Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon: A Complete Features & Specs Comparison

By Emily, Correspondent  |  Tuesday, 23 December 2025, 18:15 Hrs


Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon

The Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon are two of the strongest contenders in India’s compact SUV segment. Both received major updates for 2024–25, and both bring striking designs, premium tech, multiple powertrains, and advanced safety suites. If you’re trying to decide between these two feature-packed SUVs, this detailed comparison, based entirely on their specifications and features, this article will help you make an informed choice.

Dimensions & Road Presence

The Tata Nexon measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,804 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height, with a 208 mm ground clearance, giving it a robust and tall stance on the road. Its bold design features include bi-function full LED headlamps, sequential DRLs, and an X-factor LED taillamp signature.

The Kia Sonet is also 3,995 mm long, but slightly narrower at 1,790 mm and lower at 1,642 mm with roof rails. The Sonet stands out with its Crown Jewel LED headlamps, Star Map LED DRLs, and connected LED tail lamps, giving it a sportier, more urban look.

Engine Options & Performance

Tata Nexon Powertrains

The Tata Nexon offers three engine options: 

  • 1.2L Turbo Petrol – 88.2 kW (120 PS) & 170 Nm
  • 1.5L Turbo Diesel – 84.5 kW (115 PS) & 260 Nm
  • 1.2L Turbo Petrol + CNG – 73.5 kW in CNG mode

Transmission choices include 5MT, 6MT, 6AMT, and a sophisticated 7-speed DCA (dual-clutch automatic) seen on higher variants.

Kia Sonet Powertrains

Sonet matches — and in some cases exceeds — Nexon in engine variety:

  • 1.2L Smartstream Petrol – 83 PS & 115 Nm
  • 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol – 120 PS & 172 Nm
  • 1.5L Diesel (MT / AT) – 116 PS & 250 Nm

Transmissions include 5MT, 6iMT, 7DCT, 6MT, and 6AT, depending on the engine.

Interior Comfort & Cabin Experience

Tata Nexon Interior

  • The Nexon’s cabin focuses on modernity and practicality: 
  • Three-tone dashboard with leatherette mid-pad
  • 26.03 cm floating touchscreen by Harman
  • 26.03 cm full digital cluster with navigation display
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Rear sunshade, air purifier, and Xpress cool
  • Grand console with leatherette armrest

Boot space stands at 382 litres in standard versions.

Kia Sonet Interior

The Sonet brings a more premium, tech-driven cabin:

  • 26.03 cm HD touchscreen navigation system
  • 10.25-inch full digital cluster with 26.04 cm colour MID
  • 4-way power driver seat
  • Ventilated seats, ambient lighting, premium air purifier
  • Bose 7-speaker system

Its boot offers slightly larger storage space of 385 litres.

Infotainment & Connectivity

Nexon 

  • Harman-tuned 26.03 cm touchscreen
  • Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
  • JBL 9-speaker system with subwoofer on higher trims
  • iRA connected features (remote controls, diagnostics, OTA updates)

Sonet 

  • 26.03 cm HD touchscreen (higher variants)
  • Dual dash screens (cluster + infotainment)
  • Kia Connect with 70+ connected features
  • Alexa home-to-car integration
  • OTA map & system updates
  • Surround View Monitoring for parking assistance

Safety Features & ADAS

Tata Nexon Safety

Nexon already holds a strong safety legacy. The latest model offers:

  • 6 airbags standard
     
  • Fortified cabin structure
     
  • 360° HD surround view camera with blind view monitor
     
  • ADAS features, including:
    • Lane Keep Assist
       
    • Lane Departure Warning
       
    • Front Collision Warning
       
    • Autonomous Emergency Braking
       
    • Traffic Sign Recognition
       
    • Lane Centering Assist

Kia Sonet Safety

Sonet is equally loaded with:

  • 6 airbags are standard across all variants
     
  • ESC, VSM, HAC, all-wheel disc brakes (higher variants)
     
  • Level 1 ADAS with 10 features, including:
    • Forward Collision Avoidance (car/pedestrian/cyclist)
       
    • Lane Keep Assist
       
    • Lane Following Assist
       
    • High Beam Assist
       
    • Driver Attention Warning
       
    • Leading Vehicle Departure Alert

Ride Quality & Driving Experience

Nexon  

  • 208 mm ground clearance ensures smooth driving on rough roads.
  • Multi-drive modes (Eco, City, Sport) across variants.
  • The diesel option delivers excellent torque for highway cruising.

Sonet

  • Refined ride quality with better steering feedback.
  • The turbo petrol engine paired with a DCT makes it feel the sportiest in the segment.
  • Multiple traction modes (Sand/Mud/Wet) on automatics.

Which SUV Should You Choose?

Choose the Tata Nexon if you want: 

  • Stronger safety suite with more ADAS functions
  • Tougher road presence and higher ground clearance
  • Practical cabin: sunshade, Xpress Cool, expanded storage features
  • Diesel with higher torque
  • CNG option with innovative twin-cylinder layout

Choose the Kia Sonet if you want:  

  • A more premium interior and feature-loaded variants
  • Sportier turbo petrol performance with DCT
  • Advanced connected features (Kia Connect, Alexa)
  • Better infotainment and sound system
  • A sleek, youthful design with high-tech lighting

Final Verdict

The Tata Nexon shines as a tough, safety-oriented, tech-smart compact SUV ideal for Indian conditions, while the Kia Sonet stands out as a premium, comfort-rich, and highly connected SUV with sporty performance. Both are feature-heavy and offer tremendous value, but your priorities—safety vs premium experience — will decide the winner.

ON THE DECK