The Kia Seltos and Kia Sonet are the best-selling models from Kia’s compact SUV portfolio, which caters to different driving styles and budgets. The Sonet is for smooth daily commuting in the city traffic, ideal for customers optimising for value. Meanwhile, the Seltos caters to buyers seeking premium features, improved performance, and a robust road presence.
The diesel iMT variants and the Gravity Edition of the Kia Sonet were discontinued as the carmaker decided to focus on streamlining the range and launching newer variants and trims. However, the Sonet remains a popular choice in the used car market, as it provides an overall premium SUV experience in an affordable range.
This article will help buyers make informed financial decisions on the two attractive options. By considering price, features, maintenance costs, and value for money in the long run, you will be able to make a fair judgement as to whether you would prefer a used Sonet or a glitzy Seltos in new condition, taking into account your personal needs and driving style.
Continue reading to compare the new Kia Seltos and the used Kia Sonet across all key aspects!
New Kia Seltos Quick Overview
The brand new Kia Seltos is packed with well-rounded features and comes with a futuristic design. In addition to the petrol and diesel variants, a turbo engine option has been added to the variant line-up. The safety features now include Level-2 ADAS functionalities, and the enhanced ground clearance provides a smooth ride on rugged terrains and bumpy roads.
Additionally, the overall cabin experience has improved, and it gives a premium and comfortable driving experience as well. The panoramic sunroof enhances the spacious and premium feel of the vehicle. Kia has also introduced three new trims, including the HTE (O), HTK (O), and HTK+ (O) models.
Key Updates of the New Kia Seltos
The iMT transmission offers smooth shifting, and the clutchless gearbox experience makes driving more engaging for the newbie drivers. The car body is robustly built and has a smooth finish. Moreover, the silent engine feels smooth to drive, even at higher speed levels of 120 kmph.
The touchscreen and cabin instrument cluster are integrated and provide good visibility due to their sloping dashboard design, thin pillars, and huge window area. The panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control system, and voice-responsive power windows provide a premium cabin feel. What’s more, Kia’s connect app has features like live tracking, remote start or stop and lock or unlock, and security alerts.
Here are the significant modifications in the brand-new Kia Seltos:
- With improved safety features, the Kia Seltos has secured a 3-star rating in the GNCAP crash test.
- The Level-2 ADAS functionalities offer forward collision warning or avoidance, lane-keep assist or departure warning, and smart cruise control with stop or go.
- It is packed with a 360-degree camera integrated with a blind-view monitor, all-wheel disc brakes, and hill assist, which prevents the car from rolling backwards on an uphill slope.
- The turbo petrol variant gets a sporty dual exhaust and is equipped with crown jewel LED headlamps and DRLs.
- The bootlid has a wide LED bar connected to the tail lamps that gives a sporty look to the SUV.
The updates are designed for safety, convenience, and comfort for the new Sonet.
Here are the ex-showroom prices for the new Kia Seltos:
| New Kia Sonet Ex-Showroom Price | ||
| Car Variant | Transmission | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Seltos HTE (O)1.5 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹11.19 lakh |
| Seltos HTK 1.5 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹12.64 lakh |
| Seltos HTE (O)1.5 Diesel MT | Manual | ₹12.77 lakh |
| Seltos HTK (O)1.5 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹13.05 lakh |
| Seltos HTK 1.5 Diesel MT | Manual | ₹14.12 lakh |
| Seltos HTK Plus (O) 1.5 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹14.46 lakh |
| Seltos HTK (O) 1.5 Diesel MT | Manual | ₹14.61 lakh |
| Seltos HTK Plus 1.5 Turbo Petrol iMT | Clutchless Manual | ₹15.78 lakh |
| Seltos HTK Plus (O) 1.5 Petrol CVT | Automatic (CVT) | ₹15.82 lakh |
| Seltos HTX 1.5 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹15.82 lakh |
| Seltos HTK Plus (O) 1.5 Diesel MT | Manual | ₹16.02 lakh |
| Seltos HTX (O) 1.5 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹16.77 lakh |
| Seltos HTX 1.5 Petrol CVT | Automatic (CVT) | ₹17.27 lakh |
| Seltos HTK Plus (O) 1.5 Diesel AT | Automatic (TC) | ₹17.28 lakh |
| Seltos HTX 1.5 Diesel MT | Manual | ₹17.39 lakh |
| Seltos HTX (O) 1.5 Petrol CVT | Automatic (CVT) | ₹18.10 lakh |
| Seltos HTX (O)1.5 Diesel MT | Manual | ₹18.42 lakh |
| Seltos HTX 1.5 Diesel AT | Automatic (TC) | ₹18.71 lakh |
| Seltos GTX Plus 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT | Automatic (DCT) | ₹20.00 lakh |
| Seltos GTX Plus 1.5 Diesel AT | Automatic (TC) | ₹20.00 lakh |
| Seltos GTX Plus 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT Dual Tone | Automatic (DCT) | ₹20.20 lakh |
| Seltos GTX Plus 1.5 Diesel AT Dual Tone | Automatic (TC) | ₹20.20 lakh |
| Seltos X Line 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT | Automatic (DCT) | ₹20.56 lakh |
| Seltos X Line 1.5 Diesel AT | Automatic (TC) | ₹20.56 lakh |
Used Kia Sonet Quick Overview
The Kia Sonet was introduced in the Indian SUV market back in 2020 and has been a popular choice since then. Due to its stylish look and refined engine options, it still holds a strong presence in the used car market. Being a practical and reliable car for daily commutes and packed with high-end features, the Kia Sonet becomes a lucrative choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The Sonet has a wide variant line-up. However, the top three variants that offer value for money are the HTX/HTX+ variant, the GTX variant, and the X-line facelift variant. In this regard, the petrol variant is ideal for short city rides and has a fairly low maintenance cost, while the diesel variant is ideal for drivers who enjoy long drives and highway cruising.
