Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon (2026)
Kia Sonet (₹7.33 Lakh – ₹14.09 Lakh) and Tata Nexon (₹7.37 Lakh – ₹14.22 Lakh) go head-to-head in the compact suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (July 2026).
- Both start at almost the same price (within ₹0.10 Lakh of each other).
- Only the Tata Nexon has a published NCAP crash-test rating (5 stars).
- The Kia Sonet has the bigger boot: 385 litres vs 382 litres.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Sonet | Tata Nexon |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹7.33 Lakh – ₹14.09 Lakh | ₹7.37 Lakh – ₹14.22 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.2L turbo-petrol / 1.5L turbo-diesel / 1.2L turbo iCNG |
| Max power | 118 bhp | 118 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, DCT, Torque Converter AT, AMT | Manual, AMT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 18.2-24.1 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 17.44 kmpl (petrol MT), 24.08 kmpl (diesel), 24 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 385 L | 382 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 →Tata Nexon in short
The Nexon is Tata's best-selling model and a perennial top-three player in India's cut-throat sub-4-metre SUV segment against the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. The 2023 facelift brought a dramatic Curvv-inspired design, twin digital displays and a 7-speed DCA automatic. It holds 5-star ratings from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, and is the only car in the class with turbo-petrol, diesel and turbo-CNG options.
Full Nexonprices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Sonet or Nexon?
Both start at almost the same price (within ₹0.10 Lakh of each other). (Ex-showroom prices, July 2026.)
Sonet vs Nexon — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Kia Sonet — not yet tested; Tata Nexon — 5 stars.
Should I buy the Sonet or the Nexon?
Both start at almost the same price (within ₹0.10 Lakh of each other). Only the Tata Nexon has a published NCAP crash-test rating (5 stars). The Kia Sonet has the bigger boot: 385 litres vs 382 litres. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.