Should you get the Kia K2500 4X2 or 4X4?

The Kia K2500 is one of the more popular light commercial vehicles on the market today, making it a favored workhorse by Filipino businessmen and fleet operators.

It is offered with a four-by-two (4X2) and a four-by-four (4X4) drivetrain, allowing car buyers to enjoy the needed flexibility when choosing a vehicle that would best suit their needs.

This begs the question, should you get the Kia K2500 4X2 or 4X4?

Better cargo capacity, fuel economy

There’s no doubt that the Kia K2500 is a capable commercial vehicle, but the drivetrain one chooses can give one slight advantages that might make the truck’s workload easier.

On that note, the Kia K2500 4X2 offers its would-be owners better cargo capacity. For comparison’s sake, the Cab and Chassis, Closed Van, Kargo, and Karga models have a maximum payload capacity ranging from 1,235 kilograms (kg) to 1,635kg. Meanwhile, the same variants having a 4X4 drivetrain come with a payload capacity ranging only from 953kg to 1,353kg.

This means that 4X2 drivetrain-equipped models of the Kia K2500 can haul more loads than their 4X4-fitted counterparts, allowing owners to maximize the carrying capacity of their fleet, which translates to better earnings-per-trip.

In addition, 4X2 vehicles generally have better fuel economy than 4X4 models. And for business owners, every opportunity to save money is worth taking.

Other notable advantages of using a vehicle with a 4X2 drivetrain setup is that these vehicles generally have a less complicated setup, which means that maintenance of commercial vehicles like the Kia K2500 4X2 will be easier and less expensive.

Terrain master, additional cab option

Despite falling behind the Kia K2500 4X2 in terms of cargo capacity and fuel economy, the K2500 commercial vehicle with a 4X2 drive train excels in conquering almost any terrain.

That said, it is best suited for work that will require the transport of goods on unpaved thoroughfares and rough roads that would otherwise be extra challenging for the average commercial vehicle.

Further, it can see deliveries through floods as the drivetrain is capable of sending power to all four wheels, allowing it to easily haul itself — and the products it is supposed to transport — easily and safely over knee-high water.

Those who will be choosing the Kia K2500 4X4 will also benefit from getting an additional cab option in the form of a Double Cap Dropside body configuration.

A Kia K2500 4X4 Double Cab Dropside truck will not only have room for cargo but also for passengers, making it a suitable option for those looking for a flexible commercial vehicle.

Kia K2500 4X2, 4X4 similarities

Despite being offered in different drivetrain options, the Kia K2500 ultimately shares major features, inside and outside.

Exterior-wise, the Kia K2500 — regardless of the fitted drivetrain — wears halogen headlamps, a body-colored front bumper, black side mirrors, door-mounted turn signals, and standard rear lamps.

Across the board, the cabin of the Kia K2500 also has a standard instrument panel a two-spoke polyurethane steering wheel, a polyurethane shift knob, vinyl seats, and a dashboard with silver trims.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Kia K2500 is offered with a price tag that ranges from P1.02 million-P1.210 million.

Final thoughts

Choosing between the Kia K2500 4X2 and the K2500 4X4 will not just be a matter of preference but also a matter of suitability — depending on what is expected from the light-duty commercial vehicle.

To summarize, the Kia K2500 4X2 is will provide its owners the benefit of having more cargo area and better fuel efficiency while the 4X4 trim will better reach in places where average vehicles dare not go.

Photos from Kia Philippines

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