Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon (2025) – Which Subcompact SUV Wins?

27 Jun 2025

Written by: BikeCarHub Editorial Team

Published on: 3rd July 2025

Introduction

In the competitive Indian subcompact SUV segment, the Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon are two heavyweights that continue to dominate the market in 2025. Both offer sharp design, a range of powertrains, modern tech, and strong safety packages. But which one suits your needs better?

In this detailed comparison by BikeCarHub, we will break down every important aspect like design, performance, features, safety, pricing, and more to help you decide which SUV suits you best in 2025.

Design & Styling

Both SUVs have distinctive designs that appeal to different tastes.

Kia Sonet

The 2025 Kia Sonet sports a refreshed look with updated LED headlamps, revised tiger-nose grille, and more aggressive bumpers. The X-Line variant adds dark chrome elements and a unique matte exterior. The Sonet retains a youthful, premium vibe, especially in its GT Line and X-Line trims.

Dimensions:

Length: 3995 mm
Width: 1790 mm
Height: 1610 mm
Wheelbase: 2500 mm

Tata Nexon

Tata Nexon received a major facelift in late 2023, which carries into the 2025 model year. It features a bold split LED headlight design, connected LED tail lamp, and a wider, more sculpted stance. It offers a sportier, muscular look with high road presence.

Dimensions:

Length: 3995 mm
Width: 1804 mm
Height: 1620 mm
Wheelbase: 2498 mm

BikeCarHub Verdict: The Nexon has a bolder, muscular design while the Sonet feels more premium and urban-focused. Both excel in design but cater to slightly different tastes.

Powertrain & Performance

Kia Sonet (2025) Engine Options:

1.2L Petrol (83 PS / 115 Nm) -- 5-speed MT
1.0L Turbo Petrol (120 PS / 172 Nm) -- iMT & 7DCT
1.5L Diesel (116 PS / 250 Nm) -- 6MT / 6AT

Tata Nexon (2025) Engine Options:

1.2L Turbo Petrol (120 PS / 170 Nm) -- 5MT, 6MT, 6AMT, 7DCA
1.5L Diesel (115 PS / 260 Nm) -- 6MT, 6AMT

Both also offer multiple drive modes, but the Nexon has an edge with a smoother dual-clutch automatic (DCA) for petrol.

BikeCarHub Verdict: Nexon offers more transmission options and a refined turbo-petrol-DCA combo, while Sonet provides excellent diesel-automatic performance.

Features Comparison

Kia Sonet Key Features (Top GTX+ / X-Line):

10.25" touchscreen infotainment
Bose 7-speaker system
360° camera
Ventilated front seats
Digital cluster with navigation
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)
Front parking sensors
Air purifier with virus protection

Tata Nexon Key Features (Top Fearless+ S):

10.25" touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
10.25" digital cluster
360° camera
JBL sound system
Ventilated seats
Sunroof
Air purifier
Arcade.ev app suite

BikeCarHub Verdict: Feature-wise, it's a close call. Sonet scores with Bose audio and ADAS, while Nexon has a cleaner UI, better display integration, and digital cockpit feel.

Safety Features

Kia Sonet Safety:

6 airbags standard across variants
ESC, VSM, Hill Assist
ADAS (GTX+ and X-Line only): Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Alert

Tata Nexon Safety:

6 airbags standard
ESP, Roll-over Mitigation, TPMS
360° camera with dynamic guidelines
Emergency call and breakdown call
ISOFIX child anchors

Crash Rating:

Previous-gen Nexon: 5-Star Global NCAP
Sonet (new gen not yet tested under GNCAP 2024 protocol)

BikeCarHub Verdict: Nexon has proven GNCAP safety credentials. Sonet gets ADAS, which is rare in this segment. It's a safety vs tech debate.

Specifications Comparison Table

Specification	Kia Sonet 2025	Tata Nexon 2025
Length	3995 mm	3995 mm
Width	1790 mm	1804 mm
Height	1610 mm	1620 mm
Wheelbase	2500 mm	2498 mm
Petrol Engine	1.2L (83 PS) / 1.0L Turbo (120 PS)	1.2L Turbo (120 PS)
Diesel Engine	1.5L (116 PS)	1.5L (115 PS)
Transmission Options	5MT, iMT, 6MT, 6AT, 7DCT	5MT, 6MT, 6AMT, 7DCA
Infotainment	10.25" touchscreen	10.25" touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Digital	10.25" Digital
Audio System	Bose 7-speaker	JBL
Safety Features	6 airbags, ADAS (top variants)	6 airbags, 5-star GNCAP
Price Range (Ex-showroom)	₹7.99 - ₹14.74 L	₹8.00 - ₹14.50 L

Variant-wise Pricing

Model	Base Price (₹)	Top Variant (₹)	Top Features Include
Kia Sonet	7.99 L	14.74 L	ADAS, ventilated seats, 360° cam, Bose, sunroof
Tata Nexon	8.00 L	14.50 L	JBL, 360° cam, digital cockpit, air purifier, sunroof

BikeCarHub Verdict: Prices are nearly identical across the range. Sonet offers more trims, while Nexon trims are simpler to understand and better spaced.

Fuel Efficiency

Powertrain	Kia Sonet (ARAI)	Tata Nexon (ARAI)
1.2L Petrol MT	18.4 kmpl	---
1.0L Turbo Petrol DCT	19.2 kmpl	17.4 kmpl (DCA)
1.5L Diesel MT/AT	24.1 / 19.0 kmpl	23.2 / 24.0 kmpl

BikeCarHub Verdict: Sonet diesel MT is the most efficient; Nexon diesel AMT leads in city mileage.

After-sales & Warranty

Brand	Warranty	Service Network
Kia	3 yrs / 1 lakh km (5 yrs optional)	Growing rapidly
Tata	3 yrs / 1 lakh km (upgradable)	Wider rural reach

Kia's service experience is more premium, while Tata has improved reliability and lower running costs.

Final Verdict -- Which One to Choose?

Priority	Winner	Reason
Best for diesel commuters	Sonet	Refined diesel AT + better mileage
Best petrol automatic	Nexon	Smoother 7-speed DCA + more drive modes
Feature-loaded experience	Tie	Both have 360° cam, ventilated seats, wireless features
ADAS Technology	Sonet	Only one in segment offering ADAS
Proven safety + crash rating	Nexon	5-star rated platform, more robust body design
Interior experience	Nexon	Full-digital cockpit, connected feel
After-sales service	Kia	Premium touch, fast-growing dealership network

Conclusion

If you're seeking premium design, top-end diesel refinement, or ADAS, go for the Kia Sonet. But if you value proven safety, punchy petrol DCA, and a futuristic interior, the Tata Nexon is a more compelling buy in 2025.

Both are excellent SUVs—choose the one that fits your lifestyle, location, and driving needs best.

BikeCarHub always recommends taking a test drive of both vehicles to feel the difference yourself before making a purchase.