When you are in the market for a compact SUV with reliable performance and all the standard safety features, two models are likely to top your list: the used Kia Seltos and the brand-new Kia Sonet. The two cars are stylish and powerful, with features tailored to urban/semi-urban needs, but buyer preferences may vary considerably.
A buyer can consider the soft-touch material and generous cabin space of a used Seltos car, comparing it with the spare parts warranty, the latest features, and the assurance that comes with the new Sonet. The Seltos is a model of the higher segment, offering more power and comfort, whereas the Sonet shines with its affordability and design.
Deciding on the type of vehicle to buy can be confusing, especially when it is your first time purchasing one or when upgrading your current car. This guide will help you make a sound financial decision, considering both long-term and short-term value, upfront and ongoing costs, and ownership experience.
Keep reading for detailed insight!
New Kia Sonet Quick Overview
The Kia Sonet is a premium-looking and feature-rich subcompact SUV that has gained massive success, particularly in the Indian market, in terms of aesthetics and onboard facilities. Its new facelift version was unveiled in January 2024, introducing new design elements and technology to an already successful model.
The new facelift version retains the tried and tested trio of 1.2L NA petrol, 1.0L turbo-petrol, and the 1.5L diesel engine, along with various transmission options like manual, iMT, DCT, and automatic. Additionally, the infotainment system now features a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a digital speedometer and tachometer, and a cooled front seat air conditioning control panel.
In this facelift, the Sonet offers a more luxurious experience, albeit at the expense of compromising the car’s value and efficiency. It stands out as a powerful alternative for customers interested in a new, high-quality compact SUV with upscale features and a state-of-the-art appeal.
Key Updates of New Kia Sonet
The facelifted Sonet features a range of visual, functional, and technological upgrades that make it even more appealing in its subcompact SUV segment. The following are highlights of the different changes:
- Exterior Enhancements
- Redesigned LED Headlamps & DRLs: Sleeker models with L-shaped DRLs to make them sharper in appearance
- Connected LED Tail Lamps: Modern rectangular design that ramps up the curb appeal
- New Front & Rear Bumpers: More athletic styling with silver skid plates and aggressive contours
- Updated Tiger Nose Grille: Larger and more prominent, inspired by the Seltos
- New Alloy Wheels: A striking 16-inch directional diamond cut set on a bold stance
- New Colour Option: Inclusion of Olive Green in the palette
- Interior & Comfort
- Black & Brown Leatherette Upholstery: Sporty and premium cabin feel
- LED Ambient Lighting: Adjustable cabin mood lighting
- Powered Driver Seat: 4-way adjustable to provide greater convenience
- Tech & Features
- 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster: Full digital driver-oriented display
- Touch-Based AC Controls: Sleek and modern climate control interface
- Level 1 ADAS Suite: Comes with safety and assist systems such as forward collision warning, as well as lane keep assist (this is only in automatic models)
- Powertrain Update
- New Diesel Manual Option: Addition of 1.5L turbo diesel with 6-speed manual transmission
These changes make the new Sonet more competitive with its blend of style, safety and tech in a compact package that feels a notch higher for individuals who need a new feature-packed SUV without having to venture into a higher price bracket.
| New Kia Sonet Ex-Showroom Price: ₹8.98 Lakh | ||
| Car Variant | Transmission | Starting Price |
| Sonet HTE 1.2 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹7.99 Lakh |
| Sonet HTE (O) 1.2 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹8.43 Lakh |
| Sonet HTK 1.2 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹9.23 Lakh |
| Sonet HTK (O) 1.2 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹9.59 Lakh |
| Sonet HTK 1.0 Turbo Petrol iMT | Clutchless Manual (IMT) | ₹9.65 Lakh |
| Sonet HTK (O) 1.0 Turbo Petrol iMT | Clutchless Manual (IMT) | ₹9.99 Lakh |
| Sonet HTE (O) 1.5 Diesel MT | Manual | ₹9.99 Lakh |
| Sonet HTK Plus (O) 1.2 Petrol MT | Manual | ₹10.53 Lakh |
| Sonet HTK Plus (O) 1.0 Turbo Petrol iMT | Clutchless Manual (IMT) | ₹11.03 Lakh |
| Sonet HTK (O) 1.5 Diesel MT | Manual | ₹11.09 Lakh |
| Sonet HTX 1.0 Turbo Petrol iMT | Clutchless Manual (IMT) | ₹11.86 Lakh |
| Sonet HTK Plus (O)1.5 Diesel MT | Manual | ₹12.03 Lakh |
| Sonet HTX 1.0 Turbo Petrol DCT | Automatic (DCT) | ₹12.73 Lakh |
| Sonet HTX 1.5 Diesel MT | Manual | ₹12.55 Lakh |
| Sonet HTX 1.5 Diesel AT | Automatic (TC) | ₹13.42 Lakh |
| Sonet GTX Plus 1.0 Turbo Petrol DCT | Automatic (DCT) | ₹14.83 Lakh |
| Sonet GTX Plus 1.0 Turbo Petrol DCT Dual Tone | Automatic (DCT) | ₹14.93 Lakh |
| Sonet X-Line 1.0 Turbo Petrol DCT | Automatic (DCT) | ₹14.99 Lakh |
| Sonet GTX Plus 1.5 Diesel AT | Automatic (TC) | ₹15.63 Lakh |
| Sonet GTX Plus 1.5 Diesel AT Dual Tone | Automatic (TC) | ₹15.73 Lakh |
Used Kia Seltos Quick Overview
The Seltos was introduced in August 2019, and as of 2025, the car will have six years of successful sales in India. It was the first model of the Korean manufacturer to enter the Indian market. Although forged from existing design concepts, the model quickly set a new benchmark in its segment—thanks to its bold styling, signature features, and diverse selection of engines and gearboxes.
The years have seen it receive significant updates along the way to keep up with the times, with a big facelift in 2023, adding new advanced safety features and updating the styling.
First Facelift: Mid-2023
- Introduced refreshed styling, updated tech features, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
Second Update: 2024
- Minor tweaks to trims and feature packages to stay competitive in the segment
The brand has sold more than 82,000 units in a single year, demonstrating its widespread popularity in the Indian market. Aiming to average 6,000 units a month, the Seltos has remained popular with its 2023 facelift and feature-led offerings.
The current sales growth has shown a positive trend, particularly in July 2025, when it recorded an impressive increase compared to the same month in the previous year.
Here’s a detailed table summarising the Kia Seltos with its production year, transmission types, and price range:
Note: The Kia Seltos offers transmission options depending on the type of engine it uses; the petrol uses a different configuration compared to those on diesel variants. Prices of new and used models can vary considerably depending on the city, specific version, and dealer promotion at the time.
New Kia Sonet vs Used Kia Seltos: Financing Comparison
To understand the financing differences between a new Kia Sonet (Ex-Showroom Price: ₹7.99 Lakh) and a used Kia Seltos (Ex-Showroom Price: ₹12.92 Lakh), we will consider that they are bought with equal down payments and the same loan period. Both cars are offered at an upfront payment of ₹1,00,000, but the loan amount differs significantly between the two models, which highlights their different values: ₹8,00,286 for the Sonet and ₹11,98,295 for the Seltos.
Here is a table for better understanding:
| New Kia Sonet Financing | Used Kia Seltos Financing | |
| Down payment | ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 |
| Loan Tenure | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Loan Amount | ₹8,00,286 | ₹11,98,295 |
| Interest Rate | 9.8 % | 9.8 % |
| Interest Amount | ₹78,428 | ₹1,17,433 |
| Total Paid | ₹10,15,500 | ₹15,20,520 |
| Difference | ₹2,15,214 (approx.) | ₹2,28,520 (approx.) |
New Kia Sonet vs Used Kia Seltos: Insurance Comparison
Insurance is a significant consideration when purchasing a car, affecting the overall cost of ownership. A new car will automatically have a higher Insured Declared Value (IDV), which is valued against the premium. Compared to this, a second-hand vehicle, specifically one that is at least one year old, has a lower IDV, which makes it a cheaper category in terms of premiums.
New Kia Sonet
- Insured Declared Value: ₹11.65-₹15.42 lakh depending on variant
- Annual Premium Estimate: ₹15,000-₹29,000 for comprehensive coverage with zero depreciation
- 5-Year Premium Estimate: ₹75,000-₹1,45,000 assuming consistent coverage and no major claims
- Depreciation Impact: Significant after the first year; IDV drops 10-20% annually
- Claim Efficiency: Typically faster with dealership tie-ups and cashless garage networks
Used Kia Seltos
- Insured Declared Value: ₹6.5-₹10.5 lakh depending on variant and condition
- Annual Premium Estimate: ₹9,000-₹15,000 depending on age, variant, and insurer
- 5-Year Premium Estimate: ₹45,000-₹75,000 due to lower IDV and depreciation
- Depreciation Impact: Less compared to new vehicles
- Claim Efficiency: May vary by insurer, but platforms like Spinny offer warranty-backed support
New Kia Sonet vs Used Kia Seltos: Which to Choose?
The new Kia Sonet is a current-year model, and its Insured Declared Value (IDV) is therefore higher, resulting in an increased annual premium that can range from ₹15,000 to ₹29,000. This may cost ₹75,000 to ₹1,45,000 over five years, depending upon the type of coverage and variant. However, this also means smoother claim processes and dealership-backed support, which many buyers find reassuring.
Alternatively, a used Kia Seltos, such as the 2023 GTX Plus DCT, has undergone some depreciation, thereby reducing the IDV and insurance premium. Annual premiums for such a model generally fall between ₹12,000 and ₹22,000, totalling ₹60,000 to ₹1,10,000 over five years.
Suppose you’re budget-conscious and comfortable with a slightly older vehicle. In that case, the used Seltos offers significant savings without compromising much on coverage, especially when purchased through a trusted platform that includes warranty and inspection benefits. Still, if you value the latest features and a fresh ownership experience, the Sonet may be worth the extra cost.
FAQs about Used Kia Seltos vs New Kia Sonet
Which car offers better value for money: Used Kia Seltos or New Kia Sonet?
A used Kia Seltos often provides more premium features, space, and performance for a similar price to a new Kia Sonet. However, the Sonet offers the latest tech, warranty coverage, and lower maintenance in the initial years. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise high-end features or the peace of mind of owning a new vehicle.
How do the dimensions and space differ between the used Kia Seltos and the new Kia Sonet?
The Kia Seltos is a mid-size SUV, offering more legroom and boot space (433L vs 392L), as well as overall comfort, compared to the compact Kia Sonet. This makes the Seltos better suited for families or those who frequently take long drives.
Which car has better mileage and fuel efficiency: used Kia Seltos vs new Kia Sonet?
The Kia Sonet generally delivers better mileage, especially in its diesel variants (up to 24.1 kmpl), compared to the Seltos (around 20.7 kmpl for diesel). This makes the Sonet more economical for daily commuting.
Is the used Kia Seltos reliable in terms of maintenance and service?
Yes, the Seltos has a strong reputation for reliability. When purchased from a certified vehicle platform like Spinny, it often comes with warranty coverage and inspection reports, making it a safe pre-owned option.
What are the insurance cost differences between the used Seltos and new Sonet over 5 years?
A new Kia Sonet has a higher insured value, leading to higher premiums (₹75,000-₹1,45,000 over 5 years). A used Kia Seltos, being older, has lower premiums (₹45,000-₹75,000), saving you ₹15,000-₹35,000 in the long run.
