The 2024 Kia Sonet is the Korean manufacturer’s offering in the sub-compact SUV segment and was first launched in India in September 2020. It was Kia’s third product in the country after the Seltos and Carnival, and has since become one of the top contenders in its class. The Sonet is manufactured at Kia’s facility in Andhra Pradesh and is exported to several international markets.
In January 2024, Kia rolled out a major update to the Sonet, introducing revised styling and new features, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to boost its appeal in a highly competitive category. The facelift also brought updates to the cabin, such as redesigned upholstery and a new user interface for the infotainment system.
With the addition of connected car features, voice controls, and segment-first amenities, the Sonet continues to stand out among its rivals. It is also one of the few offerings in the segment to offer diesel-automatic and turbo-petrol DCT combinations, appealing to a broader customer base. The Sonet’s versatility, stylish design, and tech-rich cabin have made it one of Kia India’s highest-selling models.
The Kia Sonet is offered in a wide range of choices to suit different needs and budgets.
| Specification | Details |
| Ex-showroom Price Range | ₹7.30 Lakhs (Starting Price) to ₹14.09 Lakhs (Top Model) |
| Main Trim Levels | HTE, HTK, HTX, GTX Plus, and the premium X-Line |
| Available Models | Over 23 model combinations are available. |
| Colour Choices | 11 options, including dual-tone choices and an exclusive Matte Graphite finish. |
The Sonet provides three distinct engine choices and five transmission types, allowing you to pick the perfect balance of power and mileage.
| Engine Type | Power Output | Torque Output | Transmission Options | Mileage (Tested) |
| 1.5L Diesel Engine | 114 bhp | 250 Nm | 6-speed Manual (MT) or 6-speed Automatic (AT) | Up to 24.1 kmpl (Manual) |
| 1.0L Turbo Petrol | 118 bhp | 172 Nm | 6-speed Clutchless Manual (iMT) or 7-speed Automatic (DCT) | Up to 19.2 kmpl (DCT) |
| 1.2L Natural Petrol | 81.8 bhp | 115 Nm | 5-speed Manual (MT) | 18.4 kmpl |
Safety received a major upgrade in the 2024 model, making it a reliable vehicle for you and your family.
The Sonet is loaded with technology to make your drive comfortable and convenient:
Measurement Value Seating / Space Seating Capacity 5 Occupants The Sonet is a comfortable 5-seater compact SUV. Ground Clearance 205 mm Excellent height for clearing high speed breakers and rough roads. Boot Space 385 Litres Practical boot size for regular use and weekend luggage.
Main Competitors: The Kia Sonet competes directly with other popular compact SUVs like the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and Mahindra XUV 3XO.
The X-Line and GTX Plus are the top-tier models. They include all the advanced safety, comfort, and technological features like ADAS, ventilated seats, and the premium audio system.
No, the Kia Sonet is a 5-seater compact SUV.
The ARAI-certified mileage figures for the Kia Sonet are: Diesel Manual (best) is up to 24.1 kmpl; Petrol Manual is up to 18.4 kmpl.
Yes, it is considered excellent value for money. The Sonet is known for its class-leading features (e.g., ventilated seats, ADAS), strong engine options, and highly competitive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in its segment.
Common drawbacks include: limited rear-seat space (tight for three adults), the suspension can feel stiff on poor roads, and the 1.0L turbo engine may have a slight lag at low RPMs in city traffic.
Yes. Studies show that the Kia Sonet has a residual value (resale value) that is higher than the segment average, making it a good investment.
No. The Kia Sonet has one of the lowest maintenance costs in the compact SUV segment. Routine service costs for both petrol and diesel variants are lower than the segment average.
Yes. Kia Corporation is a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group. The two companies operate independently but share engineering platforms and technology.
Choose Sonet if you prioritise lower cost, higher fuel efficiency, and a feature-rich sub-4m package. Choose Kia Seltos if you need significantly more cabin and boot space (433L vs Sonet's 385L), more powerful engine options across the range, and a more premium road presence.
