Under the hood, the Kia Sonet offers a versatile three-engine lineup – the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers a reliable 82 hp and 115 Nm of torque and is paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual. For higher output, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol steps up the pace, generating 118 hp and 172 Nm of torque from just 1,500 rpm and is available with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT, it easily positions the Sonet as one of the more powerful turbo-petrol SUVs in its class.

Alternatively, the 1.5-litre diesel produces 114 hp and a range-topping 250 Nm of torque and can be mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

To rein in that performance, front disc brakes are standard across the board, with higher variants upgrading to an all-wheel disc setup for sharper stopping power. Adding to this mechanical flexibility, the automatic models feature three selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport) and three traction modes (Sand, Mud, Wet), giving the SUV genuine real-world adaptability across varied surfaces.

The Sonet's fuel efficiency numbers are highly economic and competitive , firmly placing it among the top SUVs with the best mileage for its segment. According to ARAI-certified figures, the 1.2-litre petrol with the 5-speed MT returns 18.83 kmpl, while the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is rated at 18.7 kmpl with the 6-speed iMT and 19.2 kmpl with the 7-speed DCT.

The fuel tank capacity across all variants is 45 litres. At the diesel manual's claimed efficiency, that translates to a theoretical range of over 1,000 km on a full tank.

Additionally, all variants get Idle Stop & Go (ISG) as standard, which shuts the engine off at prolonged stops to cut fuel consumption in bumper-to-bumper conditions.

Sonet's cabin is equipped with a dual 10.25-inch setup, placing the touchscreen infotainment system directly alongside a fully digital instrument cluster. Audio output on the top trims is managed by a 7-speaker Bose system that includes tweeters. This digital interface is supported by a 3-year free subscription to Kia Connect, providing over 70 connected-car functions such as remote engine start, live vehicle tracking, OTA updates, and Amazon Alexa integration, along with voice-controlled window operation on equipped models.

The broader equipment list includes several convenience features, such as ventilated front seats, a 4-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Smart Key with push-button start. For climate control, manual air conditioning is standard on entry-level models, while mid-variants and above upgrade to a fully automatic system featuring rear AC vents. Higher trims further integrate a Smart Pure Air Purifier with claimed virus and bacteria protection, alongside LED ambient sound lighting.

Designed as a five-seater sub-4-metre SUV, the Sonet incorporates specific utility features for the rear cabin. Equipped variants offer a 60:40 split-fold functionality for the rear bench, adjustable headrests, and a centre armrest with integrated cup holders.

In terms of cargo capacity, the standard boot space is rated at 385 litres, with the option to expand the available storage area by folding the rear seats down.

At 3,995 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, and 1,642 mm tall on a 2,500 mm wheelbase, the Sonet sits right at the top end of the sub-4-metre SUV envelope. The front profile is defined by Kia's signature Tiger Nose Grille, offered with multiple surround finishes, while Crown Jewel LED headlamps with Star Map LED DRLs flank the grille, forming a distinctive light signature. Sleek LED fog lamps round off the front.

At the rear, Star Map LED connected tail lamps create a wide light bar effect, making the Sonet easily identifiable from behind. Sporty aerodynamic skid plates with dark metallic or high gloss accents add visual width to the rear bumper, and a body-coloured spoiler sits atop the tailgate.

Lastly, wheel options include 15-inch steel wheels and 16-inch alloy wheels depending on the variant. An electric sunroof is also available, making it a standout option for buyers comparing cars with a sunroof.

The Sonet's safety package consists of six airbags, that are dual front, front side, and side curtain, come standard across every variant.

In terms of core safety, it includes ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and Hill-start Assist, along with rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and seatbelt reminders for all seats. Higher variants also get all-wheel disc brakes. Additionally, it offers features like a 360-degree camera, Blind View Monitor, and front parking sensors.

ADAS Level 1 is also available, with functions such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists), Lane Keep Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

The sub-4-metre SUV segment is arguably India's most competitive, and the Sonet sits right in the middle of the storm. Its four closest rivals are the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO.

The Nexon leads the segment in sales and holds a 5-star Global NCAP rating, an area where the Sonet currently has no equivalent independent crash test data to show. Both models offer up to 6 airbags as standard and similar dimensions with identical length at 3995 mm, though the Nexon provides slightly higher ground clearance at around 208 mm compared to the Sonet's 205 mm.

The Brezza counters with better fuel economy figures and Maruti's highly extensive service network reach. Its petrol-manual variants deliver up to 20.1 kmpl ARAI mileage compared to the Sonet's 18.4 kmpl in equivalent petrol-manual setups, while the Brezza also includes a CNG option for even higher efficiency up to 25.51 km/kg in select trims.

The XUV 3XO goes one step further on ADAS, offering Level 2 autonomous features against the Sonet's Level 1. It includes advanced elements like adaptive cruise control with lane centering and traffic sign recognition in higher variants, along with standard 6 airbags across the range and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.

The Hyundai Venue, sharing its platform, engines, and 2500 mm wheelbase with the Sonet, differentiates itself primarily through its suspension tuning. While the Sonet is sprung slightly stiffer for a sportier feel, the Venue is tuned slightly softer, which many buyers find prioritizes low-speed bump absorption.