Nissan Magnite Vs Kia Sonet Comparison: Can It Challenge The Segment Leader?

The Kia Sonet on the hand was introduced a bit earlier this year. The strikingly bold design, feature-packed interiors and the strong engine choices have made the Sonet an extremely popular model in India. The Kia Sonet has also bagged the title of being the best-selling compact-SUV in the country for November 2020.

However, is the disruptively competitive pricing of the Nissan Magnite enough to challenge the position of the Kia Sonet in the segment? Let's find out.

Nissan Magnite Vs Kia Sonet: Design

While the design of a car is subjective, we feel that the Kia Sonet does edge out the Nissan Magnite in this department. There is no doubt that the Nissan Magnite features a striking design with its large grille, sleek projector LED headlamps, L-shaped LED DRLs, muscular boot-lid with the ‘MAGNITE' badging at the centre and the styling 16-inch diamond-cut alloys.

However, the Kia Sonet just feels better overall. It also comes with LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, piano-black finish signature tiger-nose grille, fog lamps and stylish alloy wheels. The Kia Sonet also features LED tail lights, missing on the Magnite which comes with standard halogen units even on the top-spec variant. The GT-Line variant of the Kia Sonet also comes with red accents all around, adding another layer of sportiness to its overall appeal.

Nissan Magnite Vs Kia Sonet: Interiors & Features

Here again, both compact-SUVs feel premium and offer a host of features and elements. Both SUVs also offer a premium feel inside with soft-touch materials all around. However, in terms of the features on offer, the Kia Sonet does come out on top.

Both SUVs are packed with features and equipment, making them attractive offerings. The Nissan Magnite comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (first-in-segment), fully-digital instrument cluster with a 7-inch TFT MID, ambient lighting, wireless charging, JBL sound system, steering-mounted controls, tyre pressure monitoring system, automatic climate control, rear AC vents and many others.

However, the Kia Sonet interiors are more feature-rich than its rival. The Kia Sonet comes with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, fully-digital instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch MID, sound lighting, BOSE speakers, ventilated front seats, air purifier, wireless charging pad, electric sunroof, three driving modes and traction control modes; among a host of others.

Nissan Magnite Vs Kia Sonet: Engine Specifications

The Kia Sonet also offers a wider range of engine and transmission options compared to the Nissan Magnite. The Kia Sonet comes with three engine options: two petrol and one diesel), compared to the Nissan Magnite powered by a choice of two petrol units.

The engines on the Kia Sonet also offer better power and torque figures than those powering the Magnite. This includes both the naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engine options.

Here is a look at the engine & transmission specifications of both the compact-SUV offerings:

Nissan Magnite Vs Kia Sonet: Overall Dimensions

Both SUVs are part of the sub-4 metre category, hence come with similar length. Both, the Kia Sonet and the Nissan Magnite have the same wheelbase as well. However, the Kia Sonet is slightly wider and taller than the Nissan Magnite, while also having a larger boot space.

Here are the exact dimensions of the Kia Sonet and the Nissan Magnite:

Nissan Magnite Vs Kia Sonet: Pricing

While both models are positioned in the same segment, this is where the Nissan Magnite shines. With prices ranging between Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 9.35 lakh, the Magnite not only undercuts the pricing of the Kia Sonet, but all its other rivals in the segment as well.

The price range for the Kia Sonet varies between Rs 6.71 lakh, going all the way up to Rs 12.99 lakh; more than Rs 3 lakh higher than the top-spec Nissan Magnite. All prices are ex-showroom (Delhi).

Verdict

While the Kia Sonet does win in a direct comparison test, it is very hard to discount the Nissan Magnite altogether.

The new compact-SUV from Nissan still comes across as an extremely impressive offering, considering its price tag. The new Nissan Magnite is definitely worth considering when on the lookout for a compact-SUV.