Hyundai Exter vs Kia Sonet vs Mahindra Bolero (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.81 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl), the biggest boot (391 L).
- Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp).
- Pick the Mahindra Bolero if you want the most seats (7).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
Hyundai Exter in short
The Exter is Hyundai's entry SUV and the direct answer to the Tata Punch, blending hatchback running costs with a high-riding stance. It packs segment-first kit such as a dashcam with dual cameras, a sunroof and six airbags as standard. The dual-cylinder CNG option keeps boot space usable, a clever touch rivals lack.
Full Exter prices & variants →Kia Sonet in short
The Kia Sonet is one of the most feature-loaded sub-4-metre SUVs on sale, and its 2024 facelift sharpened the styling while making six airbags standard across the range. It remains the only car in its class to offer a diesel-automatic combination, giving it a unique selling point against the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO. The wide engine-gearbox matrix and segment-first features like ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera keep it a strong all-rounder.
Full Sonet prices & variants →Mahindra Bolero in short
The Bolero is Mahindra's evergreen workhorse, a ladder-frame 7-seater that has ruled rural and semi-urban India for over two decades. It sells on toughness, cheap maintenance and a vast service network rather than features or refinement. There is no direct rival at its price; buyers cross-shop it with the Bolero Neo and used Scorpios.
Full Bolero prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Exter vs Sonet vs Bolero — which should I buy?
Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.81 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 27 kmpl), the biggest boot (391 L). Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp). Pick the Mahindra Bolero if you want the most seats (7). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Exter, Sonet, Bolero?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹5.81 Lakh, against ₹7.45 Lakh for the Sonet and ₹8.49 Lakh for the Bolero (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Kia Sonet: not yet NCAP-tested; Mahindra Bolero: not yet NCAP-tested.