2027 Kia Sonet Spied With New Design, Headlights And Tail-Lights
The second generation Kia Sonet has been spotted testing once again, with the latest spy images revealing more details about its redesigned exterior. The upcoming compact SUV, internally codenamed QY2E, is expected to arrive in India in 2027 and will bring significant styling and cabin updates over the existing model.
The latest images offer a closer look at the front and rear design, including the lighting elements, grille and bumper. The new Sonet appears to adopt a more contemporary design direction, taking inspiration from Kia’s larger SUVs.
At the front, the SUV appears to feature a split-headlamp arrangement. The upper section houses boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lamps, while the main headlight units are positioned lower down on the bumper. The design bears some resemblance to the latest Hyundai Venue, while the DRL treatment appears to take inspiration from the Kia Sorento.
The grille looks slimmer than the unit on the current Sonet, although the honeycomb mesh pattern appears to have been retained. The front bumper also seems to have a more pronounced design, adding to the SUV’s updated appearance.
The side profile appears relatively familiar, with the overall windowline seemingly carried over from the outgoing model. The spy shots also reveal roof rails, camera housings on the outside rearview mirrors and a shark-fin antenna. While the alloy wheel design is not clearly visible in these images, earlier test mules have been spotted with what appear to be 17-inch alloy wheels.
At the rear, the second-generation Sonet is expected to feature slimmer LED tail-lamps with a distinctive boomerang-inspired design. These lighting elements appear to be connected visually, giving the rear a wider appearance. The bumper also looks more sculpted compared to the current model.
2027 Kia Sonet: Expected interior and platform changes
Beyond the exterior revisions, the next-generation Sonet is expected to receive a thoroughly updated cabin. Earlier spy images have hinted at a curved dual-screen arrangement, potentially comprising a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a similarly sized digital instrument cluster.
The dashboard is likely to follow a cleaner, more minimalistic layout, drawing inspiration from the Kia Syros and the latest Seltos. However, the final equipment list and interior specifications have not been confirmed.
Underneath, the new Sonet is expected to use an updated version of the K1 platform, which also underpins the Kia Syros and Hyundai Venue. The revised architecture could allow Kia to increase the wheelbase, potentially addressing one of the current model’s limitations, particularly rear-seat accommodation.
2027 Kia Sonet: Expected engine and transmission options
At launch, Kia is expected to retain the existing engine lineup, comprising a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. These engines currently produce 83 HP, 120 HP and 116 HP, respectively.
The transmission options are also expected to be carried forward, including manual and automatic gearboxes, depending on the engine and variant.
A significant addition could arrive later in the model’s lifecycle. Kia is reportedly considering a strong-hybrid powertrain for the Sonet, potentially around 2028 or 2029. Details about its engine configuration, battery capacity and performance figures are not available at present.
The second-generation Kia Sonet is expected to command a modest price premium over the current model, which is priced between Rs. 7.41 lakhs and Rs. 14.27 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Once launched, it will continue to compete in the highly contested compact SUV segment against the Hyundai Venue, Kia Syros, Tata Nexon, Skoda Kylaq, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The updated platform, revised styling and potential hybrid technology could help Kia strengthen the Sonet’s position in this segment.
