Here’s a detailed comparison between the Nissan Magnite and the Mahindra KUV100 (NXT) — two compact SUVs (or crossover-city cars) that try to deliver urban practicality, style, and affordability. If you’re considering either for city use, this should help you decide which fits your priorities better.
Overview
- Nissan Magnite
Launched in India in 2020, the Magnite is a subcompact crossover that sits under the mid-SUVs in Nissan’s lineup. Its appeal lies in offering modern SUV-like styling, a relatively big boot, and good feature levels, all within a competitive price bracket. HT Auto+5Wikipedia+5India Today+5 - Mahindra KUV100 (NXT)
The KUV100 has been around for longer. Reworked into the “NXT” version, it tries to stay relevant by offering flexible seating (including a 6-seater layout), modest engines, and a low base price. It’s more of a crossover / city car rather than a full SUV. Car and Bike+4Wikipedia+4RushLane+4
Dimensions & Design
| Specification | Magnite | KUV100 NXT |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,994 mm Autocar India+1 | ~3,700 mm HT Auto+1 |
| Width | 1,758 mm Autocar India+1 | ~1,735 mm (varies by variant) HT Auto+1 |
| Height | 1,572 mm Autocar India+1 | ~1,655 mm HT Auto+1 |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm Autocar India+1 | 2,385 mm ETAuto.com+1 |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm Autocar India+1 | 170 mm HT Auto |
What this means in practice:
- Magnite is longer and has a longer wheelbase. This usually translates to more rear-seat legroom and a more stable ride at speed.
- Magnite’s higher ground clearance gives better potential for dealing with rough roads or speed breakers in city or semi-urban conditions.
- KUV100 is a bit taller, which might help visibility, and its more compact length makes maneuvering / parking in tight spaces easier.
Engine, Performance & Fuel Efficiency
| Specification | Magnite | KUV100 NXT |
|---|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol; 1.0-litre turbo petrol HT Auto+3India Today+3Autocar India+3 | 1.2-litre petrol (mFALCON G80) and 1.2-litre diesel (mFALCON D75) HT Auto+3RushLane+3Wikipedia+3 |
| Power / Torque (best petrol / turbo) | ~100 hp & ~152-160 Nm (turbo) Autocar India+2India Today+2 | Petrol: ~82 hp, ~115 Nm; Diesel: ~77 hp, ~190 Nm Car and Bike+2RushLane+2 |
| Transmission options | 5-speed manual; CVT in turbo variants; AMT/automated versions in some trims Autocar India+2India Today+2 | Currently mostly 5-speed manual; automatic/AMT not yet standard (may be planned) Car and Bike+1 |
| Claimed mileage / Fuel Efficiency | About 17.7-20 kmpl (depending on variant) Autocar India+2Car and Bike+2 | ~18.15 kmpl (petrol), ~25.32 kmpl (diesel) RushLane+1 |
Interpretation:
- Magnite’s turbo variant gives a stronger punch especially when merging or overtaking, while the naturally aspirated version is more basic but sufficient for city driving.
- KUV100’s diesel offers excellent torque, which helps if you often carry loads or want a more effortless drive at lower revs. But diesel has higher maintenance and fuel cost plus emissions concerns.
- Fuel efficiency is fairly comparable for petrol versions; KUV100 diesel leads in efficiency but may lose in other areas.