Choose theTata Nexon if your top priority is safety (Nexon has a 5-star GNCAP rating) and slightly better ride comfort. Choose Kia Sonet if you prioritise a tech-heavy cabin (ventilated seats, larger screen), better looks, and a wider variety of efficient automatic gearbox options (DCT, 6AT).
No, the Creta is a segment above the Sonet. The Sonet is better for city driving, mileage, and a lower purchase price. The Hyundai Creta is better for overall size, engine power, superior rear-seat space, and features like a panoramic sunroof.
The cars are mechanically similar (platform and engines). Choose Kia Sonet for a more aggressive design, larger boot space (385L vs Venue's 350L), and top-end features like ventilated seats. Choose Hyundai Venue for a slightly lower base price and Hyundai’s large after-sales network.
The main competitors that excel in specific areas are the Tata Nexon (for safety/ruggedness) and the Mahindra XUV 3XO (for power/space). The Hyundai Creta is also a better option for buyers needing a larger vehicle.
1 May 202526 Apr 20251 Apr 2025Kia Sonet |
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Kia Sonet | |||||
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₹7.3 Lakhs* | ₹7.76 Lakhs* | ₹10.55 Lakhs* | ₹6.85 Lakhs* | ₹6.14 Lakhs* | ₹7.99 Lakhs* |
User Rating 306 Reviews | User Rating 7 Reviews | User Rating - | User Rating 721 Reviews | User Rating 348 Reviews | User Rating 383 Reviews |
Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 2 |
Power 114 bhp | Power 99 bhp | Power 118 bhp | Power 99 bhp | Power 99 bhp | Power 75 bhp |
Torque 250 Nm | Torque 147.6 Nm | Torque 172 Nm | Torque 147.6 Nm | Torque 152 Nm | Torque 210 Nm |
Ground Clearance - | Ground Clearance 190 mm | Ground Clearance 195 mm | Ground Clearance 190 mm | Ground Clearance 205 mm | Ground Clearance - |
Length 3995 mm | Length 3995 mm | Length 3995 mm | Length 3995 mm | Length 3994 mm | Length 3995 mm |
Height 1642 mm | Height 1550 mm | Height 1665 mm | Height 1550 mm | Height 1572 mm | Height 1880 mm |
Width 1790 mm | Width 1765 mm | Width 1800 mm | Width 1765 mm | Width 1758 mm | Width 1745 mm |
Turning Radius - | Turning Radius 4.9 metres | Turning Radius - | Turning Radius 4.9 metres | Turning Radius 5 metres | Turning Radius 5.8 metres |
Boot Space - | Boot Space 308 litres | Boot Space 375 litres | Boot Space 308 litres | Boot Space 336 litres | Boot Space - |
Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV |
Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual |
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First launched in September of 2020, Kia Sonet entered a space crowded with established champions that continue to fight for the sub-compact SUV crown. The task was cut out for the second SUV offering from Kia since its India debut in 2019 and while it has not exactly taken a place on the pedestal, it has battled its way forward with a whole lot of spirit. Close to three lakh Sonet units have been sold in the domestic market alone and backed by its striking exterior design and a feature-packed cabin, the model has made a mark for itself.
The Sonet has always had a confident posture and a clear SUV stance. Measuring in at 3,995 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width and standing 1,642 mm tall, it is the stereotypical sub-compact SUV in most ways. But where it stands out is in its styling on the outside, a factor that has been intricately worked upon in the 2024 edition.
The mid-life update on Kia Sonet now equips its with a sportier and more aggressive design language, marked primarily by the updated ‘Tiger Nose’ grille on the face, re-worked LED DRLs and re-designed fog lamps on the modified front bumper.
There is no change in terms of dimensions and the only difference on the new model from the side angle are new alloy designs for the wheels. But hustle over to the rear and this is where the Sonet looks its best. A stretched light bar between the reworked tail light units lend the vehicle an extremely catchy appeal while the reworked rear bumper just accentuates the overall profile from the back.
