Kia Sonet vs Nissan Magnite
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 67% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Sonet | Magnite | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 299 995 | R 252 200 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 243/m | R 4 408/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 83% | 83% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 201 908 | R 169 740 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 98 087 | R 82 460 |
| Value after 5 years | R 161 120 | R 135 450 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Kia Sonet →
Kia's Indian-built compact crossover has been a steady seller since 2021 and shares its platform with the Hyundai Venue. The unstressed 1.5 petrol keeps running costs low, and a panel van derivative targets small businesses. Consistent demand keeps used prices reasonably firm for the class.
Known for: practical compact crossover value
Nissan Magnite →
Launched in April 2021, the Indian-built Magnite gave Nissan a foothold in the budget compact SUV boom. Sharp pricing and a 6-year/150,000 km warranty quickly made it the brand's best-selling passenger car. A 2024 facelift added updated styling and even a panel van version.
Known for: aggressive pricing and a long warranty
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Sonet or the Nissan Magnite?
They are close to inseparable: 67% vs 67% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Kia Sonet loses about R 98 087 over three years and the Nissan Magnite loses about R 82 460. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Kia Sonet runs about R 5 243 per month and the Nissan Magnite about R 4 408, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.