In summary
The Kia Sonet has a lower entry price and compact dimensions. The Kia Seltos offers more cabin space, stronger performance, advanced technology, and verified crash protection. The Sonet starts at Rs. 7,40,900, while the Seltos begins at Rs. 10,99,900 (ex-showroom).
- The Sonet offers petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel engine choices.
- The Seltos offers petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel powertrains.
- Sonet transmissions include manual, iMT, DCT, and diesel automatic options.
- Seltos transmissions include manual, iMT, IVT, DCT, and diesel automatic options.
- The Sonet offers Level 1 ADAS with 10 assistance features.
- Higher Seltos variants add Level 2+ ADAS and a panoramic display.
- The Seltos earned five stars in Bharat NCAP testing.
- The Sonet has no published official NCAP rating yet.
- Higher Sonet variants offer ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera.
- Higher Seltos variants add a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and premium cabin technology.
The Sonet suits buyers prioritising price, compact size, easier parking, and city use. The Seltos costs more but offers greater space, broader technology, and verified safety credentials. Buyers should compare both SUVs by budget, engine, transmission, cabin space, safety, and features.
A car loan from Bajaj Finance can finance up to 100% of the on-road price, subject to eligibility and approval. Compare applicable car loan interest rates before selecting a repayment plan.
Check your pre-approved new car loan offer before selecting your preferred Kia SUV and configuration.
Kia Sonet and Kia Seltos: Key differences at a glance
The Kia Sonet offers a lower entry price and compact dimensions suited to urban use. The Kia Seltos costs more but provides a larger cabin, stronger road presence, broader comfort features, and advanced safety technology. Their price ranges help buyers compare budget needs before selecting a suitable variant and powertrain.
| Model | Starting price (ex-showroom) | Top variant price (ex-showroom) |
| Kia Sonet | Rs. 7,33,500 | Rs. 13,79,900 |
| Kia Seltos | Rs. 10,99,900 | Rs. 19,51,400 |
Engine and Transmission: Sonet vs Seltos
The Sonet gets a smaller turbo-petrol engine and a refined diesel, offering a balance between economy and punchy performance. The Seltos delivers more power across its engine range, ideal for long-distance or highway driving.
| Specification | Kia Sonet | Kia Seltos |
| Engine type | Smartstream G1.0 TGDi / 1.5L Diesel | Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi / 1.5L Diesel |
| Engine displacement | 998 cc (P), 1493 cc (D) | 1497 cc (P), 1493 cc (D) |
| Maximum power | 119.6 PS @6000 rpm | 159.9 PS @5500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 172 Nm @1500–4000 rpm | 253 Nm @1500–3500 rpm |
| Transmission options | 5/6-speed MT, iMT, 6-speed AT / DCT | 6-speed MT, CVT, 6-speed AT / DCT |
| Drive type | FWD | FWD |
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: Sonet vs Seltos
Fuel efficiency is an important factor for Indian buyers. Sonet shines with its diesel variant offering up to 24.1 kmpl. Seltos delivers solid performance but with slightly lower mileage.
| Fuel type | Sonet mileage (ARAI) | Seltos mileage (ARAI) |
| Petrol | 18.4 kmpl | 17.7 – 17.9 kmpl |
| Diesel | 19 – 24.1 kmpl | 20.7 kmpl |
Pro tip: Drive longer distances or on highways frequently? Consider the diesel variants and explore Bajaj Finance New Car Loan to finance your pick easily.
Dimensions and Boot Space: Sonet vs Seltos
The Seltos is larger in every measurable way, offering more cabin room and boot space. However, the Sonet is easier to drive in congested city streets and parking spaces.
| Parameter | Kia Sonet | Kia Seltos |
| Length | 3995 mm | 4365 mm |
| Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Height | 1642 mm | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm | 2610 mm |
| Ground clearance | 205 mm | 190 mm |
| Boot space | 385 litres | 433 litres |
| Kerb weight | 1346 kg | 1320 – 1400 kg |
Exterior Design and Colours: Sonet vs Seltos
Both SUVs sport Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille and LED lighting. The Sonet has a compact, muscular look with sporty elements, while the Seltos carries a more mature and premium road presence with sleeker lines and a bold stance.
