Kia Sonet vs Nissan Magnite (2026)
Kia Sonet (₹7.41 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 (August 2026).
- The Nissan Magnite is more affordable — it starts ₹1.41 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 | ₹7.41 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 |
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
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 →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 →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Sonet or Magnite?
The Nissan Magnite is more affordable — it starts ₹1.41 Lakh lower than the Kia Sonet. (Ex-showroom prices, August 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 ₹1.41 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.