India’s compact SUV segment is more competitive than ever, and two strong rivals are making headlines – the Kia Sonet 2025 Facelift and the Hyundai Venue. Both SUVs share the same platform and engine options but target slightly different buyer preferences with their unique features, styling, and pricing. If you’re planning to buy a compact SUV in 2025, this comparison will help you decide which one offers more value for your money.
Body – Key Comparison Areas
1. Design and Styling
The Kia Sonet 2025 facelift comes with a refreshed, aggressive front grille, sleeker LED DRLs, new alloys, and a redesigned rear profile. It looks sportier and more youthful.
The Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, offers a bold, upright look with its square-ish grille, connected tail lamps, and urban appeal. If you prefer elegance, Venue might win; for a youthful vibe, Sonet leads.
2. Interior Features
Inside the Sonet, you’ll find a premium layout with features like a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, digital driver display, ventilated seats, and rear sunshade in higher variants.
The Venue also packs a strong feature list like a digital cluster, 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless connectivity, but it misses out on ventilated seats and a rear sunshade. Sonet offers a slightly more premium cabin experience.
3. Engine and Performance
Both SUVs offer similar engine options:
- 1.2L petrol (NA)
- 1.0L turbo-petrol
- 1.5L diesel
Performance is nearly identical since both are mechanically similar. However, Kia Sonet has slightly better tuning in its diesel AT variant and offers paddle shifters in turbo petrol trims, which performance lovers will appreciate.
4. Safety Features
Both SUVs now come with 6 airbags as standard, ESC, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, and a 3-point seatbelt for all seats. Kia Sonet also offers front parking sensors and advanced connected car tech.
5. Pricing and Value
Kia Sonet Facelift 2025 pricing starts around ₹8 lakh and goes up to ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hyundai Venue pricing ranges from ₹7.94 lakh to ₹13.48 lakh.
Venue is more affordable in lower variants, but Sonet offers better features in top variants, making it better value for tech-savvy buyers.
Comparison Table: Kia Sonet 2025 vs Hyundai Venue
| Feature | Kia Sonet 2025 Facelift | Hyundai Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom) | ₹7.94 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Engine Options | 1.2L NA, 1.0L Turbo, 1.5L Diesel | Same as Sonet |
| Touchscreen Size | 10.25-inch (top variant) | 8-inch (top variant) |
| Ventilated Seats | Yes (Top variant) | No |
| Sunroof | Yes | Yes |
| Safety (Airbags) | 6 airbags standard | 6 airbags standard |
| Connected Car Tech | Yes (Advanced) | Yes (Bluelink) |
| Rear Seat Comfort | Rear sunshade, rear AC vents | Rear AC vents only |
| Turbo Petrol with DCT | Yes + Paddle shifters | Yes |
Both the Kia Sonet 2025 Facelift and Hyundai Venue are excellent compact SUVs with similar underpinnings. However, the Sonet offers a slightly more premium experience, especially in its top variants, with features like ventilated seats, a larger screen, and added comfort. The Venue remains a strong value choice, especially for those looking at mid-variants or lower pricing. If your budget allows, the Sonet provides better value with more tech and comfort.
FAQ’s:
Q1. Which is better: Kia Sonet or Hyundai Venue in 2025?
A1. Both are great, but the Sonet offers better features in top variants, while Venue is better for budget buyers.
Q2. Do both SUVs come with diesel engine options?
A2. Yes, both offer a 1.5L diesel engine with manual and automatic options.
Q3. Which SUV has better features – Sonet or Venue?
A3. Sonet wins in premium features like ventilated seats, a larger touchscreen, and paddle shifters.
Q4. Is the 2025 Sonet facelift a major upgrade?
A4. Yes, the Sonet facelift gets improved styling, more features, and better safety tech.
