9 Features The 2026 Hyundai Venue Gets Over Kia Sonet | V3Cars

Nov 10, 2025, 03:20 PM IST
By Nikil Jonathan
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The Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet offer a strong blend of performance, comfort, and technology. But with the 2026 Hyundai Venue receiving a major update, Hyundai have managed to tilt the balance further in their favour. The 2nd generation Venue SUV gets several new features that make it smarter, safer, and more convenient than before, giving it an edge over its close cousin, the Kia Sonet.

9 Features 2026 Hyundai Venue Gets Over Kia Sonet

Here’s a detailed look at 9 features that the new Hyundai Venue offers over the Kia Sonet:

1. Curved Dual Displays

Venue Curved Dual Displays

Hyundai have brought a more premium cockpit experience to the 2026 Venue with the new curved dual-screen display. The top HX 10 variant of the new Venue offers a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system into a single seamless panel, offering crisp graphics and intuitive navigation.

In comparison, the Kia Sonet continues with a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in the GTX Plus and X-Line variants. The larger screens in the Venue give the cabin a wider, more futuristic look and improve usability, especially with features like navigation and ADAS visualisation.

2. Built-in Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Venue Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

While the higher variants of the Sonet with the larger 10.25-inch infotainment system still relies on a wired connection for smartphone mirroring, the 2026 Venue now supports native wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all variants.

This means you no longer need to use any adapters or cables. Simply pair your phone, and you’re connected. It’s a small but impactful quality-of-life upgrade that modern-day buyers will appreciate, especially those using multiple devices or navigating on the go.

3. Reclining Rear Seats

Venue Reclining Rear Seats

The 2026 Hyundai Venue continues to offer reclining rear seats like its predecessor. This feature allows 2nd row passengers to adjust their seating angle during long drives. It’s a thoughtful addition, considering that the Sonet’s rear seat remains fixed. Families and frequent travellers will immediately notice the difference this features makes on longer journeys.

4. Electronic Parking Brake With Auto Hold

Venue Electronic Parking Brake With Auto Hold

Hyundai have replaced the conventional handbrake lever with a sleek electronic parking brake (EPB). The 2026 Hyundai Venue now offers big upgrades over the Kia Sonet – from dual screens to ADAS and rear seat recline. See 7 key feature differences here.B) in the new Venue. This upgrade not only makes the cabin cleaner and more premium but also adds the convenience of Auto Hold, especially useful in stop-go traffic and steep inclines.

The Kia Sonet still uses a manual lever-type parking brake, which now feels a generation behind. The EPB in the Venue also frees up more usable space in the centre console, enhancing practicality.

5. Level-2 ADAS

Venue Level-2 ADAS

Hyundai have taken a big leap in safety tech by offering Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the 2026 Venue. The suite includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and driver attention alert. However, these features are limited to the top HX 10 variant only.

While the Kia Sonet gained Level 1 ADAS during its mid-lifecycle refresh, it doesn't match the automation level offered by the new Venue. Level-2 ADAS can control steering, acceleration, and braking in specified conditions, helping reduce driver fatigue and boosting safety during long highway drives.

6. Side Parking Sensors

Venue Side Parking Sensors

While both SUVs offer rear parking sensors as standard and front parking sensors in select variants, the Venue is a step ahead as it offers side parking sensors in the top HX 10 variant. Side parking sensors make parking in tight spaces even easier. Combined with its 360-degree camera system, the Venue gives the driver complete awareness of the car’s surroundings, especially useful in narrow urban streets and tight apartment parking lots.

7. Bose 8-Speaker Sound System

Venue Bose 8-Speaker Sound System

The Kia Sonet offers a 7-speaker Bose sound system in the GTX Plus and X-Line variants. The new Venue, on the other hand, offers an 8-speaker Bose sound system in the top HX 10 variant for a more immersive audio experience. While the difference might not sound drastic on paper, the Venue’s setup feels fuller and more balanced in the real world.

8. Cooled Glovebox

Venue Cooled Glovebox

The 2026 Hyundai Venue continues to offer a cooled glove box compartment that helps to retain the temperature of your drinks and beverages. This feature is sorely missed in the Kia Sonet.

9. Puddle Lamps With Welcome Function

Venue Puddle Lamps With Welcome Function

Hyundai Venue comes with puddle lamps that are placed below the ORVMs. Puddle lamps illuminate the surroundings of the car to help you have an easy ingress and egress.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nikil Jonathan

Nikil's a huge fan of classic cars, especially Italian beauties such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint and the Iso Grifo. His love for cars and bikes originated when he first laid his eyes on a poster of the Ferrari F40 and the MV Agusta F4 when he was just a child. He also loves all things analogue, especially vintage cameras and turntables.

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