 115 PS @ 6300 rpm |
| Max Torque | 325 Nm | 144 Nm @ 4500 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic | IVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Family Sedan | Small Crossover SUV |
| Segment | Sedan | Crossover |
| Construction | Unibody | Unibody |
| Exterior Colors | Harbour Grey, Quartz Blue, Arctic White, Cosmos Black, | Sparkling Silver or Aurora Black |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 2+3 |
| Length (mm) | 4780 | 4110 |
| Width (mm) | 1837 | 1790 |
| Height (mm) | 1495 | 1642 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2718 | 2500 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1620 | 1170 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 48 | 45 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut w/Coil Spring | MacPherson Strut w/ Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion beam non independent | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17 | 16 |
| Rear Wheels | 17 | 16 |
| Front Tires | 215/55R17 | 205/55/R16 |
| Rear Tires | 215/55R17 | 205/55/R16 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Steering Type | EPS | EPS |
| Steering Column | Tilt & Telescope | Tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Assist | Yes | No |
| Parking Sensors | Yes | No |
| Stability Control | Yes | No |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | Yes | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | No | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | No |
| Knee Airbag | Yes | No |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | No |
| Front Curtain Airbags | Yes | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | Yes | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | Yes | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | Yes | Yes |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Central Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Automatic Climate Control Dual Zone | Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear A/C Vents | No | No |
| Seat Material | Leather | Leather |
| Parking Brake | EPB | Manual |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | Yes | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | Yes | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | Yes |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | — | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Speakers | 8 | 6 |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes | Yes |
| Android Auto | Yes | No |
| USB | No | Yes |
| AUX Input | No | No |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | No | No |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | No | No |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | LED | LED |
| Fog Lights | No | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | Yes | Yes |
BYD Seal 5 DM-i Premium (2025) vs Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT (2024): which should you buy?
For the Filipino buyer prioritizing fuel efficiency and long-term value, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Premium is the superior choice. At ₱1,198,000, it offers a Plug-in Hybrid system with 197 PS of power, whereas the Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT costs less at ₱1,178,000 but delivers only 115 PS. The Seal 5 provides a 6-year warranty, compared to the Sonet's 5-year coverage. While the Sonet is cheaper by ₱20,000 and offers 5 doors versus the Seal 5's 4, the Seal 5's hybrid drivetrain and higher power output make it better for daily commuting where fuel costs matter most. Choose the Seal 5 if you want more power and a longer warranty; choose the Sonet if you need the lowest upfront price and prefer a crossover body style with 5 doors.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicle is cheaper?
The Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT is ₱20,000 cheaper at ₱1,178,000 compared to the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Premium's ₱1,198,000.
Which car has more power?
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i Premium is significantly more powerful with 197 PS, while the Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT produces only 115 PS.
Which one is better for daily commuting in the Philippines?
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i Premium is better for daily commuting due to its Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) engine type, which offers greater fuel efficiency compared to the Sonet's naturally aspirated gasoline engine.
Which vehicle offers a longer warranty?
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i Premium offers a 6-year warranty, which is one year longer than the Kia Sonet 1.5 SX AT's 5-year warranty.