India’s compact SUV war is entering a new phase. Just when buyers thought the segment had seen it all, fresh buzz around the 2026 Kia Sonet facelift has started building serious excitement. With rising safety demands, tougher competition, and tech-savvy customers, this update could be one of the most important launches in its category.
The Sonet has been a strong performer for Kia in India since its debut. Now, with the 2026 facelift in the works, expectations are sky-high. This is not just about cosmetic tweaks it’s about staying ahead in one of the most competitive car segments in the country.
Here’s a complete breakdown of what the 2026 Sonet facelift could bring and why it matters right now.
Kia Sonet Facelift 2026: A Bolder, Sharper Design
The 2026 facelift is expected to follow Kia’s latest global design language, making the Sonet look sharper and more aggressive. The front fascia could get a redesigned tiger-nose grille, sleeker LED headlamps, and a revised bumper with a sportier stance.
At the rear, connected LED tail lamps and updated bumper styling may give it a more premium road presence. New alloy wheel designs and fresh color options are also likely. These visual changes aim to keep the SUV attractive to young urban buyers and first-time car owners who want style with substance.
Major Safety Push: ADAS Could Be the Game Changer
Safety has become a key decision factor for Indian families. With Bharat NCAP and growing awareness around crash ratings, carmakers are under pressure to improve safety features across variants.
The 2026 Sonet facelift may introduce Level-1 ADAS features in higher trims. This could include forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and driver attention alerts. In addition, six airbags are expected to become standard across variants.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), hill assist control, and an improved structural body frame could further enhance safety credentials. If these updates are confirmed, the Sonet could become one of the safest compact SUVs in its price range..
Cabin Experience: More Premium, More Digital
Inside the cabin, Kia is expected to focus heavily on technology and comfort. The dashboard layout may get subtle refinements with improved materials and soft-touch elements in top trims.
A larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support is likely. A fully digital instrument cluster could replace the semi-digital setup in certain variants.
Ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and connected car technology are expected to continue, possibly with added features. For city drivers and long-distance travelers alike, this could make the Sonet feel more premium than ever.
Engine Options: Familiar Yet Reliable
Mechanically, the 2026 Sonet facelift is not expected to bring radical changes. It will likely continue with the proven engine lineup that has worked well in India.
The options may include:
- 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol
- 1.0-litre turbo petrol
- 1.5-litre diesel
Transmission choices could remain diverse, including manual, iMT, and automatic variants. Minor tuning adjustments may be introduced to improve fuel efficiency and meet upcoming emission norms.
For buyers who still prefer diesel in a compact SUV — a rarity in this segment — the Sonet may continue to hold a strong advantage.
Expected Price and Variants
The current Sonet starts at around ₹8 lakh (ex-showroom). With added safety tech and updated features, the facelifted model may see a slight price hike.
Industry expectations suggest a starting price of around ₹8.5 lakh, going up to ₹15 lakh for top-end variants with ADAS and premium features.
Even with the increase, the Sonet is likely to remain competitively positioned in the segment.
Launch Timeline: When Can Buyers Expect It?
Market reports indicate that the 2026 facelift could arrive in late 2025 or early 2026. Automakers often target the festive season for maximum sales impact, so a strategic launch around that period is possible.
Bookings are expected to open a few weeks before the official launch announcement.