The new Kia Sonet is the newest entry in the busy crossover segment.
One of its main competitors will be the recently-released Toyota Urban Cruiser.
The Urban Cruiser was only launched in March 2021, but is already the third best-selling vehicle for the country’s best-selling brand.
Here’s how they stack up against each other.
Standard features
Both these entry-level crossovers are filled with a generous list of standard equipment, with little distinction between the trim lines.
Open the doors in either of the range-topping derivatives and you will find fabric seats, all-round electric windows, a leather multifunction steering wheel, a multi-information display in the instrument cluster, and a touchscreen infotainment system playing through a six-speaker layout.
This supports Bluetooth as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Urban Cruiser adds a few quality-of-life capabilities that the Sonet does not, in the form of automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, LED daytime running lights, and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.
The air-conditioning, LED headlights, and windscreen wipers are manually operated in the Kia.
More similarities in the Sonet and Urban Cruiser’s top-end examples include integrated roof rails, two-tone paint options, front fog lights, and electrically-adjustable wing mirrors.
Driver assist systems that are shared then comprise:
- Cruise control
- Reverse camera
- Dual front airbags
- Rear parking sensors
- ABS with electronic brake force distribution
In addition, every Sonet is fitted as standard with hill assist control and electronic stability control.
It is worth noting that neither of these vehicles have endured any NCAP safety tests as yet.
Capabilities
The appeal of a crossover is comfort paired with “rugged” capabilities.
Seeing as the Kia measures in at 4,120mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,646mm tall – and the Toyota at 3,995mm, 1,790mm, and 1,640mm – these vehicles are on the smaller side of the market.
However, both get at least 190mm of ground clearance – 198mm in the Toyota – 16-inch alloy wheels, black wheel arch covers, and a silver skid plate to make their all-purpose nature shine through.
In the Urban Cruiser, you will be able to carry 328 litres of cargo in the rear, while towing a maximum braked capacity of 1,100kg.
The Sonet, thanks to its slightly larger dimensions, carries 395 litres of cargo inside – but the top-end model is driven by a CVT transmission that only tows a maximum braked capacity of 800kg.
It does produce more power than the Toyota, however, by pushing out 85kW and 144Nm from a 1.5-litre petrol motor.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine in the Urban Cruiser generates 77kW and 138Nm, and drives the front wheels via 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Price
The range-topping Kia Sonet 1.5 EX has a South African price of R305,995.
All Sonet models receive a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.
The top-of-the-line Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR has a South African price of R315,700.
This price includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 3-services/45,000km service plan.
Kia Sonet – Photos
Toyota Urban Cruiser – Photos
Keyword: New Kia Sonet vs Toyota Urban Cruiser – Prices and features compared