The sub-compact SUV segment is one of the busiest and most competitive spaces in the Indian car market as buyers want the look and feel of an SUV, but in a size that is easy to drive and park every day.
Among the many options available, the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue stand out as two of the most popular choices. They share engines and platforms, but their personalities are quite different, which is why this comparison matters, especially for new car buyers.
Size, Space and Road Presence
Both the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue are under four metres long, which makes them city-friendly. The Sonet measures about 3,995 mm in length and offers a tall 205 mm ground clearance, making it confident on rough roads. The Venue is the same length but has a slightly longer wheelbase, which helps with rear-seat comfort. Boot space is similar too as Sonet offers around 385 litres, while Venue provides about 375 litres.
Engine and Gearbox Options
Kia offers multiple engine and gearbox combinations, including petrol and diesel engines with manual, iMT, DCT and torque converter automatic options. Customers who like having many choices will appreciate this flexibility. The turbo-petrol is quick and fun, while the diesel is strong and relaxed on highways.
The Venue on the other hand keeps things simpler as it also offers petrol and diesel engines, but the focus is more on smoothness and refinement. The turbo-petrol with the DCT gearbox is especially easy to drive in traffic, and the diesel is known for its balance of power and fuel efficiency.
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Interior and Features
Inside the Kia Sonet you will find a large 10.25-inch screen, ventilated seats, a Bose sound system, ambient lighting and even a 360-degree camera which gives it a modern feel. Whereas, the Hyundai Venue takes a slightly calmer approach as its dual curved displays look premium and features like rear AC vents, wireless charging and a powered driver seat add everyday comfort.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both SUVs offer six airbags as standard. The Sonet offers Level 1 ADAS on top variants, while the Venue goes a step further with Level 2 ADAS, including features like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Buyers focused on advanced safety tech may lean towards the Venue.
The Kia Sonet is ideal for buyers who love features, engine choices and a bold, youthful feel, whereas the Hyundai Venue suits those who want a more refined drive, cleaner design and stronger driver-assistance tech.
