The Kia Sonet shares its fundamentals with the Hyundai Venue, while the Toyota Urban Cruiser is based entirely on the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
Two new SUVs under 4 meters were launched in the Indian market in quick succession, namely the Kia Sonet, which went on sale on September 18, as well as the Toyota Urban Cruiser, whose prices were revealed on September 23. . Pitted in one of the most competitive segments of the Indian market, they are still two very different cars.
We bring you a detailed specification, as well as a price comparison between the recently launched Kia Sonet, as well as the Toyota Urban Cruiser, read:
Dimensions
In terms of size, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is 3995mm long, 1790mm wide and has a 2500mm long wheelbase. Coincidentally, the Kia Sonet is also 3995mm long, 1790mm wide and has a wheelbase measuring 2500mm.
| Toyota Urban Cruiser | Kia Sonet | |
| Length | 3995 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Height | 1640 mm | 1642 mm |
| Distance between axis | 2500 mm | 2500 mm |
The only minor difference in the dimensions of the two SUVs under 4m is the height, as the Urban Cruiser is 1640mm tall, while the Sonet is 1642mm tall.
Engines
Since Toyota will not offer any diesel powertrain with its Urban Cruiser, it will be fair to compare the 1.2-liter petrol engines and the 1.0-liter turbo engines in the Kia Sonet. The 1.2-liter four-cylinder NA petrol unit generates 83 hp of peak power and 115 Nm of peak torque, and is mated to a standard 5-speed manual transmission.
| Toyota Urban Cruiser | Kia Sonet | |
| Motor | 1.5 liter 4 cylinder gasoline | 1.2 liter 4 cylinder gasoline / 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo gasoline |
| Power | 105 PS | 83 PS / 120 PS |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 115 Nm / 172 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT, 4-speed AT | 5 speed MT / 6-speed IMT, 7-speed DCT |
The 1.0-liter TGDi petrol turbo, on the other hand, produces 120 hp and 172 Nm, and is offered with a 6-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission), as well as an optional 7-speed DCT. Just so you know, Kia also offers the Sonet with a 1.5-liter diesel engine that generates 100 PS / 240 Nm when used with the 6-speed MT, and 115 PS / 250 Nm when combined with the automatic torque converter of 6 speeds. .
| Kia Sonet | |
| Motor | 1.5 liter 4 cylinder diesel |
| Power | 100 hp (6 MT) / 115 hp (6 AT) |
| Torque | 240 Nm (6 MT) / 250 Nm (6 AT) |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT |
The Toyota Urban Cruiser, on the other hand, is offered with a single 1.5-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine that has a maximum output of 105 hp and a maximum torque of 138 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual gearbox, as well as an optional 4-speed AT that comes with mild hybrid technology.
Characteristics
The Kia Sonet has a range of class-leading features that really set it apart from other subcompact SUVs in the country. The car’s equipment list consists of a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, UVO-connected car tech, cruise control, power sunroof, a Bose premium sound system, an instrument cluster. digital, ventilated front seats, an LED Sound Mood Light wireless smartphone charger, a display air purifier and more.
The Urban Cruiser, on the other hand, shares its list of features with the car it’s based on, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. It has automatic LED projector headlights with daytime running lights, LED taillights, automatic climate control, electrically foldable and adjustable ORVMs, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an IRVM with automatic dimming , rain-sensing windshield wipers and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
Safety
On the safety front, Kia has equipped the Sonet with features such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, drive modes and traction control, electronic stability control, hill assist control, vehicle stability management, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring system, reverse parking camera as well as front and rear parking sensors.
In contrast, the Toyota Urban Cruiser has front dal airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Hold Assist, a reverse parking camera, a high-speed alert system, and front seatbelt reminders.
Price
Toyota has priced the manual variants of the Urban Cruiser between Rs 8.40 lakh and Rs 9.80 lakh, while the automatic trims have been priced from Rs 9.80 lakh to Rs 11.30 lakh. On the other hand, Kia sells the gasoline variants of the Sonet at a starting price of Rs 6.71 lakh, going up to Rs 11.99 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
| Toyota Urban Cruiser variants | Price* | Kia Sonet variants | Price* |
| Mid 5MT | Rs 8.40 lakh | HTE Gasoline 5MT | Rs 6.71 lakh |
| High 5MT | Rs 9.15 lakh | HTK Gasoline 5MT | 7.59 lakh rupees |
| Premium 5MT | Rs 9.80 lakh | HTK + Gasoline 5MT | Rs 8.45 lakh |
| Medium 4AT | Rs 9.80 lakh | HTK + Turbo Gasoline 6iMT | Rs 9.49 lakh |
| High 4AT | Rs 10.65 lakh | HTX Turbo Gasoline 6iMT | Rs 9.99 lakh |
| Premium 4AT | 11.30 lakh rupees | HTK + Turbo Gasoline 7DCT | Rs 10.49 lakh |
| HTX + Turbo Gasoline 6iMT | 11.65 lakh rupees | ||
| GTX + Turbo Gasoline 6iMT | 11.99 lakh rupees |
* All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
As mentioned above, the Kia Sonet also has an optional 1.5-liter oil burner, and the diesel variants of the SUV under 4m are priced from Rs 8.05 lakh to Rs 11.99 lakh (both prices ex-showroom ). It should be noted that Kia will introduce automatic transmissions for the top-end turbo-gasoline and diesel GTX + models at a later date and thus the premium price of the car will move further north.
Comparison verdict
The Toyota brand has always been associated with low maintenance cost in the Indian market and hence Toyota cars have a cult following among the Indians. Furthermore, the Vitara Brezza is a tried and tested car and therefore the Urban Cruiser will have no difficulty in gaining the trust of buyers, a good portion of whom will likely be returning Toyota owners.
On the other hand, Kia has managed to make a good name in the market with the Seltos and the Carnival, and now aims to further increase its success with the new Sonet. Not only is the Sonet the most affordable SUV in the country under 4 meters, its high-end variants also boast unmatched equipment. Flashy looks are certainly a bonus.
