Kia Sonet 1000 km Review

Key highlights

• Kia Sonet – a city-smart SUV that’s just the right size for everyday chaos
• Efficiency champion over long distances
• Packed with features that actually matter, not just for brochure bragging rights

Let’s face it: India’s urban jungle needs a special kind of SUV. Big enough to carry people and their ‘essential’ weekend luggage, but small enough to squeeze into that half-a-spot in a packed mall parking. Enter the Kia Sonet — the compact SUV that tries to balance it all. And after a proper 1000 km road trip, here’s the real-world lowdown.

Efficiency: Surprisingly frugal for a punchy performer

On our 1000 km drive, the Sonet held its own like a seasoned marathon runner. Despite long highway stretches, steep inclines, occasional traffic snarls, and a fully loaded cabin, it consistently returned 11-14 km/l. Even with spirited driving (because what’s life without a few redline moments?), it never dropped alarmingly. For a compact SUV with a peppy motor, that’s genuinely impressive.

City Life: The right size, every time

In tight urban environments, the Sonet feels bang on. It’s compact enough to dart through gaps and park without playing Tetris with your mirrors. Yet, it doesn’t feel dinky on highways. There’s a maturity to the way it rides, absorbs potholes, and stays planted at higher speeds. It’s almost like the Goldilocks SUV — not too big, not too small, just right.

Features: Everything you need, nothing you don’t

Sometimes manufacturers go crazy stuffing cars with gimmicks you’ll use once (we’re looking at you, foot-swipe boot openers). But the Sonet?

• Ventilated seats (hello Indian summer savior)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Crisp touchscreen
• Premium sound system
• Air purifier

The essentials are spot on, and they’re easy to use. No PhD needed to change the air-con settings.

Kia Sonet ADAS: The Invisible Bodyguard

Driving on unpredictable highways suddenly feels less nerve-wracking.
The Sonet’s ADAS suite — especially features like Forward Collision Warning and Lane Keep Assist — work quietly in the background. Not over-intrusive, not jumpy. Just enough to save you from a distracted phone-checking moment.
It’s like having a second, hyper-vigilant co-driver who doesn’t nag.

Space: Small SUV, big heart

Four full-sized adults fit comfortably without awkward knee wars. The rear seat recline angle is actually usable — not just a marketing myth. Plus, there’s enough boot space to swallow a weekend’s worth of luggage and still have room for roadside shopping sprees. For its footprint, the Sonet is ridiculously practical.

Kia Sonet Interiors: Practical but pick your battles

The dark interior theme feels premium and hides dust, scuffs, and snack crumbs brilliantly. Perfect for real-world owners who don’t have a valet cleaning their car daily. But the matte exterior paint? Oh boy. It looks achingly cool on day one, but maintaining it is like raising a high-maintenance pet. Every water spot, every careless scratch, every swipe shows up. Keep your detailing kit (and patience) ready.

Final thoughts

The Kia Sonet isn’t pretending to be something it’s not. It’s not an off-roader, not a high-flying status symbol.
It’s an honest, loaded, efficient urban SUV that can sprint highways, squeeze city lanes, and haul people without breaking a sweat. It’s like that friend who’s always dressed perfectly for the occasion — whether it’s a fancy party or a dusty roadside dhaba stop. If you’re looking for a first car, a city SUV upgrade, or just a hassle-free daily companion, the Sonet deserves a long, hard look. Just remember — if you pick the matte finish, you’re also signing up for an intimate relationship with microfiber cloths.

Also read: 2025 Hyundai Creta Electric Review