Kia Sonet vs Kia Syros vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp).
- Pick the Kia Syros if you want the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (465 L).
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.85 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Sonet | Kia Syros | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹7.41 Lakh – ₹14.09 Lakh | ₹8.42 Lakh – ₹15.82 Lakh | ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.2L NA Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet Petrol / CNG |
| Max power | 118 bhp | 118 bhp | 99 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, DCT, Torque Converter AT, AMT | Manual, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 18.2-24.1 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 17.7-20.8 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 20.01–22.89 kmpl (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 5 stars | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 385 L | 465 L | 308 L |
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 →Kia Syros in short
Launched in early 2025, the Kia Syros slots between the Sonet and Seltos with boxy, EV3-inspired styling and a surprisingly premium cabin. It brings big-car features to the sub-4-metre class, including a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS and segment-first reclining-and-sliding rear seats with ventilation. A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating strengthens its case against the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza and its own sibling, the Sonet.
Full Syros prices & variants →Maruti Suzuki Fronx in short
The Fronx is a Baleno-based crossover coupe sold through Nexa, notable for reviving Maruti's 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine. It straddles the premium hatchback and compact SUV spaces, rivalling the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter and even the Nissan Magnite. Sharp pricing and a wide powertrain spread — NA petrol, turbo and CNG — have made it a strong seller.
Full Fronx prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Sonet vs Syros vs Fronx — which should I buy?
Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp). Pick the Kia Syros if you want the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (465 L). Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.85 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Sonet, Syros, Fronx?
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx starts lowest at ₹6.85 Lakh, against ₹7.41 Lakh for the Sonet and ₹8.42 Lakh for the Syros (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Sonet: not yet NCAP-tested; Kia Syros: 5 stars; Maruti Suzuki Fronx: not yet NCAP-tested.