The compact SUV segment in India is one of the most competitive, and two of its biggest stars are the Hyundai Venue 2025 and the Kia Sonet 2024. Both share the same platform, similar engines, and even similar pricing, yet they appeal to slightly different kinds of buyers. Let’s compare them closely to help you decide which one suits you better.
Design and Styling
Both SUVs look striking but have distinct personalities. The Hyundai Venue 2025 has a bold and upright stance with its new parametric grille, connected LED tail lamps, and squared-off front fascia that give it a premium, SUV-like character. It feels modern and mature in design.
The Kia Sonet 2024, on the other hand, is more aggressive and sporty. Its tiger-nose grille, sleek headlamps, and coupe-like profile make it look more youthful and dynamic. The Sonet’s rear design with connected LED lights and sharp bumpers adds to its bold road presence. If you like a tough, urban SUV, go for the Venue. If you prefer something more stylish and energetic, the Sonet wins here.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, both SUVs feel premium, but they cater to different tastes. The Hyundai Venue 2025 focuses on comfort and simplicity. It comes with dual-tone interiors, a new digital instrument cluster, and improved seat cushioning. The cabin feels calm and functional, with features like wireless charging, ambient lighting, and air purifier.
The Kia Sonet 2024 leans towards luxury and sportiness. It offers a more driver-focused cockpit with premium materials, a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a digital cluster, ventilated front seats, and even a Bose sound system. Both SUVs have similar space, but the Sonet feels a bit more upmarket, while the Venue offers a slightly better seating position and visibility.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, both SUVs share the same engine options — a 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The performance figures are identical, and both deliver strong efficiency. The turbo-petrol variants of both cars are punchy and fun to drive, while the diesel versions are smooth and fuel-efficient.
Where they differ is in tuning — the Venue 2025 feels a bit more comfort-oriented, offering a softer suspension setup that’s perfect for daily driving and rough roads. The Kia Sonet 2024, meanwhile, has a sportier steering feel and slightly stiffer suspension, giving it an edge for enthusiastic drivers. Both offer manual, iMT, and DCT gearbox options, ensuring flexibility for every kind of buyer.
Features and Technology
The Hyundai Venue 2025 has made big strides in technology, featuring connected car tech (Bluelink), a digital driver display, automatic climate control, and a sunroof. It also supports voice commands and includes an updated touchscreen infotainment system.
The Kia Sonet 2024 goes one step ahead, offering features like a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a premium Bose sound system. It even gets Level 1 ADAS in top variants, which adds lane assist, forward collision warning, and emergency braking. While both SUVs are packed with tech, the Sonet offers a few extra premium touches.
Safety and Build Quality
Hyundai and Kia both prioritize safety, offering six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX child mounts across most variants. The Sonet’s addition of ADAS gives it an advantage in active safety. Both SUVs feel solidly built, though the Sonet feels slightly heavier and more planted on highways, while the Venue offers better city agility.
Space and Practicality
Both cars offer similar space for passengers and luggage. The Venue’s cabin feels airier due to its taller windows and lighter interior colors, while the Sonet feels cozier with its darker theme and richer materials. The boot capacity of both cars is nearly identical, making them equally practical for small families.
Price and Value for Money
The Hyundai Venue 2025 is expected to start from around ₹7.9 lakh and go up to ₹13.8 lakh, while the Kia Sonet 2024 ranges from ₹8.0 lakh to ₹14.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The Venue offers slightly better value for buyers who want comfort, reliability, and a strong brand reputation. The Sonet, however, provides more features and a premium feel for those willing to pay a little extra.
Final Verdict
Both the Hyundai Venue 2025 and Kia Sonet 2024 are excellent compact SUVs, but they cater to slightly different preferences.
If you’re looking for comfort, practicality, and smooth daily usability, the Hyundai Venue 2025 is a perfect fit. It feels refined, easy to drive, and offers great value.
If you want style, premium features, and a sportier drive, the Kia Sonet 2024 will suit you better. It offers a more youthful design and additional luxury touches that make it stand out.
In the end, both SUVs are winners in their own right — the choice simply depends on whether you value elegant comfort or energetic performance more.
