The Ultimate Face-off: Kia Sonet vs Kia Seltos – Unveiling the Unique Traits of these B-Segment SUVs

The visual differentiation between the Sonet and the Seltos. Image source: Thaco Vietnam.

On June 8, Thaco Vietnam unveiled the 2024 Kia Sonet, positioning it as a B-segment SUV. On the same day, the Korean automaker announced upgrades to the Kia Seltos and introduced two new variants of this SUV model.

Does positioning these two models within the same B-segment category result in overlap or is it merely a change in product presentation?

Seltos Still Leads in Size

According to manufacturer specifications, the new Kia Sonet retains the same dimensions as its predecessor. Specifically, the vehicle’s overall measurements remain at 4,120 x 1,790 x 1,642 mm (length x width x height), with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm. In contrast, the Seltos boasts dimensions of 4,365 x 1,800 x 1,645 mm and a wheelbase of 2,600 mm.

The Kia Seltos offers significantly more interior space but falls short in ground clearance. Image source: Thaco Vietnam.

This highlights a distinct difference between the two “B-segment SUVs,” as the Seltos aligns closely with competitors like the Mitsubishi XForce, Toyota Yaris Cross, and Hyundai Creta, whereas the Sonet is more comparable to the A-segment SUVs, including the Toyota Raize and Hyundai Venue.

The Sonet maintains its ground clearance at 205 mm, an advantage over its older sibling, the Seltos, which has a ground clearance of 190 mm.

In terms of wheel size, the Kia Seltos features 17-inch wheels, one inch larger than those found on the Sonet 2024. Both models are equipped with the standard 215/60 tires.

Amenities and Technology Remain Comparable

Looking at the interior, the 2024 Kia Sonet has received notable upgrades in the 1.5 Luxury and 1.5 Premium variants, while the 1.5 Deluxe variant remains largely unchanged from the previous model.

On the other hand, the amenities and technology within the Seltos remain largely similar to the previous generation. The Seltos’ longer wheelbase of 2,610 mm results in a more spacious interior compared to its sibling. The steering wheel is wrapped, and the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable in the two higher variants.

In the Kia Sonet, apart from the 1.5 Premium, the remaining variants feature manually adjustable seats, similar to the previous generation. The 1.5 Premium variant of the Sonet now boasts a larger 10.25-inch central infotainment screen, matching the Seltos. The other two variants retain the 8-inch screen size.

The interiors of the 2024 Seltos and Sonet exhibit minimal differences. Image source: Thaco Vietnam.

When it comes to safety features, the Seltos surpasses its sibling by offering six airbags, compared to the Sonet’s two. Tire pressure sensors are standard across all three variants of the Seltos but are only available in the 1.5 Luxury and 1.5 Premium variants of the 2024 Sonet.

However, in terms of advanced safety technologies, such as Speed Limit Assist (MSLA) and cruise control, these are exclusive to the Seltos 1.5G Luxury variant. In contrast, these features are standard across the two higher variants of the Sonet 2024, reflecting Kia’s efforts to enhance safety technologies in this SUV model.

Similar Engine Options

Under the hood of the 2024 Kia Sonet remains the same 1.5L naturally aspirated engine across all three variants, delivering 113 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and a peak torque of 144 Nm at 4,500 rpm. This engine is paired with a familiar CVT transmission. The 1.5 Luxury and Premium variants benefit from three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

The Sonet’s older sibling, the Kia Seltos, employs the same engine in its lower variants. The most notable difference lies in the Seltos 1.5 Turbo Luxury, which is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine producing 158 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 253 Nm between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. This engine is mated to a 7-speed DCT transmission.

All three variants of the Seltos come with three drive modes and different terrain modes, including Snow, Mud, and Sand.

It’s evident that the Seltos and Sonet offer comparable performance, but the higher-end Seltos variant gains an edge with its turbocharged engine, achieving higher torque at lower rpm and sustaining it over a broader range. The additional 40 horsepower also gives the Seltos a significant power advantage when cruising at higher speeds.

The “B-Segment SUV” Label May Be Misleading

According to the manufacturer’s website, the Kia Seltos 1.5 Turbo Luxury is priced at 749 million VND in the Vietnamese market. This price matches the 1.5L Premium variant, representing a 50 million VND reduction compared to the GT-Line version and a 50 million VND increase compared to the 1.5L Luxury variant.

Meanwhile, pricing for the Sonet has yet to be announced.

To remain competitive, the 2024 Sonet’s pricing is likely to remain similar to its predecessor, with only minor deviations of a few million VND. If the manufacturer significantly increases the price based on its “upgraded” B-segment status, the vehicle will likely lose its competitive edge to established players from Toyota and Hyundai, which have already established a strong presence in the A-segment SUV market.

In summary, with negligible differences in size and engine performance, it is challenging to position the Kia Sonet on par with its older sibling or even competitors like the Toyota Yaris Cross and Mitsubishi XForce in the B-segment SUV category.

Therefore, referring to the Sonet as a “B-segment SUV” could be a strategic marketing choice to attract attention to the model’s design and technological enhancements.

Meanwhile, the upgraded Seltos naturally maintains its position and market share in the B-segment SUV category without worrying about internal competition from its younger sibling.