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

Comparison overview: The Maruti Suzuki Alto starts at ₹2.94 L and the Kia Sonet at ₹7.41 L, a difference of ₹4.47 L ex-showroom. On-road in New Delhi that gap becomes roughly ₹4.96 L. Here is what the extra money actually buys.

Engine and performance: The Maruti Suzuki Alto uses a 796cc Petrol/CNG making 47.33bhp@6000rpm,40.36bhp@6000rpm and listed torque with Manual. The Kia Sonet uses a 1,493cc Diesel/Petrol making 114bhp@4000rpm,118bhp@6000rpm and listed torque with Automatic/Manual.

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

Only the Maruti Suzuki Alto comes with a factory CNG option at 22.05 kmpl,31.59 km/kg, which is the cheapest way to run either car in the city.

What one gives that the other does not: The Maruti Suzuki Alto adds Child Safety Locks, Adjustable Headlamps, Wheel Covers, Halogen Headlamps and Wheel Size. The Kia Sonet adds Brake Assist, Central Locking, Anti-Theft Alarm, Side Airbag and Day & Night Rear View Mirror. The rest of both spec sheets is shared.

Which one should you buy?

Buy the Maruti Suzuki Alto if you drive mostly in the city, you want the lower running cost, and you would rather keep the ₹4.47 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: Maruti Suzuki Alto offers Child Safety Locks.

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.