Kia Sonet : Small is the new big and it especially is in the compact SUV department. When every brand wants a piece of the pie, standing out is no walk in the park.
But Kia Sonet the makes it possible – a youthful design, tech-packed interiors and engine options that are more than average in an aggressive, compact design.
Introduced as Kia’s smallest SUV, the Sonet has fast developed into a crowd pleaser.
It doesn’t attempt to be the biggest or the strongest even — instead, it emphasizes style, smart features and everyday practicality. So, does it still make sense in a competitive market in 2025? Let’s find out.
Design: All Character, in a Smaller Package
Well, if there is one thing that Kia knows its how to design a car, and the Sonet is proof of that in spades.
From the distinctive ‘tiger nose’ grille to those badass-looking LED DRLs and aggressive bumper lines, the Sonet isn’t shy about displaying its SUV DNA — even though it is less than 4 meters long.
In the side view it is roled out as an stylish alloy wheeled with black cladding and sloping roofline creates a bit of a sporty look. At the back, the view is completed with joined LED tail lights and a fake skid plate.
It’s urban, feels youthful and looks balanced — it’s engineered for the contemporary consumer.
Aircraft: Luxury and Realism Collide
Step into the Sonet and the cabin feels better than it has any right to be given the price point. The dash is contemporary and includes a subtle driver-focused cant.
Kia has not merely slung features at the car, but it has arranged them carefully.
Top highlights include:
10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment (higher trims)
Digital instrumental cluster with colour MID
Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay (mid trim) Model trim lines If you compare getting the third trim model (EX in the US, the EX Plus in Canada) you will get an 8.5-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both firsts for Land Rover) and the Driver Assistance Package – adaptive cruise control, blind spot and rear collision monitors, and a 3D Surround Camera.
Ventilated front seats
Bose premium sound system
Cooling wireless charger
Ambient lighting
Smart Viral Air Purifier
Yup, space-wise the Sonet will accommodate four adults sans any struggling?. Comfort in the back seat is fine for average-size passengers, but taller riders might find legroom lacking.
The boot also comes in at a handy 392 litres, which should prove more than enough for weekend luggage trips or grocery runs.
Something For Everyone: Engine Options
The Sonet is offered by Kia with three different engines:
1.2L petrol (manual only) – Vibrant, but okay for the city driving.
1.0L turbo-petrol (iMT & DCT) – Peppy, eager and lover of driving finesse
1.5L diesel (manual & automatic) – Peppy and shockingly quiet for a diesel
Once you move to the turbo-petrol + DCT secondaries, that’s where all the fun is. It feels punchy and never really runs out of steam in the daily stoplight or weekend highway drags.
The diesel car, however, remains a popular option to the economy-driven and comfort-conscious buyers.
Ride quality is on the firm side, especially on uneven roads, yet steady at higher speeds.
Steering is light in the city but perhaps lacking in a little feedback on twisty roads.
Safety Features: Well-Covered
The Sonet is equipped with a generous range of safety equipment, though a crash rating of 5 stars is still pending. Features include:
Six airbags (in top variants)
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Control
Hill-start assist
Parking sensors front and rear
Tire pressure monitoring system
ISOFIX child seat mounts
With the latest trims, Kia also provides more modern ADAS Level 1 features like forward collision warning as well as lane departure alerts.
Pros:
SUV-derived design and premium feel
Cabin well loaded even in mid variants
Several engine and gearbox options
Sprightly turbo-petrol + DCT combination
Solid after sales service from Kia
Cons:
Rear seat space is average
Firm on potholes at low speeds
Lower trims no longer have a diesel option
Other features restricted to higher variants only
Kia Sonet: Verdict: Small SUV, Big Draw
The Kia Sonet isn’t everything to everyone, but it hits the most important notes. It is sharp-looking, upscale-feeling, good to drive and available with an array of powertrains to meet a variety of wants.
If you’re young couple, a singleton (especially after lockdown life), a small family of three, or just a technology and design lover then the Sonet is worth mentioning.
It’s not the least expensive compact S.U.V., but for what I’m seeing so far, the Sonet feels worth every penny. Simply put — it’s small, but not in terms of experience