Nissan Magnite has become a notable player in the subcompact SUV market, known for its attractive pricing, modern design, and feature-rich offerings. Today, we will be comparing two popular variants of the 2024 Nissan Magnite: the XE and the XL. By examining their key features, engine specifications, safety aspects, and overall value, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of which variant might best suit your needs.
Key Features and Exterior Design
Starting with the keys, the base model (XE) comes with a manual key. This means you will have to physically lock and unlock your vehicle. No remote center locking is available in this variant. On the other hand, the XL variant offers a remote center locking key with lock and unlock buttons and a Nissan logo on the back, providing added convenience.
Front Profile:
Both variants share a similar front design with a black-colored grille. However, the XL variant includes an extra skid plate with a silver finish, adding a more muscular look to the front profile. This is absent in the XE variant.
Side Profile:
The XE variant features 16-inch normal steel rims without any wheel covers and matte black outside mirrors that are manually foldable and adjustable. It lacks side indicators on the fenders, which are instead placed on the mirrors.
In contrast, the XL variant includes wheel covers, and the outside mirrors are electrically adjustable and foldable with integrated indicators. The XL’s mirrors also come in a gloss black finish, which adds to the aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the XL variant features matte black A-pillars, which are body-colored in the XE variant, providing a more refined look.
Roof and Rear:
Both variants have roof rails, but the XL variant includes a shark-fin antenna, which the XE lacks. The back profiles of both cars are quite similar, but the XL variant stands out with a rear wiper and defogger, features that are missing in the XE.


Interior Features Moving inside, the differences continue to accumulate.
Seating and Trims:
Both variants have fabric seats, but the trim and detailing differ slightly. The door trim in the XL variant has a more polished finish compared to the XE.
Dashboard and Controls:
In the XE variant, the dashboard is basic and somewhat dull, with manual AC controls and no audio system. The instrument cluster is fully digital, similar to the XL, but the steering wheel in the XE lacks mounted controls.
The XL variant, however, comes with an audio system featuring Bluetooth and AUX connectivity, steering-mounted controls for audio and calls, and automatic climate control. These features significantly enhance the driving experience and convenience.
Additional Features:
The XL variant also includes power-adjustable outside mirrors and a rear defogger, which are not available in the XE. These extra features justify the additional cost by offering more comfort and ease of use.
Boot Space and Storage
Both variants offer a similar boot space, but there are minor differences. The spare wheel in the XE is 14 inches, while the XL gets a 15-inch spare. Neither variant includes a parcel tray, but the presence of an audio system in the XL variant adds speakers to the doors, which are absent in the XE.
Safety and Convenience
Safety features like dual airbags come standard in both variants. However, the XL’s remote center locking adds an extra layer of security and convenience, which the manual key of the XE cannot match.
Steering and Controls:
The XL variant’s steering wheel includes controls for the audio system and phone calls, enhancing safety by allowing the driver to keep their hands on the wheel while operating these features. This is particularly beneficial in ensuring minimal distraction while driving.
Driver Assistance:
The XE variant’s side mirrors are manually adjustable, while the XL’s are power-adjustable with integrated indicators, providing better visibility and ease of adjustment.
Engine Specifications
Both the XE and XL variants come with a 1.0-liter engine, available in both non-turbo and turbo petrol options. The non-turbo engine offers 72 PS of power and 96 Nm of torque, while the turbo variant provides 100 PS of power and 160 Nm of torque. The fuel efficiency is similar for both variants, making the XL’s additional features the primary differentiator.
Pricing
The price difference between the XE and XL variants is Rs 115,000. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Nissan Magnite XE: Approximately Rs 6 lakh ex-showroom and Rs 7 lakh on-road in Lucknow.
- Nissan Magnite XL: Approximately Rs 7.4 lakh ex-showroom and Rs 8.1 lakh on-road in Lucknow.
Final Thoughts
Nissan Magnite XE and XL ultimately depends on your priorities and budget. If affordability and basic functionality are your main concerns, the XE variant will serve you well. However, if you seek a more feature-rich and comfortable driving experience, the XL variant is worth the extra investment. Both variants uphold Nissan’s reputation for delivering reliable, stylish, and value-for-money vehicles, ensuring that whichever model you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
Nissan Magnite XL variant offers a significant number of additional features compared to the base XE model. For an extra Rs 115,000, you get remote center locking, wheel covers, electrically adjustable and foldable mirrors with indicators, a more refined interior with an audio system, steering-mounted controls, automatic climate control, and a rear wiper and defogger.
These enhancements not only improve the driving experience but also add to the convenience and safety of the vehicle. If your budget allows, the XL variant is undoubtedly the more value-for-money option, providing numerous features that make it worth the additional investment. However, if you are on a tighter budget, the XE variant still offers a robust set of features at a lower price point.
Both the Nissan Magnite XE and XL are excellent options in the subcompact SUV segment, each catering to different needs and budgets. The XE variant is ideal for buyers seeking an affordable, no-frills vehicle with essential features and reliable performance. It offers great value for money, making it a sensible choice for first-time car buyers or those looking for a second vehicle.