Kia entered the sub-4m SUV with the launch of the Sonet in September 2020. And with the launch, the Kia SUV has been a moment hit becoming the best-seller in its class. However, with the high demand, the waiting periods on the sub-4m SUV have also gone up to three months. So, if you’re willing to shop for a sub-4m and not willing to attend for the Sonet, can the EcoSport be a worthy alternative? Let’s determine .
Before diving into the detailed comparison let’s take a glance at dimensions:
The EcoSport is slightly longer and taller than the Sonet. It also features a longer wheelbase.
When it involves width, the Sonet has a foothold over the EcoSport.
Engines:
Petrol:
The Kia Sonet offers two petrol engine options while the EcoSport only has one.
The EcoSport’s 1.5-litre engine is that the most powerful engine here but its the Sonet’s 1.0-litre turbo unit that creates the foremost torque.
The Sonet’s 1.2-litre is that the least powerful and also makes the smallest amount torque.
Both the SUVs here are offered with automatic drive options. Where the Sonet gets a 7-speed dual-clutch, the EcoSport is obtainable with a 6-speed converter automatic.
The Sonet also offers a clutchless iMT with its turbocharged 1.0-litre unit whereas the low-spec unit is merely present with a manual.
| Engine | 1.2-litre | 1.0-litre turbo | 1.5-litre |
| Power | 83PS | 120PS | 122PS |
| Torque | 115Nm | 172Nm | 149Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT | 6iMT*/7DCT | 5MT/6AT |
Diesel:
Both the SUVs are offered with a 1.5-litre diesel producing identical 100PS. But when it involves torque, the Sonet takes the lead.
The Sonet also gets a more powerful version of the 1.5-litre engine but it’s offered with the 6-speed automatic only. It makes 15PS and 10Nm quite the quality 1.5-litre engine.
While the EcoSport gets a 5-speed manual transmission, the Sonet comes with a 6-speed manual unit. The Sonet is that the only SUV here to return with an automatic drive with the diesel
| Kia Sonet | Ford EcoSport | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre | 1.5-litre |
| Power | 100PS/115PS | 100PS |
| Torque | 240Nm/250Nm | 215Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT/6AT | 5MT |
| Kia Sonet | Ford EcoSport |
| Petrol | Petrol |
| 1.2 HTE Rs 6.71 lakh | |
| 1.2 HTK Rs 7.59 lakh | |
| 1.2 HTK+ Rs 8.45 lakh | Ambiente Rs 8.19 lakh |
| 1.0T HTK+ 6iMT Rs 9.49 lakh | Trend Rs 8.99 lakh |
| 1.0T HTX 6iMT Rs 9.99 lakh | Titanium Rs 9.78 lakh |
| Thunder Rs 10.68 lakh | |
| Titanium+ Rs 10.68 lakh | |
| 1.0T HTX+ 6iMT Rs 11.65 lakh | S Rs 11.23 lakh |
| 1.0T GTX+ 6iMT Rs 11.99 lakh | |
| Automatic | Automatic |
| 1.0T HTK+ 7DCT Rs 10.49 lakh | Titanium AT Rs 10.68 lakh |
| Titanium+ AT Rs 11.58 lakh | |
| 1.0T GTX+ 7DCT Rs 12.89 lakh | |
| Diesel | Diesel |
| HTE Rs 8.05 lakh | |
| HTK Rs 8.99 lakh | Ambiente Rs 8.69 lakh |
| HTK+ Rs 9.49 lakh | Trend Rs 9.49 lakh |
| HTX Rs 9.99 lakh | Titanium Rs 9.99 lakh |
| HTX+ Rs 11.65 lakh | Titanium+ Rs 11.18 lakh |
| Thunder Rs 11.18 lakh | |
| GTX+ Rs 11.99 lakh | S 11.73 lakh |
Verdict:
The Sonet is our pick here. It offers tons more features over the EcoSport and therefore the premium it attracts for these features is justified in our opinion.