The Kia Sonet is one of the most popular compact SUVs in India, and for good reason. Stylish, feature-packed, and performance-driven, the Sonet offers everything a modern driver needs in a compact and affordable package. Whether you are a city commuter or someone who loves road trips, the Kia Sonet is built to deliver comfort, convenience, and confidence on every drive.
In this detailed article, we will explore everything you need to know about the Kia Sonet — from its design and features to performance, safety, pricing, and why it stands out in the competitive SUV market.
Introduction to the Kia Sonet
Launched in 2020, the Kia Sonet entered the sub-4-meter SUV segment and quickly became a top choice for Indian car buyers. It competes with cars like the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, and Mahindra XUV300. With its bold looks and premium features, the Sonet offers more than what you’d expect from a compact SUV.
Key Highlights of the Kia Sonet
- Bold and sporty design with signature Kia styling
- Available in petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel engine options
- 7-speed DCT, iMT, and manual transmission choices
- Class-leading features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, sunroof, and Bose audio system
- Impressive safety with 6 airbags, ESC, and more
Stylish Exterior That Turns Heads
The Kia Sonet stands out with its aggressive and sporty design. The signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille with chrome accents, LED DRLs, projector headlamps, and a sculpted bumper give it a strong road presence. The Sonet also features stylish alloy wheels, roof rails, and a high ground clearance that enhances its SUV appeal.
Exterior Features Include:
- LED Headlamps with LED DRLs
- Heartbeat-shaped tail lamps
- Dual-tone roof option
- Electric sunroof (select variants)
- 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Shark fin antenna
The design isn’t just about looks — it’s also functional. The compact size makes it easy to navigate through city traffic, while the elevated stance ensures better visibility.
Premium Interiors with Advanced Features
Step inside the Kia Sonet, and you’ll immediately notice its premium cabin. Despite its compact size, the interior feels spacious and well-built with high-quality materials. The layout is driver-friendly, and the dashboard looks modern with a floating touchscreen unit.
Notable Interior Features:
- 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless phone charger with cooling
- Automatic climate control
- Rear AC vents
- Ambient mood lighting
- Leatherette upholstery in top trims
The Sonet offers one of the best cabin experiences in its segment, making long drives and daily commutes more enjoyable.
Engine, Performance, and Mileage
The Kia Sonet offers three engine options, ensuring there’s something for everyone — from fuel efficiency seekers to performance lovers.
Petrol Engines:
- 1.2L NA Petrol
- Power: 83 PS
- Torque: 115 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
- Ideal for city driving
- 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol
- Power: 120 PS
- Torque: 172 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT
- Great for highway performance and thrill
Diesel Engine:
- 1.5L CRDi Diesel
- Power: 116 PS (AT) / 100 PS (MT)
- Torque: 250 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual / 6-speed Automatic
- Offers excellent mileage and torque
Fuel Efficiency (ARAI Certified):
- 1.2L Petrol MT – up to 18.4 km/l
- 1.0L Turbo Petrol DCT – up to 18.3 km/l
- 1.5L Diesel MT – up to 24.1 km/l
- 1.5L Diesel AT – up to 19 km/l
These figures make the Sonet one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs in the market.
Safety Features
Kia has ensured that the Sonet doesn’t compromise on safety. It comes equipped with a wide array of safety features that provide peace of mind on every drive.
Key Safety Features:
- 6 Airbags (top variant)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Hill Assist Control (HAC)
- ABS with EBD
- Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- High-strength steel structure
Smart Connectivity and Technology
Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate the Sonet’s connected car technology — Kia’s UVO Connect. This system offers 50+ features including:
- Remote engine start/stop
- Remote AC control
- Live vehicle tracking
- Geo-fencing
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates
- Voice assistant commands
The Sonet also includes smart keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control, and more, making it a truly modern SUV.
Entertainment and Comfort
Entertainment is a big plus in the Kia Sonet. The top variants come with a premium 7-speaker Bose sound system, which offers an immersive music experience. Add ventilated seats and mood lighting, and you have a compact SUV that feels like a mini luxury car.
Boot Space and Practicality
With a boot capacity of 392 litres, the Sonet offers enough space for your weekend luggage or shopping bags. The 60:40 split rear seats add to its practicality, allowing more flexibility for passengers and cargo.
Kia Sonet Variants and Pricing
The Kia Sonet is available in multiple variants: HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, GTX+, and X-Line. These trims offer different combinations of engine options and features.
Ex-showroom Prices (as of May 2025):
- Petrol variants: ₹8.00 lakh – ₹13.50 lakh
- Diesel variants: ₹9.50 lakh – ₹15.00 lakh
(Note: Prices vary based on location and selected variant.)
Service and Maintenance
Kia has a growing service network across India. The Sonet is backed by Kia’s standard warranty of 3 years/unlimited km, which can be extended up to 5 years. The service costs are reasonable, and the availability of spare parts is good across urban and semi-urban areas.
Kia Sonet vs Rivals
Let’s compare how the Kia Sonet stands up against some of its main competitors:
| Feature | Kia Sonet | Hyundai Venue | Tata Nexon | Maruti Brezza |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | Petrol, Turbo, Diesel | Petrol, Turbo, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol only |
| Infotainment Screen | 10.25-inch | 8-inch | 10.25-inch | 9-inch |
| Sunroof | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connected Features | UVO Connect | Bluelink | iRA | Suzuki Connect |
| Diesel Auto Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
The Sonet clearly offers a more well-rounded package with the option of a diesel automatic and more premium features in the top-end trims.
Who Should Buy the Kia Sonet?
The Kia Sonet is perfect for:
- Young professionals who want style and features
- Small families looking for a compact yet comfortable car
- Urban drivers needing easy maneuverability and efficiency
- Buyers who want the performance of a turbocharged or diesel engine
- Anyone who values tech features like connected car technology and a premium sound system
Pros and Cons of Kia Sonet
Pros:
- Stylish and aggressive design
- Feature-loaded cabin
- Multiple engine-transmission choices
- Best-in-segment tech and connectivity
- Good resale value and strong brand image
Cons:
- Rear seat space may feel tight for tall passengers
- Turbo and diesel variants priced on the higher side
- No petrol automatic in the base trims
Final Verdict
The Kia Sonet is more than just a compact SUV — it’s a bold statement. It offers the perfect mix of design, performance, features, and practicality, making it one of the best options in its segment. Whether you prioritize fuel economy, comfort, technology, or safety, the Sonet delivers it all.
With aggressive pricing, modern styling, and top-notch features, the Kia Sonet continues to set benchmarks for compact SUVs in India. If you’re looking for a feature-packed urban SUV that’s fun to drive and easy to own, the Sonet deserves to be at the top of your list.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to buy the Sonet, consider the HTX Turbo Petrol iMT or GTX+ Diesel AT variant — they strike the best balance between price, features, and performance.
