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Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon vs Toyota Taisor (2026)

The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (September 2026):

  • Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp), the biggest boot (385 L).
  • Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.40 Lakh), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
  • Pick the Toyota Taisor if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.5 kmpl).

Three-Way Specification Comparison

SpecKia SonetTata NexonToyota Taisor
Ex-showroom price₹7.41 Lakh – ₹14.09 Lakh₹7.40 Lakh – ₹14.52 Lakh₹7.70 Lakh – ₹13.00 Lakh
Engine / Motor1.2L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel1.2L turbo-petrol / 1.5L turbo-diesel / 1.2L turbo iCNG1.2L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol (Boosterjet)
Max power118 bhp118 bhp99 bhp
Fuel optionsPetrol, DieselPetrol, Diesel, CNGPetrol, CNG
TransmissionsManual, iMT, DCT, Torque Converter AT, AMTManual, AMT, DCTManual, AMT, Torque Converter AT
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)20.0-22.8 km/l petrol, 28.5 km/kg CNG (ARAI)
Seating555
Safety ratingNot tested5 starsNot tested
Airbags (max)666
Boot space385 L382 L308 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 →

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 Nexon prices & variants →

Toyota Taisor in short

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is Toyota's take on the Maruti Fronx, a coupe-styled crossover that straddles the hatchback and compact SUV segments. Its highlight is the peppy 1.0 Boosterjet turbo-petrol with a proper six-speed torque-converter automatic, a rarity at this price. Against the Fronx, Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, it offers sportier looks and Toyota's warranty advantage.

Full Taisor prices & variants →

Head-to-head pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Sonet vs Nexon vs Taisor — which should I buy?

Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp), the biggest boot (385 L). Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.40 Lakh), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Pick the Toyota Taisor if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.5 kmpl). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.

Which is the cheapest among Sonet, Nexon, Taisor?

The Tata Nexon starts lowest at ₹7.40 Lakh, against ₹7.41 Lakh for the Sonet and ₹7.70 Lakh for the Taisor (ex-showroom, September 2026).

Which is the safest of the three?

Kia Sonet: not yet NCAP-tested; Tata Nexon: 5 stars; Toyota Taisor: not yet NCAP-tested.