Kia Sonet vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Engines Specifications Features Dimensions Compared

Come September 2020 and the sub-4 metre SUV segment will see two new entrants: the. But which of these two new SUVs should you pick up if you're waiting for them in particular? The Kia or the Toyota? Let's find out.

Dimensions

Note: Toyota is yet to reveal the Urban Cruiser's exterior dimensions. We have used the Vitara Brezza's dimensions for reference.

	Kia Sonet	Toyota Urban Cruiser
Length (mm)	3995mm	3995mm
Width (mm)	1790mm	1790mm
Height (mm)	1647mm	1640mm
Wheelbase (mm)	2500mm	2500mm
Boot space (litres)	392-litres	328-litres

Both models have similar exterior dimensions, matching up on almost all aspects. That said, the Sonet has a larger 392-litre boot when compared to the Urban Cruiser's 328 litre.

Features

	Kia Sonet	Toyota Urban Cruiser
Headlamps	LED headlamps with LED DRLs	LED headlamps with LED DRLs
Infotainment	10.25-inch	7-inch
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	Yes	Yes
Sunroof	Yes	No
Climate Control	Yes	Yes
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes
Multi-info display	Yes	Yes
Keyless Entry with Push button start	Yes	Yes
Automatic Headlamps	Yes	Yes
Automatic Wipers	No	Yes
Connected Car Tech	Yes	No
Drive Modes	Yes	No
Traction Modes	Yes	No
Wireless Phone Charger	Yes	No
Ventilated Seats	Yes	No
Ambient Lighting	Yes	No
Premium sound system	Bose sound system	No

Common features on both models include LED headlamps with LED DRLs, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, climate control, cruise control, a multi-info display, and keyless entry with push button start.

While the Urban Cruiser's feature list might satisfy the common man, the competition has taken it up a notch. The Sonet's niceties include a sunroof, connected car technology, drive modes, traction modes, a wireless phone charger, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and even a branded Bose sound system. Phew

Safety Features

	Kia Sonet	Toyota Urban Cruiser
Airbags	6	2
ABS with EBD	Yes	Yes
Parking Sensors	Front and Rear	Rear
Parking Camera	Yes	Yes
Electronic Stability Control	Yes	No
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Yes	No

Both models come with a minimum of two airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. But the Sonet again goes a step ahead with front parking sensors, electronic stability control and tyre pressure monitor.

Petrol Engine

	Kia Sonet	Kia Sonet Turbo	Toyota Urban Cruiser
Engine	1.2-litre	1.0-litre	1.5-litre
Power (PS)	83PS	120PS	105PS
Torque (Nm)	115Nm	172Nm	138Nm
Transmission Options	5-speed manual	6-speed iMT* / 7-speed DCT	5-speed MT / 4-speed AT
Fuel Efficiency (Claimed)	18.4kmpl	18.3kmpl (DCT) / 18.2kmpl (iMT)	17.03kmpl (MT)/18.76kmpl (AT)

*iMT is Kia's lingo for clutchless manual gearbox

Vitara Brezza's fuel efficiency figures used for reference

• Both models come with naturally aspirated petrol engines while the Kia is also offered with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit.

• The Urban Cruiser's larger 1.5-litre engine is more powerful than the Sonet's naturally aspirated 1.2-litre motor. However, it's 15PS and 34Nm less powerful than the Sonet's 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

• The Urban Cruiser and Kia Sonet NA petrol variants come with a manual gearbox while the Sonet Turbo relies on clutchless transmission options including an iMT and DCT.

• The Urban Cruiser's automatic variants feature a mild-hybrid system for start stop and torque assist function.

• The Kia Sonet NA petrol is the most fuel-efficient manual model in this test while the Urban Cruiser's AT variant sips the least amount of fuel.

• The Sonet can also be had with a 100PS 1.5-litre diesel engine if your usage is high. It's also the only diesel-powered sub-4 metre SUV to feature a torque converter with its automatic variants.

Verdict

	Kia Sonet	Toyota Urban Cruiser
Expected Prices (ex-showroom)	Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12.50 lakh	Rs 8.25 lakh to Rs 11.25 lakh

Sure, the Urban Cruiser's top-spec trim is likely to undercut the Sonet's top-spec variant. But the Sonet tries to justify the premium with more features and powertrain options, making it the better option here. The Sonet also comes with a diesel engine and is the practical choice for those who drive more kilometres. Clearly, the Sonet is the more appealing and safer option between the two.