Hatchbacks and compact SUVs had a massive gap between them. It was until Ford introduced the EcoSport, an entirely new segment named sub-four meter SUV was formed. Surprisingly, back then, it was a revolution as we have witnessed some bestsellers from this segment. Also, there are many advantages from the manufacturer’s point of view and that’s why even they have been trying to experiment with this segment a lot.
Sources suggest that almost all the brands are about to introduce another price hike on their current portfolio. This way, the correct time to bring your favourite vehicle home is now.
Tata Nexon with a 5-star Global NCAP rating and Kia Sonet with a host of features and modern design language usually attract a lot of customers. Planning to enter this segment? We have covered a detailed comparison between both these SUVs to find out, which one suits you better.
Tata Nexon

Nexon is perfect in terms of design, performance and size but road presence is something that should not be expected from it. By this, we mean that it is definitely a perfect ride for everyday use.
Staying on the safer side, the Indian brand has manufactured something that is strong enough to score a 5-star rating at the Global NCAP. Well, it is another reason why Nexon attracted so many new customers in a very short span of time.
A typical Tata finishing on the dashboard does bring a rugged feel even inside the cabin. Interestingly, to enhance the overall ambience, the Indian brand has used several chrome black panels throughout. In terms of features, Tata Motors has loaded it with all the crucial ones, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, fully digital driver’s display, cooled glovebox, electric sunroof and an 8-speaker surround sound system.
Powering the Nexon is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that propels a decent 118BHP and 170Nm of peak torque. The carmaker has even introduced a powerful 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that churns out 108BHP and 260Nm of peak torque.
For now, a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT gearbox handles all the transmission duties for the updated model.
Kia Sonet

Kia entered India with Seltos and the very next moment it was a best seller. The second time they did the exact same was with the Sonet and therefore, we are here comparing it with the Nexon.
Frankly speaking, Sonet does boast a slightly better road presence just because of the better dimension numbers when compared to the Nexon. It has also been loaded with so many features and premium materials inside the cabin to retain the Seltos like feel.
Talking about the features, Sonet is available with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, UVO connected car tech, 7-speaker Bose surround sound system, electric sunroof and a fully digital instrument cluster depending upon the variant.
Available with two engine options, Sonet is slightly underpowered when compared to Nexon. Talking about the first one, it is a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit that is truly capable of churning out a decent 81BHP and 115Nm. There’s even a mile muncher in the form of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. According to the brand, it is capable of producing a slightly better 98BHP and 240Nm of peak torque. Kia also offers a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that propels a massive 118BHP and 172Nm on the Sonet.
Transmission duties for Kia Sonet are managed by multiple gearboxes including a 5 and 6-speed manual or a 6 or 7-speed automatic unit depending upon the variant.
Tata Nexon Vs Kia Sonet: At A Glance
Tata Nexon | Kia Sonet | |
Length (mm) | 3993 | 3995 |
Width (mm) | 1811 | 1790 |
Height (mm) | 1606 | 1642 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2498 | 2500 |
Ground Clearance (mm) | 209 | 205 |
Engine | 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol
1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel |
1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol
1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol |
Power | 118BHP
108BHP |
81BHP
98BHP 118BHP |
Torque | 170Nm
260Nm |
115Nm
240Nm 172Nm |
Mileage (Approximate) | Up to 21kmpl | Up to 22kmpl |
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs.7.29 Lakhs to Rs.13.34 Lakhs | Rs.6.89 Lakhs to Rs.13.55 Lakhs |
Conclusion
If you are looking for something strong and powerful, then Tata Nexon could be the best option. However, if features, road presence and a tight budget is your main concern, then Kia Sonet delivers everything you will ever need.