Kia Sonet 2026 Review: Smarter, Safer & More Stylish Than Ever

The Kia Sonet 2026 continues to strengthen Kia’s dominance in the compact SUV segment with refreshed styling, upgraded technology, and improved safety features. Known for its bold design, feature-rich cabin, and wide range of engine options, the Sonet has been a top seller in India. The 2026 update focuses on enhancing comfort, connectivity, and real-world usability while retaining its peppy petrol and efficient diesel engines. With competitive pricing and modern features like ADAS, connected tech, and premium interiors, the Kia Sonet 2026 remains one of the most attractive compact SUVs for urban buyers and young families.

Kia Sonet 2026: What’s New?

The 2026 Kia Sonet receives evolutionary updates aimed at keeping it fresh and competitive.

Key Updates:

• Sharper exterior design elements

• Enhanced interior materials

• Larger infotainment display

• Improved safety & ADAS features

• Refined engine tuning for efficiency

Kia’s strategy is to retain the Sonet’s sporty character while making it more premium and safer.

Exterior Design: Bold, Youthful & Modern

The Kia Sonet 2026 facelift looks more aggressive and premium.

Exterior Highlights:

• Updated tiger-nose grille with gloss-black finish

• New LED headlamps with star-map DRLs

• Sportier front and rear bumpers

• Fresh alloy wheel designs

• New dual-tone color options

Despite its compact footprint, the Sonet continues to offer strong road presence.

Interior & Cabin: Premium Feel Improved

The cabin of the 2026 Kia Sonet gets noticeable upgrades.

Interior Features:

• Large touchscreen infotainment system

• Fully digital instrument cluster

• Premium leatherette upholstery

• Ambient mood lighting

• Ventilated front seats (top variants)

• Rear AC vents & wireless charging

The interior feels modern, comfortable, and tech-focused—ideal for daily city use.

Technology & Connectivity

Technology remains one of the Sonet’s strongest points.

Tech Highlights:

• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

• Kia Connect connected car technology

• Voice commands & remote functions

• Over-the-air (OTA) updates

• Premium Bose sound system

These features make the Sonet especially appealing to younger, tech-savvy buyers.

 Safety & ADAS: Stronger Focus in 2026

Safety gets a meaningful boost in the Kia Sonet 2026.

Safety Features:

• 6 airbags (standard across variants)

• ABS with EBD

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

• Hill Start Assist

• Rear parking camera with sensors

ADAS Features (Top Variants):

• Forward Collision Warning

• Lane Keep Assist

• Driver Attention Warning

This makes the Kia Sonet one of the safer choices in the compact SUV segment.

Engine & Performance Options

Kia continues to offer a wide range of engines, catering to different driving styles.

Petrol Engines:

• 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol – ~83 PS

• 1.0L Turbo Petrol – ~120 PS

Diesel Engine:

• 1.5L Turbo Diesel – ~116 PS

Transmission Options:

• 5-speed Manual

• 6-speed iMT

• 7-speed DCT (Turbo Petrol)

• 6-speed Automatic (Diesel)

The turbo-petrol remains the most fun-to-drive option.

Mileage & Driving Experience

Expected Mileage:

• Petrol NA: 18–19 kmpl

• Turbo Petrol: 18–19 kmpl

• Diesel: 22–24 kmpl

Driving Feel:

• Light steering for city driving

• Comfortable suspension setup

• Confident handling for its size

The Sonet balances performance and comfort very well.

 Kia Sonet 2026 Price in India (Expected)

Pricing remains one of the Sonet’s strongest advantages.

 Rivals Comparison

The Kia Sonet 2026 competes with:

• Hyundai Venue

• Maruti Brezza

• Tata Nexon

• Mahindra XUV300

The Sonet stands out for features, engine choices, and interior quality.

 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Feature-loaded cabin

• Multiple engine & gearbox options

• Strong diesel mileage

• Modern design

Cons:

• Rear seat space slightly tight

• No AWD option

• Firm ride on bad roads

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Kia Sonet 2026?

If you’re looking for a stylish, feature-packed, and efficient compact SUV, the Kia Sonet 2026 remains one of the best options in its class. With improved safety, smart tech, and competitive pricing, it continues to deliver excellent value for money.