If there’s one compact SUV that’s buzzing in India right now, it’s the freshly updated 2025 Kia Sonet. Kia has given its best-seller a proper facelift—sharper looks, smarter features, and engines tuned to keep both budget-conscious commuters and spirited drivers happy. With rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, and Tata Nexon fighting for the same crowd, Kia’s clearly pushing to make the Sonet the most feature-packed SUV under ₹15 lakh. Let’s break it down.
Design
The Sonet’s face-lift is subtle but effective. The tiger-nose grille—Kia’s signature—gets a bolder outline, flanked by sleeker LED headlamps that now look more aggressive. The DRLs double as indicators, a small but classy touch. Move to the side and you notice the crisp character lines and 16-inch crystal-cut alloys that lend a sporty vibe without being flashy.
The X-Line variant? That’s the showstopper. With its matte graphite finish, gloss-black elements, and dark chrome touches, it has an almost “mini luxury SUV” appeal. Step inside, and the cabin feels more premium than ever. Kia’s gone big on screens: a twin 10.25-inch setup dominates the dash—one for infotainment, one for the driver display. The layout is clean, the plastics feel solid, and even the base trims don’t scream “cheap.”
Engine Performance
Kia’s kept variety on the table, which is rare at this price point. The lineup starts with the 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol—nothing too dramatic, but reliable for daily city runs. It’s paired with a 5-speed manual that’s light and forgiving.
But the real fun starts with the 1.0-liter turbo-petrol. At 118 bhp and 172 Nm, this is the enthusiast’s pick. Mated to either iMT or the slick 7-speed DCT, it can sprint to 100 kmph in roughly 10 seconds—quick enough for highway merges and overtakes. Then there’s the 1.5-liter diesel, still a big draw for long-distance drivers. With 250 Nm of torque, it pulls cleanly even when fully loaded, and the 6-speed automatic is smooth and stress-free in traffic.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Engine Variant | Power | Torque | Gearbox Options | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L Petrol | 82 bhp | 115 Nm | 5-speed MT | City commuters |
| 1.0L Turbo Petrol | 118 bhp | 172 Nm | iMT / 7DCT | Performance seekers |
| 1.5L Diesel | 114 bhp | 250 Nm | 6MT / 6AT | Highway & long-haul users |
Mileage
For most Indian buyers, mileage isn’t just a number—it’s the deciding factor. Kia’s covered that angle well.
- The 1.2L petrol manages around 18 kmpl under mixed driving, perfect for city-centric users.
- The 1.0L turbo-petrol dips slightly to 16 kmpl, though steady highway runs can push it to 19.
- The 1.5L diesel remains the efficiency king, offering 22–24 kmpl on highways, which few SUVs in this bracket can match.
With fuel prices swinging like cricket scores, these figures make the Sonet an appealing option across the board.
Features
This is where Kia flexes. The 2025 Sonet is arguably the most tech-loaded SUV under ₹15 lakh. It now gets Level 1 ADAS—collision avoidance alerts, lane keep assist, and high-beam assist—features unheard of in this segment until now.
Parking is a breeze with the 360-degree camera, and blind-spot monitoring adds a safety net in crowded city traffic. Inside, creature comforts like ventilated seats, a Bose audio system, wireless phone charging, and an electric sunroof give it a premium feel. Kia’s UVO Connect app brings 70+ connected car features, letting you start the engine or cool the cabin before stepping out in the summer heat.
Safety-wise, six airbags are now standard across trims, along with ESC and hill-start assist—something even the Tata Nexon didn’t offer as standard earlier.
Price
Kia’s managed to stay competitive in pricing, which is no small feat in 2025’s inflationary auto market. The Sonet starts at around ₹7.30 lakh ex-showroom for the base petrol HTE, stretching up to ₹14.09 lakh for the fully-loaded GTX+ diesel automatic.
On-road prices vary, of course, but in Delhi you’re looking at roughly ₹8.2 lakh for the base variant. Dealers have hinted at festive season discounts of ₹40,000–₹50,000, making it an even sweeter deal.
Compared to the Hyundai Venue—its closest cousin—the Sonet edges ahead with more kit at similar pricing. Against the Tata Nexon, it feels more urban and tech-driven, while the Nexon banks on ruggedness and EV options.
Wrap-Up
The 2025 Kia Sonet isn’t trying to reinvent the compact SUV game—it’s refining it. Strong looks, multiple powertrains, segment-first features, and aggressive pricing keep it one of the most balanced picks in the sub-4m SUV market. If your checklist has mileage, features, and a touch of flair, the Sonet deserves to be right on top.
Is the 2025 Kia Sonet good for highway driving?
Yes, especially the diesel and turbo-petrol variants. They offer strong pulling power and stable handling at higher speeds.
How does the Sonet compare to the Hyundai Venue?
They share the same platform and engines, but the Sonet gets more features at similar prices, giving it a slight edge.
Does the Sonet have ADAS?
Yes, the 2025 facelift introduces Level 1 ADAS features like lane-keep assist and forward collision warning.
What’s the warranty coverage on the new Sonet?
Kia offers a standard 3-year/unlimited km warranty, extendable to 5 years for additional cost.
Which Sonet variant offers the best value?
The 1.0L turbo-petrol iMT or DCT trims strike the best balance between performance, features, and price.
