Thinking over the Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon? These two compact SUVs are among the most popular choices in India today, each offering a unique appeal. The Sonet brings modern tech, crisp styling, and premium features, while the Nexon is known for its roomy cabin, strong safety ratings, and rugged build. Both cater to different types of buyers and needs.
Imagine me as your advisor: Sonet suits those who want sunroof, connected tech, and a sporty presence in city traffic. If you’re more focused on safety, space, and solid road manners, the Nexon will likely feel more reassuring and practical over time.
Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon – Design & Build Quality
The Kia Sonet facelift that debuted in early 2024 brought a sharper tiger‑nose grille, sleek LED lighting, connected tail lamps, and crystal-cut alloy wheels. The interior now boasts a dual 10.25‑inch big screen setup, ventilated front seats, air purifier and a panoramic sunroof in higher variants—a level of premium detailing rare in this segment.
In contrast, the Tata Nexon continues to build on its reputation for strong body structure and spacious interiors. The 2025 Nexon update brought new trims and more features without changing the solid platform. Its cabin feels wider and more comfortable for rear passengers, and material quality has improved noticeably, giving it an air of rugged solidity that inspires confidence.
Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon – Performance Comparison
The Sonet’s engine line‑up includes a peppy 1.0‑litre turbo petrol (120 PS), smooth 1.2‑litre petrol and refined diesel options. The turbo petrol with DCT or iMT is quick off the line, making city traffic feel effortless and fun. Diesel variants bring good torque and comfortable long-distance usability.
The Nexon offers a similarly peppy 1.2‑litre turbo petrol along with a torque-rich 1.5‑litre diesel and a CNG option. The diesel feels especially strong in mid-range, ideal for cruising and climbing roads. The petrol turbo with AMT or manual also delivers smooth drive, though slightly heavier steering compared to the Sonet.
Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon – Engine Specs Comparison
In Sonet, you can choose from a 1.2‑litre petrol (83 PS), 1.0‑litre turbo petrol (120 PS, 172 Nm), and a 1.5‑litre diesel (100 PS or 115 PS with 240–250 Nm torque) mated to manuals, iMT, DCT, CVT and torque converter automatics depending on engine. It’s a wide array of powertrains tailored for choice.
Nexon’s available engines include a 1.2‑litre turbo petrol (120 PS, 170 Nm), a 1.5‑litre diesel (100 PS, 260 Nm), and a turbo‑CNG version delivering around 100 PS. Transmission options include 6‑speed manual, AMT and DCT in higher trims, offering versatility for different user preferences.
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Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon – Features & Interior Comparison
Sonet stands out with premium features: large digital screens, air purifier, ventilated seats, electric sunroof, ADAS Level‑1 suite, 360° camera, Bose 7-speaker audio and connected features via Sonet Connect. It feels tech‑rich and urban‑ready at every level.
Nexon offers a more grounded experience: 8.8‑inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, soft-touch dashboard, ventilated rear seat air vent, and JBL sound system on higher trims. Its infotainment is simpler but intuitive, and the cabin layout focuses on comfort and usability for families.
Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon – Mileage & Efficiency
Kia Sonet’s ex-showroom price starts around ₹7.99 lakh and the real‑world mileage for petrol ranges between 16–18 kmpl, while diesel variants deliver close to 24 kmpl ARAI numbers; real users report averages in the mid‑teens on petrol and low‑20s for diesel.
Nexon’s new 2025 prices begin around ₹7.99 lakh and rise to ₹15.60 lakh for top Fearless trims. ARAI mileage figures range from about 17 kmpl for petrol to 24 kmpl diesel; real‑world riders often see around 14–19 kmpl depending on variant and driving style.
Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon – Safety Features Comparison
Tata Nexon remains a standout in safety, being one of the first compact SUVs in India to score a full five‑star rating for both adult and child safety under Bharat NCAP. All models come with six airbags, ESC, rear centre seatbelt and ISOFIX mounts as standard.
Kia Sonet, meanwhile, offers six airbags, ADAS Level‑1 features like forward collision warning, blind‑spot detection, and 360° camera. While it has not yet received an official crash test rating, its comprehensive safety equipment gives confidence, though a verified rating is still pending.
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Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon – Comparison Table
| Feature | Kia Sonet (2025) | Tata Nexon (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | ₹7.99 lakh to ₹15.74 lakh ex-showroom | ₹7.99 lakh to ₹15.60 lakh ex‑showroom |
| Engine Options | 1.2 petrol, 1.0 turbo petrol, 1.5 diesel | 1.2 turbo petrol, 1.5 diesel, 1.2 turbo CNG |
| Real-world Mileage | ~16–18 kmpl petrol, ~22–24 kmpl diesel | ~14–19 kmpl depending on variant and fuel type |
| Cabin & Boot Space | Spacious with ~385 litre boot, narrower rear shoulder room | Wider cabin, ~382 litre boot, better rear-seat comfort |
| Key Features | ADAS Level‑1, sunroof, ventilated seats, Bose, 360° camera, digital console | Ambient lighting, JBL sound, ventilated rear vents, simple UX |
| Safety Rating | Not rated yet, but offers six airbags and ADAS features | Bharat NCAP 5-star adult and child rating standard |
| Waiting Period | Moderate to high demand in some cities leading to 35–84 days wait | Better availability with few waits in most cities |
Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon – Final Verdict
If you want a tech-loaded, feature-rich city SUV with sunroof, ADAS safety aids, and modern cabin feel, the Kia Sonet is a compelling choice. Its turbo petrol and diesel engines are peppy, and the experience feels upscale in its pricing bracket.
If you prioritise verified safety credentials, cabin space, ride comfort, and long-term reliability at a similar price point, Tata Nexon remains the more practical pick. It delivers peace of mind thanks to crash test success and strong build quality.
I hope this updated comparison helps you choose between Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon with confidence. Let me know if you’d like a variant-wise recommendation or help finding a nearest showroom for test drives! So that’s all in today’s post, for more updates, reviews, and car comparisons, visit IndianGadi.com – your go-to hub for everything on wheels!
FAQs – 5 Helpful Questions About Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon
Which SUV offers better safety ratings?
Tata Nexon holds a verified five‑star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child safety, giving it a clear edge over the Sonet, which has not yet been officially rated.
Is the Kia Sonet more fuel-efficient than Nexon?
Sonet diesel delivers slightly higher ARAI mileage, but in real-world terms, both offer comparable economy. Nexon petrol AMT may offer smoother usage in city kills.
Can both SUVs seat five adults comfortably?
Nexon has a wider cabin and more rear shoulder room, making it better for five adults. Sonet can seat five, but rear space feels a bit snug for taller passengers.
Which SUV is better for tech-savvy buyers?
Sonet leads with ADAS Level‑1, connected car features, dual screens, ventilated seats and onboard pure air purifier. Nexon focuses more on comfort than tech extravagance.
Are waiting periods an issue for either model?
Kia Sonet currently faces moderate to high waiting periods in major cities. Tata Nexon availability remains stable, with shorter or no waiting in most places.
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