Here is the price range for the used Kia Sonet, along with its production year and transmission:
| Production Year | Transmission | Price Range |
| 2020-2023 | Petrol MT, Petrol AT, Diesel MT, Diesel AT | ₹6.87 Lakh to ₹12.85 Lakh |
| 2024- Present | Petrol MT, Petrol AT, Diesel MT, Diesel AT | ₹9.55 Lakh to ₹15.39 Lakh |
New Kia Seltos vs Used Kia Sonet: Financing Comparison
Financing a new Kia Seltos will result in higher monthly EMIs and a higher loan amount. For example, the HTE(O) Petrol variant priced at ₹13.26 lakh on-road would result in monthly EMIs of about ₹42,000 (approximate) for a five-year loan, leading to a bigger financial commitment for buyers.
On the contrary, opting for a used Kia Sonet will require a higher upfront payment but will have lower monthly EMIs, making it a suitable option for customers seeking an SUV experience within a budget. The interest rates for the used car are slightly higher, around 12-12.9%.
Here is a comparison of the Kia Seltos GTX Plus 1.5 Diesel AT variant, priced at ₹23.95 Lakh, and a used Kia Sonet GTX+ variant, priced at ₹12.85 lakh:
| New Kia Seltos Financing | Used Kia Sonet Financing | |
| Down Payment | ₹3,95,705 | ₹3,00,000 |
| Loan Tenure | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Loan Amount | ₹19,99,990 | ₹10,26,023 |
| Interest Rate | 9% | 12.9% |
| Interest Amount | ₹4,90,978 | ₹3,35,447 |
| Total Paid | ₹24,90,878 | ₹13,61,470 |
| Difference | ₹95,787 (Approx) | ₹76,500 (Approx) |
New Kia Seltos vs Used Kia Sonet: Insurance Comparison
A brand-new Kia Seltos will have a higher IDV (Insured Declared Value) or market value, averaging around ₹20 to ₹25 lakhs. The insurance premiums for comprehensive coverage range from ₹16,000 to ₹20,000 annually. Over five years, this results in an estimated ₹80,000 to ₹2,20,000 in premiums, ensuring extensive protection for a new SUV.
On the other hand, a used Kia Sonet will have a lower IDV or market value due to depreciation, averaging around ₹10 to ₹13 lakhs. The premium amount for a used Sonet car can range from ₹10,000 to ₹13,000, depending on the variants, age, claim history, and the condition of the car.
Ultimately, the used Kia Sonet car offers cost-effective insurance options, while the new Kia Seltos offers a premium driving experience with slightly higher insurance costs. For more details on used models and pricing, check the 2023 Kia Sonet on Spinny.
New Kia Seltos vs Used Kia Sonet: Which to Choose?
The all-new Kia Seltos offers high-end tech features, a luxurious cabin, powerful engine performance, and overall, a premium SUV experience. Built for a strong road presence, it can handle both daily city commuting as well as highway cruising. Due to the premium features and a futuristic design, it is priced a bit higher, which may not suit buyers seeking a budget-friendly car.
On the contrary, the used Kia Sonet offers great value for money, is known for its fuel economy, and has a wide range of modern features. The diesel variant of the Sonet offers higher mileage than the diesel variant of the new Kia Seltos. Hence, a used Sonet will be a great buy for customers seeking a compact SUV experience at an affordable price.
In summary, your choice depends on budget and driving style. If you want premium features and are willing to invest more, the new Kia Seltos delivers a top-tier experience. For daily city driving and value for money, a used Sonet is a smart, affordable option.
FAQs About New Kia Seltos vs Used Kia Sonet
Which car is better, a new Kia Seltos or a used Kia Sonet?
The ‘better’ car choice depends on priorities and driving needs. A new Seltos will offer a premium experience and is suitable for both city rides and highway cruising. In contrast, the used Sonet provides a compact SUV experience and delivers great value for money, especially if you require a vehicle for daily commuting in city traffic.
Which Kia Seltos model offers the best value for money?
The HTX variant of the Kia Seltos is considered a good value-for-money choice, as it offers a perfect balance of style and performance. It offers premium features like a panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, and a premium interior. This model is available with both petrol and diesel engines, each equipped with an automatic transmission.
Does the Kia Sonet have a good resale value?
According to the statistics of the used car market, well-maintained Sonets retain 75-80% of their market value in urban areas within the first 2-3 years. However, factors like the car’s condition, variant, and the presence of a diesel automatic powertrain can influence the resale price.
Is the 2025 Kia Seltos a good car?
The all-new Kia Seltos 2025 offers a pleasant driving experience, a spacious interior, and comes with a reliable Kia warranty. It’s a solid mid-sized SUV in the subcompact category.
Is the Kia Seltos high maintenance?
No, the Kia Seltos has a reasonable 5-year service cost. According to Frost and Sullivan, the petrol variants of the Kia Seltos offer maintenance costs that are 17% lower than the industry average.
