Kia Sonet vs Nissan Magnite (2026)
Kia Sonet (₹7.33 Lakh – ₹14.09 Lakh) and Nissan Magnite (₹6.00 Lakh – ₹11.30 Lakh) go head-to-head in the compact suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (July 2026).
- The Nissan Magnite is more affordable — it starts ₹1.33 Lakh lower than the Kia Sonet.
- The Kia Sonet is the more powerful car, with 118 bhp against 99 bhp.
- The Kia Sonet is more efficient on paper — up to 24.1 kmpl vs 19.7 kmpl.
- Only the Nissan Magnite has a published NCAP crash-test rating (4 stars).
- The Kia Sonet has the bigger boot: 385 litres vs 336 litres.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Sonet | Nissan Magnite |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹7.33 Lakh – ₹14.09 Lakh | ₹6.00 Lakh – ₹11.30 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.0L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 118 bhp | 99 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, DCT, Torque Converter AT, AMT | Manual, AMT, CVT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 18.2-24.1 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 17.4-19.7 kmpl (claimed, powertrain dependent) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 4 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 385 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 Sonetprices & 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 Magniteprices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Sonet or Magnite?
The Nissan Magnite is more affordable — it starts ₹1.33 Lakh lower than the Kia Sonet. (Ex-showroom prices, July 2026.)
Sonet vs Magnite — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Kia Sonet — not yet tested; Nissan Magnite — 4 stars.
Should I buy the Sonet or the Magnite?
The Nissan Magnite is more affordable — it starts ₹1.33 Lakh lower than the Kia Sonet. The Kia Sonet is the more powerful car, with 118 bhp against 99 bhp. The Kia Sonet is more efficient on paper — up to 24.1 kmpl vs 19.7 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.