Kia Sonet vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx (2026)
Kia Sonet (₹7.33 Lakh – ₹14.09 Lakh) and Maruti Suzuki Fronx (₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh) go head-to-head in the compact suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (July 2026).
- The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is more affordable — it starts ₹0.48 Lakh lower than the Kia Sonet.
- The Kia Sonet is the more powerful car, with 118 bhp against 99 bhp.
- The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is more efficient on paper — up to 28.51 kmpl vs 24.1 kmpl.
- The Kia Sonet has the bigger boot: 385 litres vs 308 litres.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Sonet | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹7.33 Lakh – ₹14.09 Lakh | ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.2L NA Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet Petrol / CNG |
| Max power | 118 bhp | 99 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, DCT, Torque Converter AT, AMT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 18.2-24.1 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 20.01–22.89 kmpl (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 385 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 Sonetprices & 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 Fronxprices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Sonet or Fronx?
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is more affordable — it starts ₹0.48 Lakh lower than the Kia Sonet. (Ex-showroom prices, July 2026.)
Sonet vs Fronx — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Kia Sonet — not yet tested; Maruti Suzuki Fronx — not yet tested.
Should I buy the Sonet or the Fronx?
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is more affordable — it starts ₹0.48 Lakh lower than the Kia Sonet. The Kia Sonet is the more powerful car, with 118 bhp against 99 bhp. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is more efficient on paper — up to 28.51 kmpl vs 24.1 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.