Kia Sonet vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Nissan Magnite (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp), the biggest boot (385 L).
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl).
- Pick the Nissan Magnite if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.00 Lakh), the best crash-test score (4 stars).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Sonet | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Nissan Magnite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹7.41 Lakh – ₹14.09 Lakh | ₹6.85 Lakh – ₹11.98 Lakh | ₹6.00 Lakh – ₹11.30 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.2L NA Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet Petrol / CNG | 1.0L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 118 bhp | 99 bhp | 99 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, CNG | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, DCT, Torque Converter AT, AMT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, CVT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 18.2-24.1 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 20.01–22.89 kmpl (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG) | 17.4-19.7 kmpl (claimed, powertrain dependent) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | Not tested | 4 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 385 L | 308 L | 336 L |
Kia Sonet in short
The Kia Sonet is one of the most feature-loaded sub-4-metre SUVs on sale, and its 2024 facelift sharpened the styling while making six airbags standard across the range. It remains the only car in its class to offer a diesel-automatic combination, giving it a unique selling point against the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO. The wide engine-gearbox matrix and segment-first features like ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera keep it a strong all-rounder.
Full Sonet prices & variants →Maruti Suzuki Fronx in short
The Fronx is a Baleno-based crossover coupe sold through Nexa, notable for reviving Maruti's 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine. It straddles the premium hatchback and compact SUV spaces, rivalling the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter and even the Nissan Magnite. Sharp pricing and a wide powertrain spread — NA petrol, turbo and CNG — have made it a strong seller.
Full Fronx prices & variants →Nissan Magnite in short
The Magnite is Nissan India's sole volume model and the price-warrior of the sub-4m SUV segment, with the 2024 facelift adding a plusher cabin, an AMT option and up to six airbags while retaining rock-bottom pricing. The 1.0 turbo-petrol with CVT remains an unusually affordable pairing for the class. It fights the Renault Kiger, Tata Punch, Maruti Fronx and entry variants of the Nexon and Venue.
Full Magnite prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Sonet vs Fronx vs Magnite — which should I buy?
Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp), the biggest boot (385 L). Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl). Pick the Nissan Magnite if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.00 Lakh), the best crash-test score (4 stars). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Sonet, Fronx, Magnite?
The Nissan Magnite starts lowest at ₹6.00 Lakh, against ₹6.85 Lakh for the Fronx and ₹7.41 Lakh for the Sonet (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Sonet: not yet NCAP-tested; Maruti Suzuki Fronx: not yet NCAP-tested; Nissan Magnite: 4 stars.