VS
At a Glance
Power
84 kW
53 kW
Torque
144 Nm
96 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
12.3 s
21.0 s
Engine
1497 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the KIA Seltos and the Nissan Magnite is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Seltos delivers 84 kW while the Nissan Magnite produces 53 kW. On fuel, the Seltos returns 6.3 l/100km while the Magnite uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R404 995 for the Seltos and R323 900 for the Magnite. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
84 kW
53 kW
Torque
144 Nm
96 Nm
0-100 kph
12.3 s
21.0 s
Top Speed
170 Km/h
150 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
154 g/km
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4365 mm
3995 mm
Width
1800 mm
1758-1938 mm
Height
1620 mm
1571 mm
Wheelbase
2610 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
205 mm
Kerb Weight
1304 Kg
1004 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
433 l
336 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
-
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
6
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
60000km
30000km
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Seltos
Fuel Economy
Magnite
Value
Magnite
Practicality
Seltos
Pros & Cons
KIA Seltos
More powerful engine (84 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (12.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Nissan Magnite
Better fuel economy (5.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R323 900)
Less power than rival (53 kW vs 84 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Seltos or Magnite?
The Seltos uses 6.3 l/100km and the Magnite uses 5.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Magnite is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Seltos or Magnite?
The Seltos produces 84 kW and 144 Nm of torque while the Magnite delivers 53 kW and 96 Nm of torque. The Seltos is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seltos and Magnite?
The Seltos starts from R404 995 and the Magnite from R323 900. The Magnite is cheaper by R81 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Seltos or Magnite?
The Seltos has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the Magnite can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Seltos or the Magnite?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider