VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
74 kW
Torque
250 Nm
160 Nm
Fuel
5.2 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Towing
900 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
12.0 s
11.7 s
Engine
1493 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 85 kW while the Nissan Magnite produces 74 kW. On fuel, the Seltos returns 5.2 l/100km while the Magnite uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R561 995 for the Seltos and R329 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
85 kW
74 kW
Torque
250 Nm
160 Nm
0-100 kph
12.0 s
11.7 s
Top Speed
175 Km/h
173 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1493 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.2 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
125 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4365 mm
3995 mm
Width
1800 mm
1758-1938 mm
Height
1620 mm
1572 mm
Wheelbase
2610 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
205 mm
Kerb Weight
1382 Kg
1071 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
433 l
336 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
900 Kg
-
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ 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
KIA Seltos
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Seltos
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
Magnite
Practicality
Seltos
Pros & Cons
KIA Seltos
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (900 Kg)
Higher starting price
Nissan Magnite
Lower starting price (R329 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (11.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (5.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (74 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Seltos or Magnite?
The Seltos uses 5.2 l/100km and the Magnite uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Seltos 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 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the Magnite delivers 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque. The Seltos is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seltos and Magnite?
The Seltos starts from R561 995 and the Magnite from R329 900. The Magnite is cheaper by R232 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 900 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