Kia Sonet vs Mahindra XUV300: The Wild vs the Fortress on Wheels

The sub-compact SUV segment is already on fire. And with the entry of the wild SUV, it is going to get much better. We earlier compared the Kia Sonet with Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Hyundai Venue. Did you miss it? Take a look here. Now it’s time we compare it with the safest car in India, the 5-star rated fortress on wheels, the Mahindra XUV300. Its time for the showdown, Kia Sonet vs Mahindra XUV300.

Which has a better performance to offer?

Before we get started, let me tell you that there is no naturally aspirated engine at the offer with the Mahindra XUV300. So we will be comparing the turbo-petrol and the diesel engines only.

• Note that both the engines have 3 cylinders. Mahindra XUV300 being the larger one will surely have more engine vibrations.
• Kia Sonet even though having smaller engine produces more power when compared to the XUV300.
• Mahindra XUV300 does have a better torque output, best-in-class indeed.
• The real deal-breaker for the XUV 300 is non-availability of an automatic transmission. On the other hand, Kia Sonet offers a 6-speed iMT as well as a 7-speed DCT. This for sure is going to be the USP for Kia Sonet.

• With same capacity engines, Mahindra XUV300 has a better overall performance when compared to the Sonet.
• The manual transmission option is the same on both the cars. The difference again is in the automatic one, where Sonet gets a 6-speed AT while the XUV300 gets 6-speed AMT.

So, overall, Kia Sonet is going to have an upper hand over the Mahindra XUV300 mainly because of the better automatic transmissions at the offer. But the story is not yet over.

Kia Sonet vs Mahindra XUV300 | Which offers better space?

• I don’t get it, how does Kia offer such a large boot (best-in-class) without compromising on the room inside the cabin? Let me tell you that Sonet has enough space inside the cabin, be it the headroom or the legroom.
• Talking about the headroom, XUV300 has got better when compared to the Sonet.
• But again, Sonet takes the lead while overcoming 210mm of obstacles while the XUV300 gets stuck on anything over 180mm.

What about the looks? We Indians love to flaunt our cars for sure!

Let’s start at the front. Kia Sonet looks wilder for sure. With the LED heartbeat DRLs, Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille, LED array headlamps and the red inserts in the GT line, Sonet makes a bold statement for sure. Mahindra XUV300 has the SUV stance with a bold front fascia with LED DRLs and headlamps but lacks in terms of futurism when compared to the Sonet.

At the rear, Kia Sonet again gets better end. The heartbeat LED taillamps with a bar running along the length simply puts the end to the comparison on this end. Mahindra XUV300 does get a bold rear end too, but simply fades away in looks when compared to the Sonet.

The best part is the interior! Kia Sonet in one word: LOADED! Just take a look at the dash and you can see the premium offering at the Sonet, one which XUV300 surely lacks. XUV300 gets the old-school dash with a dual-tone colour scheme while the Sonet gets all-black dash with chrome inserts. So, overall, Kia Sonet looks better, although this is subjective to ones liking. Do let us know in the comments section below about your thoughts on the looks of both the cars. Now it’s time for us to see which car is loaded with features better than the other.

Which compact SUV offers better features?

Features Comparison
SAFETY FEATURES
	Kia Sonet	Mahindra XUV300
Dual Airbags
ABS with EBD
Cornering Braking Control
All 4 disc brakes
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorage
Speed Sensing Door Lock
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Rear Parking Sensors
Emergency Stop Signal
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SAFETY FEATURES MENTIONED ABOVE ARE FOR THE BASE VARIANT*
Comfort and Convenience Features
Infotainment System	10.25-inch (Largest-in-segment)	7-inch
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Smart Purifier
Ventiliated Seats
Fully Digital Instrument Cluster
Electric sunroof
Fully Automatic Air Conditioner
Tilt Steering
Rear AC Vents
Cruise Control
TPMS
*FEATURES ACCROSS THE VARIANTS*

• When it comes to safety, Kia Sonet’s base model does lack behind the Mahindra XUV300. Not to forget, XUV300 is India’s safest car, even for the child occupancy. It scored 5 stars in the adult occupancy whole 4 stars for the child one.
• But when it comes to comfort, Sonet is going to offer much more than the XUV300 or any other sub-compact SUV in the segment. It also boasts segment’s largest infotainment system.

Check this out: 8 Safest 4 and 5 Star Global NCAP Rated Cars in India

So, the final verdict?

Kia Sonet is going to be a complete package, be it performance or comfort. We will have to wait for the official price release though. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below.