Features & Comfort
Magnite:
- Offers modern features even in mid / upper trims: LED headlamps (in higher trims), wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, 360-degree camera (in top trims), mood lighting, ambient lights, and touchscreen infotainment. India Today+2Autocar India+2
- Boot space is about 336 litres, which is quite generous for this size. India Today+1
- Safety features in higher trims: multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, etc. Autocar India+1
KUV100:
- Simpler, more basic interior especially in lower trims. Features include DRLs, good infotainment (4 speakers + 2 tweeters in many trims), driver seat height adjustment, cooled glove box, etc. Car and Bike+1
- Boot space drops significantly (~243 litres in 6-seater version) due to seating layout. HT Auto+1
- Safety: dual airbags, ABS with EBD, but many premium features are missing or available only in top variants. Car and Bike
Price & Value
- Magnite ex-showroom price ranges from ~ ₹ 6.14 lakh to ~ ₹ 11.76 lakh depending on variant and features. Car and Bike+2Autocar India+2
- KUV100 NXT ex-showroom pricing is significantly lower for its base variants: around ₹ 4.42 lakh for base petrol; ~₹ 5–6+ lakh for higher trims. Diesel versions cost a bit more. RushLane+1
So, for someone on a tighter budget, the KUV100 offers entry into an SUV-look / crossover segment at a lower cost. But at higher trims, the Magnite offers more value with advanced features.
Ride & Handling, Practicality
- Magnite has better ground clearance, larger wheels in many variants (16-inch alloys), which helps over poorly maintained city roads. Also, longer wheelbase typically improves comfort over bumps or potholed roads. Autocar India+1
- KUV100 being shorter and narrower makes it more nimble in tight lanes, easier parking, maybe better urban visibility. But ride might feel less composed at higher speeds or over rough roads.
Seating:
- Magnite is a 5-seater; KUV100 can be had in 6-seater layouts (2+3 or 3+3) in some variants. If you often carry more people, that could tip the scales. RushLane+1
Fuel tank capacity:
- Magnite has a ~ 40-litre tank. India Today+1
- KUV100 has ~ 35 litres. HT Auto
Longer range between fill-ups favors Magnite, especially in turbo or highway conditions.
What Each Does Better
When Magnite is the better choice:
- If you want a more modern car with more premium features (LED lighting, better infotainment, 360-cam etc.).
- If you regularly drive on highways or rougher roads, where ride stability, higher ground clearance, and comfort matter.
- If you want better resale value and a more upmarket feel.
- If features/safety in higher trims are important.
Where KUV100 shines:
- If budget is tight and you want maximum value for your money.
- If you need more seating occasionally — the 6-seater version helps.
- If daily usage is purely city: short trips, frequent parking, lower speeds — smaller size helps.
- If you prefer a simpler, lower‐cost maintenance setup.
Weaknesses / Trade-Offs
Magnite drawbacks:
- The turbo variants cost more. For someone buying middle trims, the jump to get all premium features can be steep.
- Maintenance for turbo / CVT can be more expensive than for basic NA engine and manual boxes.
- Some concern about Nissan’s dealer network, service reach in less major cities, and spare parts costs.
- Fuel efficiency dips more under heavy load / city stop‐go in higher power variants.
KUV100 drawbacks:
- Ride comfort may suffer, especially in 6-seater layout (load distribution) and at speed.
- Lower feature content per rupee especially in safety / convenience.
- Smaller boot especially when more people are aboard.
- Diesel variant, while torquey, comes with its own costs (fuel, filters, etc.). Also emissions / regulatory pressures.
Verdict: Which to Pick Based on Your Priorities
Here’s what I’d recommend depending on what your priorities are:
- If your priority is features + comfort + highway drives occasionally + good resale, go with Magnite. Especially the higher trims of Magnite give a compelling blend of modern tech, decent power (turbo option), safety, and better driving comfort.
- If your priority is low cost (initial & running), city only driving, maybe occasional 6-seater need, then KUV100 NXT might be good enough, especially in lower/mid trims.
- If possible, get a test drive of both, especially in variants you may buy: drive the turbo Magnite, drive the diesel KUV100 (if you’re comfortable with diesel), see how each handles stop start traffic, how smooth the ride/trickiness over bad roads is, parking, etc.
- Also think about long term: resale value, service network, cost of spares, insurance. Magnite has an edge here generally with more recent demand and modern features, but only if you’re willing to pay a bit more upfront or for the higher trims.