The Sonet continues to be all about choices and comes in seven variants - HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, GTX+ and X-Line. It also has as many as 10 single tone hues - Glacier White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Gravity Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Intense Red, Imperial Blue, Clear White, Pewter Olive, and Matte Graphite, and two dual tone shades - Intense Red and Glacier White Pearl with Black roof.
In terms of sheer visual cues, the updates on the inside of the new Kia Sonet is comparatively less. And that's mostly fine because the model still has a relatively new dashboard layout and only minor changes in the control section for the HVAC. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment screen has been carried forward but the software has been updated.
But where the Sonet continues to excel in is in the sheer number of features it has always boasted of. And the 2024 model is bragging even bigger. The digital driver display has been updated and is now much more vibrant regardless of the drive mode-determined colour scheme on display. There is also a 360-degree camera set up that is new and the feed is quite crisp. These cameras also compliment the main cam set up at the front that is primarily tasked with ADAS-related duties. And yes, ADAS (Advanced driver assistance system) is more than likely to set it apart from its rivals which don't offer the technology just yet.
The other feature highlights include an air-purification system, mood lighting that moves to the beats of the music from the Bose sound system, four-way driver seat adjustment through twin switches on the side, window curtains on either side for rear passengers as well as voice-enabled functionality and remote access functions through smartphone.
The upholstery colours on the inside will vary depending on the trim and variant selected but where the Sonet still lacks is rear-seat comfort. While the company has carved out the back of the front seats to open up a bit more leg room and also bolstered under-thigh support, the overall sense of space for back-seat passengers is still missing, especially when compared to many of Sonet's rival models.
The Sonet remains relatively well-packed as far as safety features are concerned. Six airbags are offered as standard on the model while the other highlights include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), front and rear parking sensors, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and of course, ADAS.
The ADAS on Sonet offers highlights like Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Following Assist, High-Beam Assist, Lead Vehicle Departure Alert (all tested through the course of this drive), and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
The Sonet carries forward its three engine options - a 1.5-litre CRDi diesel motor, a 1.2-litre petrol unit and the enormously popular 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. Transmission options are galore too, ranging from six-speed manual, six-speed iMT and six-speed AT to a seven-speed DCT on the turbo.
And it is the turbo Sonet that was our review unit, complete in its shining Intense Red shade. The Sonet in its turbo avataar is an absolute delight because it is just so energetic in its drive trait. In fact, even in the Eco drive mode, there is more than enough power to put a smile on your face, a smile that gets far wider when the Sport mode is engaged. The DCT unit works nearly flawlessly and apart from the minor grunt from the engine when pushing the pedal hard, there is not much to dent the sheer energy of this particular version.
The power and torque figures remain the same - 118 bhp and 170 Nm of torque. But what has noticable changed are the tweaks in the suspension setup and the braking bite. The Sonet has always had a rather firm suspension which has now been softened just a bit more to enhance overall comfort. And the braking bite too has been improved for better stopping power.
The Sonet is a confident car that may not really be for everyone even if it tries. The competition is just too much. What works for it is its catchy styling and an even more excitable feature list now, complete with a plethora of engine and transmission choices. The addition of ADAS is a major leg up too.
Where the Sonet still has room for improvement is in its rear-seat space and comfort. Up against heavyweights like Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Venue, among others, the task is cut out.
Kia Sonet is available in the 7 Colours in India.
| Rear AC Vents | Yes |
| Airbags | Yes |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Max Torque | 115-250 Nm |
| Keyless Entry | Yes |
| Mileage | 18.4 kmpl |
| Transmission | Manual,Automatic |
| Engine | 998 - 1493 cc |
| Sunroof | Yes |
| Fuel Type | Petrol,Diesel |
Kia Sonet in India is available in Petrol & Diesel variants. Average mileage of Kia Sonet's petrol variant is 18.4 kmpl (As claimed by the brand in ideal road conditions). Kia Sonet HTE 1.2 Petrol MT comes with a 45 litres fuel tank.
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