Top 12 Best Buys 2025: Budget Crossover – Kia Sonet

Looking to upgrade to a new vehicle in 2025? These are the Car Team’s top picks in the budget crossover category with the Sonet taking the title. Find the full feature in the April 2025 issue of CAR Magazine!Sonet

Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!

Criteria

In defining the pool of competitors, we factor in both size (smaller than midsize SUVs) and price (up to around the R390 000 mark). Value is a key criterion, as are practicality and features.

Winner: Kia Sonet

The Sonet has been a longtime favourite at CAR owing to its easy-going road manners, solid construction and good levels of standard specification. On the back of a mid-cycle update last year, the range expanded to an impressive eight-model offering, spanning from the eminently affordable LS at just under R300 000 to the generously equipped halo SX at around R458 000, as well as incorporating a choice of two engines (the trusty 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Gamma unit and a punchy turbocharged three-pot with 88 kW AND 172 N.m) and a rework of the front and rear facias. This combination of keenly priced model options, all-round capability and appealing aesthetics make it a versatile and appealing offering in the segment.

Related: CAR Rookie Places Second Overall at GR Cup Round 1

First runner-up: Toyota Urban Cruiser

Toyota’s Suzuki Grand Vitara-based compact crossover continues to offer great value, being backed up by a four-service/60 000 km service plan overseen by an extensive dealer network. Distinctive styling, solid performance from its 1.5-litre petrol engine and family-friendly interior packaging cement its appeal.

Related: BMW Unveils Epic 80-Year Digital Model Encyclopedia

Second runner-up: Citroën C3 Aircross

Coming well within budget threshold, the Aircross’s distinctive styling, easy-going road manners and capacious boot are strong drawcards. There were some misgivings owing to the lack of Isofix on example in the initial SA consignment, but Stellantis assured this has since been rectified.

Find the full feature in the April 2025 issue of CAR Magazine.

Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag!

The post Top 12 Best Buys 2025: Budget Crossover – Kia Sonet appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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