Interior, Cabin Space and Infotainment: Sonet vs Seltos
The Kia Seltos has a longer 2,690 mm wheelbase and wider 1,830 mm body, supporting a roomier cabin and greater rear-seat comfort. The Sonet remains more compact, with a 2,500 mm wheelbase, while offering premium upholstery, rear AC vents, and a large touchscreen.
| Feature | Kia Sonet | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Interior theme | All-black, black and beige, premium brown, sporty white, or sage green themes, depending on variant | Smoky black and grey, brown and grey, black and white, or hunter green themes, depending on variant |
| Infotainment display | Up to 26.03 cm (10.25-inch) HD touchscreen navigation | Up to 31.24 cm (12.3-inch) HD touchscreen navigation cockpit |
| Rear AC vents | Available | Available |
| Boot space | 385 litre | 447 litre |
Technology and Connected Features: Sonet vs Seltos
Both models are packed with tech. Sonet features a 10.25-inch infotainment screen (top variants), wireless charging, and UVO connected features. The Seltos enhances this with additional features like dual-zone climate control, panoramic display, and a heads-up display.
Safety features and ratings: Sonet vs Seltos
Both cars come well-equipped with modern safety features. The Sonet has been crash tested with a Global NCAP 3-star adult rating, while the Seltos remains untested under the updated protocol.
| Safety feature | Kia Sonet | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| No. of airbags | 6 airbags, standard | 6 airbags, standard |
| ABS with EBD | Yes, standard | Yes, standard |
| Hill-start assist control | Yes, standard | Yes, standard |
| Rear parking camera | Available on selected variants | Yes, standard |
| ISOFIX child-seat mounts | Yes, standard | Yes, standard |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | Yes, standard | Yes, standard |
| Latest India-spec NCAP rating -adult | Not available | 5-star Bharat NCAP |
| Latest India-spec NCAP rating -child | Not available | 5-star Bharat NCAP |
Comfort and convenience: Sonet vs Seltos
The Sonet packs segment-best features like ventilated seats, air purifier, and voice-controlled sunroof. The Seltos takes it further with premium comforts like powered driver seat, paddle shifters, ambient lighting, and advanced connected tech.
Variant-wise Price Comparison: Sonet vs Seltos (2026)
The Kia Sonet and Kia Seltos are offered in multiple variants to suit different budgets and driving preferences. The table below compares similar variant levels across both SUVs based on the latest 2026 lineup and ex-showroom prices. Prices may vary slightly depending on engine and transmission combinations.
| Variant level | Kia Sonet (2026) | Price | Kia Seltos (2026) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base variant | HTE | Rs. 7,40,900 | HTE | Rs. 10,99,900 |
| Entry-mid variant | HTE(O) | Rs. 7,83,900 | HTE(O) | Rs. 12,41,900 |
| Mid variant | HTK(O) | Rs. 8,84,900 | HTK | Rs. 13,41,900 |
| Higher mid variant | HTK+ | Rs. 9,23,900 | HTK(O) | Rs. 14,51,900 |
| Upper-mid variant | HTK+(O) | Rs. 9,71,900 | HTX | Rs. 15,91,900 |
| Premium variant | HTX | Rs. 11,50,900 | HTX(A) | Rs. 17,01,900 |
| Sport variant | GTX+ | Rs. 13,65,900 | GTX | Rs. 18,71,900 |
| Premium automatic | GTX+ | Rs. 13,65,900 | GTX(A) | Rs. 19,81,900 |
| Top-end variant | X-Line | Rs. 13,79,900 | X-Line(O) | Rs. 21,56,900 |
Why choose Bajaj Mall for your car purchase
Looking to bring home the Kia Sonet or Kia Seltos? Bajaj Mall offers a simple and reliable way to find the right car for your needs. The platform allows you to compare variants, use smart filters, and begin your purchase journey entirely online.
Buying a new car is quick and hassle-free with the Bajaj Finance New Car Loan. This loan offers flexible EMI plans, longer repayment tenures, and competitive car loan interest rates — making it easier to manage your monthly expenses. These features are designed to give you greater financial control from day one.
To stay within your budget, try the new car loan EMI calculator available on the website. It lets you estimate monthly payments in advance and plan your purchase smartly.
Need assistance with financing? With the Bajaj Finance New Car Loan, you can get up to 100% financing of the car’s on-road price. Check your car loan eligibility now and move ahead with your SUV purchase without financial stress.
Visit Bajaj Mall today, compare trims, finalise your pick, and take the first confident step toward driving home the Kia Sonet or Seltos.
