It’s a confusion many people face, and understandably so. If you go purely by the brochure and think with your head rather than your heart, compact SUVs do offer strong value for money, but there are a few key differences to keep in mind.
Since you haven’t specified the engine option, let’s assume you are looking at petrol variants. In that case, there is a noticeable difference in the driving experience. Compact SUVs like the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue use a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DCT. While this setup offers good punch, it doesn’t feel as smooth, refined or effortless as the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated or 1.5-turbo petrol engines offered in the Kia Seltos. If you are considering a diesel, the experience is largely similar across these cars, as they all use the same 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, paired with either a manual or a 6-speed automatic.
There are other areas where the Seltos feels like a clear step up in terms of space, comfort and interior quality. If a larger, more refined petrol engine, better cabin space and superior comfort matter to you, it makes sense to spend the extra money on the Seltos.
However, if you prefer to save that money and go with a compact SUV, then between the Sonet and the Venue, we would suggest the Hyundai Venue, as it is the newer car, offers better rear seat space, and packs in more features.