A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
UX has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Sonet remains close.
Sonet starts ZAR 627,105 cheaperSonet from ZAR 329,995 · UX from ZAR 957,100
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Sonet
UX
Maximum Power
Sonet85 kW @ 6300 rpm
UX146 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Sonet143 Nm @ 4000 rpm
UX188 Nm
Engine Size
Sonet1497 cc
UX2000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Sonet16.9 km/l
UX23.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
Sonet211 mm
UX160 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
KIA Sonet
1.5 EX+ CVT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Central Locking
Yes
-
Alarm System
Yes
Immobiliser/ Alarm,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
-
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
Immobiliser/ Alarm,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Spec
Sonet
UX
Alternator
Yes
-
Engine Oil Capacity
4.5 l
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Service Interval
15000
12 months / 15,000km
First Service At
15000
-
Approx Service Cost
R3,000 per service
-
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
-
Service Intervals
15000
-
Battery Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
8 years / 160,000km
Spec
Sonet
UX
Real-world City Mileage Min
11.6 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
15.1 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
18.0 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
21.0 l/100km
-
Spec
Sonet
UX
EV Mode
No
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Reversing Camera
Yes
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
EMV// With guidelines
Reverse Camera
Yes
EMV// With guidelines
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Park Assist
Yes
-
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Auto,Rainsensing
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Eco Mode
Yes
-
Sport Mode
No
-
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
-
Emergency Braking
Yes
-
Pre-Collision System
Yes
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
-
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Surround View Camera
Yes
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
Yes
-
Parking Sensor
Yes
-
Front Camera
Yes
-
Automatic High Beam
Yes
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
-
Spec
Sonet
UX
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
21 deg
-
Departure Angle
35 deg
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
16 deg
-
Ramp-over Angle
18 deg
-
Recovery Hooks
No
-
Underbody Protection
No
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Min
211 mm
160 mm
Ground Clearance Max
211 mm
160 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Approach Angle Deg
21 deg
-
Departure Angle Deg
35 deg
-
Breakover Angle
16 deg
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Spec
Sonet
UX
Length
3995 mm
4495 mm
Width
1790 mm
1840 mm
Height
1635 mm
1520 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
211 mm
160 mm
Minimum Turning Radius
10.4 m
5.2 m
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1585 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1710 kg
2110 kg
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Front Headroom
990 mm
-
Rear Headroom
950 mm
-
Front Legroom
1030 mm
-
Rear Legroom
860 mm
-
Boot/Cargo Space
392 l
268 l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
43 l
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
-
Towing Capacity
1100 kg
-
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Payload Capacity
408 kg
525 kg
Spec
Sonet
UX
Front Track Width
1544 mm
1550 mm
Rear Track Width
1536 mm
1550 mm
Chassis Type
Unibody
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson -
Rear Suspension
Coupled Torsion Beam
Wishbone - Trailing
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Power Steering
Yes
-
Steering Column
Adjustable
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson -
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Rear Suspension Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Wishbone - Trailing
Rear Axle Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
-
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic
-
Chassis Material
Unibody
-
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Sonet
UX
Front Overhang
800 mm
-
Rear Overhang
695 mm
-
Body Type
Sub-Compact SUV
-
Alloy Wheel Design
Alloy Alloy
-
Wing Mirror Type
Electric
-
Rear Wiper
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Yes
Standard
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Standard LED
DRL
Yes
Standard LED
Led Taillights
Yes
-
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard LED
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
-
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Available
Roof Type
Standard
-
Roof Rails
Yes
Standard
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Body Cladding
No
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Colour
-
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple
Graphite Black GF, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Titanium, White Nova
Exterior Colour Options
7
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Auto Headlights
Yes
-
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Headlight Type
Yes
Standard
Exterior Mirror Folding
Yes
-
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
-
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
Standard LED
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard LED
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body Colour
-
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Electric Blind Sunroof
Standard
-
Spec
Sonet
UX
Front Shoulder Room
1380 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1330 mm
-
Steering Type
Yes
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Rear USB Ports
Yes
-
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital
Standard TFT,12.3-inch
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
3 Spoke/ Leather
Rear AC Vents
No
-
Heated Seats
Yes
Standard Driver and Passenger only
Cooled Seats
Yes
-
Ventilated Seats
Yes
-
Seat Material
Leather
Synthetic Leather
Fabric Seats
No
-
Leather Seats
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
-
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-Way Power
-
Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
-
Adjustable Front Seat
4-Way Manual
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Driver 2-way,Power
Memory Seats
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
60:40 -
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
