Comparison: Tata Nexon vs Kia Sonet

Kia has finally launched the much-awaited Kia Sonet facelift. This is the first notable update of the popular Korean SUV since its launch in 2020 and is sure to heat-up the fierce competition that goes on in the compact SUV segment. Moreover, in recent times the Sonet has not been selling as well as it used to given buyers have been waiting for its fresher avatar and the arrival of the fresher rivals has increased the competition.

All the same, like every other car in the segment, the new Sonet’s toughest rival is the segment leader, Tata Nexon that has been facelifted a few months ago, upping the ante. Since it arrived in 2017, the Tata Nexon has remained the best-selling Tata car. Moreover, with over 5 lakh units sold already, the Nexon has etched its name among the most radical successes in India’s automotive history. For those who do not know, the Tata Nexon is the first car in India to receive a full 5-star G-NCAP rating and elevated the safety standards across the Indian automobile industry.

So how will the new Kia Sonet fare against the Tata Nexon, let’s find out.

Tata Nexon vs Kia Sonet: Dimensions

Theoretically, while the lengths of both cars are the same the Tata Nexon is 14 mm wider and 10 mm taller than the Kia Sonet. Meanwhile, the Sonet has a 2 mm longer wheelbase than that of the Nexon. However, on the practical front, the Tata Nexon has always been more spacious than the Kia Sonet and so is the case even now, courtesy of Tata’s mastery of space management. On the other hand, the boot space of the Sonet is a tad larger than that of the Nexon, but not large enough to be called an advantage.

As far as looks go, both Nexon and Sonet have always been the most good-looking cars in the segment and the same holds true for the facelifted models. However, if we compare the designs, the Nexon looks more muscular and futuristic while the Sonet looks more aggressive especially due to the tiger nose grille at the front.

To sum it up, the Nexon is the more spacious of the two. And if the appearance of your car is a major priority for you, you can go for either, not to mention you will not find better-looking cars than these two in this segment.

Tata Nexon vs Kia Sonet: Engine & Transmission

Mechanically, both SUVs are well-equipped and have some advantages over each other. Notably, since there have not been any mechanical changes in the Sonet, other than the addition of the manual gearbox for the diesel engine, we expect it to deliver the same performance as the current model.

Despite being comparatively smaller in size, the Sonet’s 1-litre turbo petrol engine is as powerful as the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine of the Nexon. Both these engines are three-cylinder units and are amply refined to deliver a smooth drive.

What makes the major difference in the overall performance is the gearbox options. With the availability of manual gearboxes (5-speed & 6-speed), Nexon’s turbo petrol engine appeals to buyers who like to drive in a more traditional way and want maximum engagement with their car. Like the pre-facelift model, there is the option of a 6-speed AMT which gets the job done but like all AMTs is not as smooth when it comes to gear shifts. Specifically, to resolve this issue, Tata brought in the 7-speed DCT automatic which is being lauded for its smooth gear shifts. However, as the Nexon is angled towards family travelling purposes, its DCT automatic lacks the sporty zip and works more like a competent torque converter automatic, delivering an admirably convenient drive. Moreover, Nexon has the advantage of paddle shifters which the Sonet misses.

The Sonet’s turbo petrol engine has fewer transmission options. It is paired with either a 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) or a 7-speed DCT automatic. This DCT automatic does an apt job but is not as convenient as that of the Tata Nexon. Meanwhile, the 6-speed iMT offers better control over the gear shifts, facilitating you to enjoy the turbo engine’s maximum performance.

The turbo diesel engines of both cars perform equally well and have almost the same power and torque figures. Nonetheless, for automatic transmission, the Sonet offers a significantly better option– a 6-speed torque converter as compared to the 6-speed AMT of the Nexon. Moreover, the Sonet’s turbo diesel engine delivers a far more silent drive than the turbo diesel engine of the Nexon.

When it comes to ride quality, the Tata Nexon has been the benchmark in the segment and this is something that contributed to its success a great deal. Whether it is rough stretches or smooth city roads, the Nexon delivers an exceptional ride. On the other hand, the Sonet’s ride experience is commendable on city roads but not as much on the rough/ uneven surfaces.

The Tata Nexon offers a wider range of transmissions with the turbo petrol engine, better petrol automatic, and the best ride quality. However, if you want a smoother turbo diesel engine or a better diesel-automatic combination, the Sonet should be the clear pick.

Tata Nexon vs Kia Sonet: Features & Comfort

On the grounds of interiors, both Tata and Kia have done a commendable job in updating their compact SUVs. The Tata Nexon is thoroughly revamped from the inside and feels modern. Its clean dashboard with slight layers and straight lines looks sophisticated complemented with Tata’s new two-spoke steering wheel featuring flat piano black surfaces and the illuminated logo. Lower down, the touch buttons mounted on a gloss black glass surface are something that we see in Porsche cars. Moreover, what deserves a mention is the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster which is completely customizable like Audi’s Virtual Cockpit.

Meanwhile, the Sonet has always been acclaimed for the premium feel of its cabin and the new Sonet has taken things up a notch. With a neatly-designed dashboard, vertically placed rectangular AC vents, and leatherette upholstery the Sonet feels like a more expensive car.

In terms of features, both cars are well-equipped and will not disappoint you as far as comfort, entertainment, and convenience are concerned. All the same, the Sonet does have the advantage of a 4-way powered driver seat.

Both Nexon and Sonet score high in the creature comfort and feature department and apart from a 4-way powered driver seat, there is nothing that takes Sonet ahead of the Nexon.

Tata Nexon vs Kia Sonet: Safety Features

While Tata cars are acclaimed for their safety standards courtesy of their rock-solid build quality, Kia focuses on equipping its cars with as many safety features as possible. The same is the case between these two SUVs. Since the new Nexon is structurally like the pre-facelift model, the 5-star G-NCAP rating holds true for it as well and illustrates the strength of its body that cocoons you as you travel in this Indian compact SUV. In addition to that, the Tata Nexon offers 6 airbags as standard and currently is the only car in the segment to feature blind spot monitoring.

On the other hand, the addition of the Level-1 ADAS features is the biggest highlight of the new Sonet. This ADAS safety suite has been borrowed from the Hyundai Venue and consists of 10 autonomous features – Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

With Level-1 ADAS features onboard, the Kia Sonet can prevent the occurrence of accidents. However, in case of an unfortunate accident, it is the Tata Nexon that will safeguard you better.

Tata Nexon vs Kia Sonet: Price Comparison

The price difference between the Sonet and the Nexon is not much, making the Tata Nexon a better value-for-money offering for its better ride quality, more space for passengers, a wider spectrum of transmissions for the turbo petrol engine, and safer body.

Tata Nexon vs Kia Sonet: Summary

With all the parameters compared above, the choice between these cars should be simple. The Tata Nexon is a ground-breaking success and best-seller in the segment for a solid reason. The Indian compact SUV scores high on space, comfort, and safety, and offers an unmatchable ride quality. All the same, its slightly noisier turbo diesel engine and the AMT transmission are not among its strong suits.

On the other hand, the Kia Sonet comes with a smooth and silent turbo diesel engine mated to a more reliable and smoother automatic transmission. So, if you want to own a diesel-powered compact SUV or mitigate the possibility of accidents with ADAS safety tech, the Kia Sonet should be the one to go for.

Tata Nexon vs Kia Sonet: FAQs