Kia Sonet Vs Hyundai Venue Comparison: A Brief Look At What's Different!

Updated: Tuesday, November 3, 2020, 18:32 [IST]

Kia Motors recently introduced its much-awaited model, the Sonet in the Indian market. The Kia Sonet was first showcased in its concept form at the 2020 Auto Expo, where it created a massive hype, which has helped the SUV get off to a flying start in the first couple of months, in terms of sales.

The new Sonet falls under the highly competitive sub-4 metre compact-SUV segment. With Kia Motors being a sister brand of Hyundai, it only makes sense that the Sonet and the Venue models have a lot of things common, however, there are certain differences as well.

So, which of these two competitive and feature-packed compact-SUV should you go for? Read on to find out!

Design

While the design and styling choices on a car can be subjective, we definitely feel that the Kia Sonet has an edge over the Hyundai Venue in this aspect. The Kia Sonet offers more aggressive styling, with sharp lines, muscular bonnet and wheel arches. The design is further accentuated by the red accents seen on the GT-line, giving it a sportier appearance.

The Hyundai Venue is also a good-looking car. The newly introduced Sport Trim with similar red accents and the new Grey paint scheme definitely has a sporty stance. However, overall the design of the Venue does seem a bit more tame and conventional, appealing to a larger audience.

Both cars though, carry forward similar features such as LED headlamps with LED DRLs, fog lamps, electric sunroof, LED tail lights and 16-inch alloy wheels; among others.

Interiors & Features

Here again, the Kia Sonet feels to be the better choice. The Kia Sonet comes with a host of added features and multiple best-in-class equipments, which helps it stand out from the competition.

Some of the features on the Kia Sonet include a fully-digital instrument cluster, large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the brand's UVO Connect technology. The Sonet also comes with multiple riding and traction modes, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, smart air purifier and BOSE surround sound speakers; among a host of others.

Having said that, the Hyundai Venue still comes across as a feature-packed SUV. The Venue comes with features and equipment such as an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the brand's Blue Link Connected technology. The SUV also comes with an Arkmys sound system, rear AC vents, rear parking sensors/camera, automatic climate control and many others.

Dimensions

The Hyundai Venue and the Kia Sonet carry forward the same underpinnings, hence both of them feature almost identical dimensions. However, while both compact-SUVs offer the same length and wheelbase, the Sonet is wider and taller than the Venue by 20mm and 37mm, respectively.

Here are the exact dimensions of each SUV:

Dimensions	Kia Sonet	Hyundai Venue
Length (mm)	3995	3995
Width (mm)	1790	1770
Height (mm)	1642	1605
Wheelbase (mm)	2500	2500

Engine Specifications

Again, being sister brands both the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Sonet carry forward the same engine and transmission options. This includes two petrol and one diesel engine. The petrol engine options come in the form of a 1.2-litre petrol producing 83bhp and 114Nm of peak torque and a 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol unit producing 120bhp and 172Nm of peak torque.

The 1.2-litre petrol unit receives a 5-speed manual gearbox on both the Sonet and the Venue. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine also gets the standard 6-speed iMT and 7-speed DCT. However, apart from the two transmission options, Hyundai also offers the turbo petrol engine with a 6-speed manual as well; something not available with the Kia Sonet.

Both compact-SUVs also come with a 1.5-litre diesel unit as well. The engine on the Kia Sonet comes in two state-of-tunes: a 100bhp/240Nm mated to a six-speed manual and the second being the higher-tuned 114bhp/250Nm paired with a six-speed automatic.

The Hyundai receives the lower state-of-tune 1.5-litre diesel unit, paired with the manual gearbox, missing out on the second version.

Here are the engines on offer, their exact specifications and the transmission options for each:

Specifications	Kia Sonet			Hyundai Venue
Engine Options	1.0-Litre T-GDI Petrol	1.2-Litre Petrol	1.5-Litre Diesel	1.0-Litre T-GDI Petrol	1.2-Litre Petrol	1.5-Litre Diesel
Displacement	998cc	1197cc	1493cc	998cc	1197cc	1493cc
Power (bhp)	120	83	100/115	120	83	100
Torque (Nm)	172	114	240/250	172	114	240
Transmission	6-iMT/7-DCT	5-MT	6-MT/6-iVT	6-MT/6-iMT/7-DCT	5-MT	6-MT

Pricing

The Kia Sonet and the Hyundai Venue are both offered in the same segment, which at the moment is one of the most competitive in the market. The Kia Sonet is offered with a price range starting at Rs 6.71 lakh and goes up all the way to Rs 12.99 lakh.

Here's where the Hyundai Venue manages to pull back an advantage. While the entry level trim is offered at a slightly higher price tag of Rs 6.77 lakh, the top-spec variant of the Venue costs Rs 11.66 lakh; more than Rs 1 lakh cheaper than the Kia Sonet. All prices are ex-showroom (Delhi).

Thoughts On The Kia Sonet Vs Hyundai Venue Comparison

The Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet definitely have a lot of similarities, with both of them packed with features, similar powertrains and stylish design. However, the Kia Sonet does seem to have a slight advantage overall, making it the better choice of the two.