Kia Sonet vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno Comparison 2026: Price, Mileage, Features

Comparison overview: The Kia Sonet starts at ₹7.41 L and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno at ₹5.99 L, a difference of ₹1.42 L ex-showroom. On-road in New Delhi that gap becomes roughly ₹1.58 L. Here is what the extra money actually buys.

Engine and performance: The Kia Sonet uses a 1,493cc Diesel/Petrol making 114bhp@4000rpm,118bhp@6000rpm and listed torque with Automatic/Manual. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno uses a 1,197cc Petrol/CNG making 88.50bhp@6000rpm,76.43bhp@6000rpm and listed torque with Automatic/Manual.

Mileage and running cost: These two figures are not like for like. The Kia Sonet number is for the Diesel/Petrol Automatic/Manual and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno number is for the Petrol/CNG Automatic/Manual, so compare the variants you are actually shortlisting.

Only the Maruti Suzuki Baleno comes with a factory CNG option at 22.94 kmpl,30.61 km/kg, which is the cheapest way to run either car in the city.

What one gives that the other does not: The Kia Sonet adds Traction Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Rear Camera, Tinted Glass and Roof Rails. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno adds Heads-Up Display (HUD), Chrome Grille, Projector Headlamps, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and Petrol Mileage ARAI. The rest of both spec sheets is shared.

Which one should you buy?

Buy the Maruti Suzuki Baleno if you drive mostly in the city, you want the lower running cost, and you would rather keep the ₹1.42 L for your down payment than spend it on features.

Buy the Kia Sonet if you do regular highway runs, you carry luggage or a pram often, and you want Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) without waiting for the next facelift.

The one thing that settles it: Kia Sonet offers Traction Control.

Before you sign anything:

Ex-showroom price is not what you pay. Add registration, road tax, insurance and handling, and expect the final figure to land ten to twelve percent higher. Road tax changes state to state, so a car that costs the same in two cities does not cost the same to own.

Ask the dealer four things before you book. What is the current waiting period for the variant you want. What is the on-road figure.

Then drive both cars back to back on the same day, on a road you actually use. Take your family. Put your usual luggage in the boot. Most people decide in the first ten minutes, and it is rarely for the reason they expected.