60:40 -
Front Headrest
Adjustable
-
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
-
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
-
Rear Armrest
Yes
Standard
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
Cup Holders
4
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Yes
-
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
10.25-inch touchscreen (EX+), digital instrument cluster (SX), wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (SX), Bose audio (SX), ventilated front seats (SX), ambient lighting, 6 airbags all grades
-
Boot Space Seats Down
1143
-
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
-
Seat Trim
Leather
Synthetic Leather
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
-
Driver Seat
8-Way Power
-
Seat Fold Type
Yes
-
Armrest Front
Centre Armrest
-
Armrest Rear
Yes
-
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Yes
-
Interior Colours
Black
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Yes
-
Spec
Sonet
UX
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
-
Front Brake Disc Diameter
280 mm
-
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Solid
Brake Type Rear
Drum
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
236 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
-
Tyre Size
215/55 R17
Run Flat
Wheel Rim Size
215/55 R17
Run Flat
Front Tyre Width
215 mm
-
Rear Tyre Width
215 mm
-
Wheel Diameter
215/55 R17
Run Flat
Wheel Type
Alloy Alloy
-
Tyre Type
Radial
-
Tyre Load Index
102
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Spare Tyre
Temporary Spare
-
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary Spare
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Standard Auto Location
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
-
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Wheel Material
Alloy Alloy
-
Wheels
Alloy Alloy
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Temporary Spare
-
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric
Electric Park Brake
Electronic
-
Wheel Size Type
215/55 R17
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
-
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather
-
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
-
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
-
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
-
Auto Brake Hold
Electronic
-
Spec
Sonet
UX
Infotainment Screen
10.25
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Infotainment Display
10.25
-
Infotainment System
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Touchscreen
10.25
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Navigation System
Yes
Standard/ EMV
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
USB Ports
4
Standard 4PCs
Rear Usb
Yes
-
AUX Input
No
-
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
-
Number of Speakers
8
Standard 13
Premium Audio
Yes
-
FM Radio
Yes
-
Radio
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Standard TFT,12.3-inch
Head Up Display
No
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Multi Information Display
Digital
-
Display Audio
10.25-inch Touchscreen
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
-
Connected Services
Yes
Standard
Audio Speakers
8
Standard 13
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
4
Standard 4PCs
Voice Control
Yes
-
Audio
Yes
-
Audio System
Yes
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Spec
Sonet
UX
Basic Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
7 years / 105,000km
Warranty Years
7 Years / 150,000 km
7 years / 105,000km
Warranty Kilometers
7 Years / 150,000 km
7 years / 105,000km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
7 years / 105,000km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
Sonet
UX
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Segment
SUV
Luxury SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Color Note
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, Pewter Olive, Intense Red, Steel Grey, Glacier White Pearl (two-tone options on SX)
-
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
1585 kg
Production Status
active
published
Model Introduced Year
2021
2019
Generation
First generation (BC3); launched globally 2020, SA 2021
Current Lexus UX compact luxury crossover with the 300h hybrid powertrain
Facelift History
2023 model year update with revised front styling and expanded ADAS features
Updated local UX range centred on the UX 300h EX hybrid
Facelift Launched Since
2023
Updated local UX range centred on the UX 300h EX hybrid
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Spec
Sonet
UX
Price Zar
469995 ZAR
957100 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Base
Starting Price
469995
957100
Starting Price Zar
469995
957100
Ownership Role
Flagship
Private luxury, family and business
Spec
Sonet
UX
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Hybrid
Engine Code
G4LC
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
2000 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Petrol Hybrid EFI+D-4S
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
75 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
84.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 6300 rpm
146 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
143 Nm @ 4000 rpm
188 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
e-CVT
Top Speed
172 km/h
177 km/h
0-100 km/h
11.2 sec
8.1 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
66.9 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
112.6 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
In depth: how these cars differ
This Sonet and UX comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Sonet 36 vs UX 55.
Efficiency index: Sonet 65 vs UX 92.
Safety-equipment index: Sonet 93 vs UX 93.
Practicality index: Sonet 59 vs UX 55.
Ownership-cover index: Sonet 71 vs UX not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Sonet and UX image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
UX leads by 8 points
UX has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Sonet remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
UX
Performance
55/100
Efficiency
92/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
55/100
Sonet
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
65/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
59/100
Ownership
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus UX
leads the specification evidence index with 72 pts
vs 64 pts for Sonet
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, UX leads. However, Sonet may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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