Aspect

Tata Nexon

Kia Sonet

Starting Price (Ex‑showroom)

~₹7.3–₹8.0 L (approx)

~₹7.3 L (approx)

Engine Options

1.2 L petrol, 1.5 L petrol/diesel, cng option

1.2 L petrol, 1.0 L Turbo petrol, 1.5 L diesel

Transmission

Manual, AMT, DCA (auto)

Manual, iMT, DCT, Automatic

Mileage (ARAI)

~17–24 kmpl (varies by engine)

~18.4–24.1 kmpl (varies by engine)

Safety

5★ Global NCAP rating

6 airbags + ADAS (in higher trims)

Fuel Types

Petrol, diesel, CNG

Petrol, Diesel

💰 Price Comparison

Tata Nexon typically starts around the ₹7.3 L–₹8.0 L mark in ex‑showroom terms for basic variants.

Kia Sonet also begins at roughly ₹7.3 L for entry‑level petrol trims.

Higher variants for both can go well into the higher ₹10 L+ range depending on features and choices — premium Sonet trims sometimes reaching above similar Nexon trims.

Overall, prices are competitive, with Sonet often slightly more affordable in base forms, while Nexon may edge up in higher trims and optional cng variants.

⚙️ Engines & Performance

🔹 Tata Nexon

Offers a 1.2 L Turbo petrol and a 1.5 L diesel engine with higher power and torque compared with base Sonet petrol.

Also available with a factory‑fitted cng option — a rare feature in this segment.

🔹 Kia Sonet

Provides a range including a 1.0 L turbo petrol engine and a 1.5 L diesel.

Multiple transmission options, including 7‑speed DCT and iMT, make it flexible for different driving preferences.

Real‑world engine feedback from users shows Sonet’s 1.2 L NA petrol can feel underpowered, while Nexon’s turbo petrol gets better responsiveness — especially on highways.

⛽ Mileage & Running Costs

Petrol mileage: Sonet ~18.4 kmpl; Nexon ~17–18 kmpl.

Diesel variants: Both SUVs achieve around 24 kmpl in ARAI estimates for diesel manual transmissions, with small differences by gearbox.

Sonet tends to hold a slight edge in petrol economy, while Nexon’s diesel mileage is comparable.

📡 Features & Tech

👍 Kia Sonet

Typically more feature‑loaded with tech touches like wireless charger, panoramic sunroof on higher trims, and sophisticated infotainment.

ADAS (Advanced driver Assistance Systems) available on select versions — rare in this segment.

👍 Tata Nexon

Strong standard safety credentials with a 5‑star Global NCAP rating.

Comfortable cabin, good ride quality and active safety features with higher variants.

Both cars offer multiple variants and trim choices, so the feature list varies widely — but Sonet generally emphadata-sizes technology and comfort, while Nexon emphadata-sizes safety and build quality.

🛡️ Safety & Practicality

Tata Nexon: Excellent safety with a 5‑star crash test rating; strong build quality.

Kia Sonet: Also comes with up to 6 airbags, stability control, hill assist, and ADAS on select trims — adding driver assistance tech.

For families or safety‑focused buyers, Nexon’s safety rating is a big advantage, while Sonet’s ADAS features appeal to tech‑savvy buyers.

📏 Space & Comfort

Both SUVs are similar in dimensions and cabin space, suitable for city and highway use.

Some buyers find Sonet’s rear seat comfort and boot space slightly more practical, while Nexon scores for ride quality and headroom.

👨‍🔧 Ownership & Running Insights

Real‑world owners often note:

Nexon city petrol mileage can drop significantly in heavy traffic.

Sonet’s petrol engine feel on base variants may feel underwhelming on highways.

Service experience and network strength vary by location and may affect long‑term satisfaction.

📍 Final Take — Which Should You Choose?

🟢 Choose the Tata Nexon if you want:

Strong safety credentials and crash protection.

More engine choices, including CNG.

Better ride comfort for frequent highway use.

🔵 Choose the Kia Sonet if you want:

A feature‑rich interior and tech‑forward experience.

Slightly better petrol economy and refined gearbox options.

Modern safety tech like ADAS in higher trims.

🧾 Summary

Both SUVs are excellent choices in the compact SUV segment in India, price‑competitive and offering a strong balance of performance, features, and practicality.

Nexon leans toward safety, reliability, and build,

Sonet leans toward features, tech, and petrol‑friendly running costs.

 

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