Nissan Philippines recently previewed some of its upcoming new models at 2024 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). The Japanese carmaker’s showcase included its entry-level mini-SUV, the Magnite, and for this comparo, we will be pitting it against another newcomer to this segment: the Kia Sonet.
Nissan Magnite vs. Kia Sonet
The Magnite measures 3,994mm long, 1,758mm wide, and 1,572mm tall; this makes it 116mm shorter, 32mm narrower, and 70mm lower than the Sonet. It rides on a 2,501mm wheelbase, which is just 1mm longer between the axles compared with the baby Kia SUV.
The Magnite also has a 186mm ground clearance, or 19mm less than the Sonet’s. Meanwhile, its 25.2-inch-diameter 195/60 R6 tires are 0.3 inches larger than the Kia’s 205/55 R16 rubber.
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Nissan Magnite vs. Toyota Raize
We’re throwing in a bonus size comparo: The Magnite against Toyota’s popular Raize. The Nissan is 36mm shorter, 48mm wider, and 33mm lower than the baby Toyota SUV. Its ground clearance is 14mm less than the Raize’s, while its tires are 1.5 inches smaller than the Raize’s 26.7-inch-diameter 205/60 R17 tires.
Here’s an overview of the featured entry-level mini-SUVs in this comparo. The Nissan Magnite was first previewed in concept form in mid-2020. In December 2020, it was launched in India and Indonesia. While it was initially only available in right-hand-drive markets, it will soon be made available for left-hand-drive markets. All Magnite variants are powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged in-line-three that puts out 99hp and a healthy 160Nm of torque. A facelifted 2025 Magnite was recently unveiled in India, but no official word yet if or when the refreshed model will reach Southeast Asia. Here’s a little trivia: In India, the Magnite has a mechanical twin called the Renault Kiger.
The Kia Sonet made its debut in August 2020, and received a refresh for the 2024 model year. The restyled front and rear incorporate elements from the brand’s latest design language. All Philippine-spec Sonet variants get a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline mill that produces 113hp and 144Nm of torque.
Finally, the Toyota Raize had its global reveal in November 2019, and it was launched in the Philippine market in February 2022. Lower and mid variants are equipped with an 87hp 1.2-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, while the top variant you see in this comparo is motivated by a 1.0-liter turbo-three powerplant that makes 97hp and 140Nm of torque.
What do you think of Nissan’s entry-level Magnite mini-SUV? Would you consider it over the Sonet and the Raize when it lands on our shores? Let us know in the comments.
