Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Magnite: Which One Should You Buy?

The Kia Sonet and the Nissan Magnite are two names that are most likely to be shortlisted by those looking to upgrade to an SUV on a budget. Both compact SUVs offer bold styling, decent features, and excellent value when bought pre owned, but they cater to different types of buyers. While the Sonet leans towards a more premium, tech-loaded experience, the Magnite stands tall as a well-priced, no-nonsense SUV alternative. 

If you're torn between the two, this guide is here to simplify your decision. From design and engine performance to mileage, features, maintenance costs, and resale value, we’re putting them head-to-head to help you make the smartest pick.

The Basics: Second Hand Magnite and Second Hand Kia Sonet

The Nissan Magnite and Kia Sonet are subcompact crossover SUVs that were launched in India in 2020. The Sonet is based on the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform and the Nissan Magnite is based on the CMF-A+ platform. Both of these vehicles have similar dimensions, with the Magnite measuring 3994 mm in length and the Sonet measuring 3995 mm in length, which falls under the sub-4 metre taxation advantage.

Interior & Features: Second Hand Kia vs Second Hand Magnite

These two SUVs offer cabins packed with features, even in their base trims. The comparison table below will provide a detailed explanation:

Verdict: The Kia Sonet offers a more premium and feature-rich cabin with a larger infotainment and instrument cluster, while the Nissan Magnite provides a strong feature set for its price, notably including a 360-degree camera on top trims.

Engine Options & Performance: Second Hand Kia vs Second Hand Magnite

To gain a good understanding of the engine and performance of these two vehicles, here is a comparison: 

Engines of Kia Sonet:

• 1.0 L Turbo Petrol: 172 Nm @ 1500 rpm to 400 rpm, 118 bhp @ 6000 rpm. It's available with a 7-speed DCT and a 6-speed iMT.
• 1.2 L Petrol: 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT, 82 bhp @ 6,000 rpm and 115 Nm @ 4,200 rpm.
• 1.5 L Diesel:  6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automated, 114 bhp @ 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm @ 1500 rpm to 2750 rpm.

Engines of Nissan Magnite:

• 1L NA Petrol: 5-speed manual or AMT, 96 Nm @ 3500 rpm and 71 bhp @ 6250 rpm.
• 1L Turbo Petrol: 5-speed manual, CVT (turbo) or AMT (turbo), 160 Nm @ 2800 rpm and 99 bhp @ 5000 rpm.

Verdict: The Kia Sonet offers a more powerful engine range, including a diesel option, which provides greater versatility on the road. The Nissan Magnite offers decent performance, particularly due to its turbo-petrol engine, which is well-suited for city driving and regular highway use.

Design & Road Presence: Second Hand Kia vs Second Hand Magnite

The Sonet has a split headlamp and a Tiger Nose grille design, which offers a contemporary and upscale appearance. The facelift models feature a redesigned rear bumper, a larger grille, and much sharper LED headlights. It has lumpy wheel arches along with roof railings, which add to the vehicle’s stance.

Magnite comes with a fierce V-motion grille, along with rugged cladding and C-shaped LED DRLs. Its facelift models were launched in October 2024 and consist of new LED tail lights, fog lamps (repositioned), and even a bigger grille. The vehicle features 205 mm of ground clearance and a wider field of view, which lends it an imposing road presence in its segment.

Verdict: A used Kia Sonet will offer a modern, upscale SUV look, while the Nissan Magnite has a more rugged, imposing presence.

Real-World Mileage Comparison: Second Hand Kia vs Second Hand Magnite

Learning about real-world mileages of the cars you’re considering can also influence your decision. Here is a brief comparison: 

Real Figures of Kia Sonet: 

• 1.0 L Turbo Petrol: ARAI-claimed: 19.2 km/l, Highway: 16 km/l and City: 10 km/l. 
• 1.5 L Diesel: ARAI-claimed: 22.3 km/l: Highway: 21 km/l and City: 15 km/l. 
• 1.2 L Petrol: ARAI-claimed: 18.8 km/l, Highway: 18 km/l and City: 14 km/l.

Real Figures of Kia Sonet:

• 0.999 L Turbo CVT: ARAI-claimed: 17.7 km/l, Highway: 15 km/l and City: 10 km/l.
• 0.999 L Turbo Petrol: ARAI-claimed 20 km/l, Highway: 17 km/l to 18 km/l and City: 12 km/l to 13 km/l. 
• 0.999 L NA Petrol: ARAI-claimed: 19.35 km/l, Highway: 18 km/l and City: 15 km/l.

Verdict: For overall fuel efficiency, a used Nissan Magnite's 1.0L NA petrol engine offers slightly better city mileage, while the Kia Sonet's 1.5L Diesel is significantly more efficient on highways.

Ride Quality & Comfort: Second Hand Kia vs Second Hand Magnite

The suspension on the Kia Sonet is firmer, providing good stability at speed but noticeable over small bumps. The expensive trims include features such as ventilated seating for enhanced comfort. 

The suspension in the Nissan Magnite is designed to absorb bumps on city streets, but it causes more body roll when you drive through corners. There is not much headroom in the back, and the engine’s noise can be loud when you’re driving fast.

Verdict: Nissan Magnite is more comfortable on bumpy city roads, and Kia Sonet is more stable at higher speeds.

Second Hand Car Prices of the Kia Sonet and the Magnite

Here's an estimated price range for second hand Kia Sonet and Nissan Magnite models across India:

Note: Prices vary based on variant, year, mileage, and location.

Verdict: Both cars are affordable, but the Magnite is the more affordable option, which may be appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

Service, Maintenance & Reliability: Second Hand Kia vs Second Hand Magnite

The Sonet is known for being reliable. The average price for a petrol service is ₹3,000–₹5,500, and for a diesel service, it is ₹4,000–₹6,500. Replacement parts are not hard to find and Kia’s 3-year/1,00,000 km warranty can be transferred to the next buyer. Owners have reported only minor issues with the infotainment system and suspension; however, the car remains reliable over time.

Servicing the Magnite is very affordable, and the service pack for 60,000 km is priced at about ₹12,000. The car is covered by a 3-year/100,000 km warranty, which can be extended to 5 years. Many people find the ownership experience enjoyable, but a few users mention that the gearbox can jerk, and there are minor electrical issues. Nissan doesn’t have service centres in every place, and you might have to drive a bit further to access one.

Verdict: In terms of reliability, the Sonet is more dependable and its parts are easier to find, whereas the Magnite has low service charges, but it has fewer service centres in India.

Second Hand Kia vs Second Hand Magnite: Which One To Buy?

Check out these quick pointers to find your ideal ride: 

Pick a used Kia Sonet:

• If you want a premium cabin, a refined diesel engine, and ventilated seats. 
• Desire a good service network and readily available spare parts.
• Prefer a diesel option for highway driving.

Pick a used Nissan Magnite: 

• If you want all the finest features at a lower price.
• If you drive around the city and value the turbo-petrol engine
• You are willing to compromise a bit on refinement to save on upkeep and initial price.

Conclusion

Both cars are best-selling sub-4m SUVs, but your decision should depend on what you want from a car. The Kia Sonet is a great option for those who prefer a comfortable interior, lots of useful features, and a dependable diesel engine with strong highway performance. The experience is more upscale and is supported by Kia’s dependable service centers.

If you need an affordable SUV with bold styling, decent performance, and the latest features, the Nissan Magnite makes a great case. Be sure to check if there is a service centre near you. Either way, no matter which used car you choose from these two, you won’t be disappointed.