Nissan Gravite Review: Better safe than sorry?

Nissan has long been a one-product company in India, with the Magnite doing all the heavy lifting. The X-Trail did make a brief appearance, but it was here to stay…in the showrooms. With three new products planned for launch in the country by 2027, Nissan seems to be pulling its socks up, and the first of the three has already arrived – the new Nissan Gravite.

But has Nissan played it too safe with the Gravite, or does it have enough to make a mark of its own? Let’s find out.

Nissan Gravite Review: Exterior Styling

When you think of the Gravite, the Triber naturally comes to mind. Compared to its Renault sibling, the Gravite features heftier styling elements on the exterior, such as a wider front grille with hexagonal slits, C-shaped panels on the front and rear bumpers, and a more aggressive overall stance. All of these come together to give the Gravite a more SUV-ish vibe.

The wheel designs are also different, and the higher-spec trims get steel covers that resemble the EV-like aero wheel designs of today. While some elements feel slightly overdone, the design is far from an eyesore and looks fairly distinct from the Triber’s. 

Nissan Gravite Review: Interior & Features

Step inside and you’d be hard-pressed to tell the Gravite from the Triber. The dashboard layout is nearly identical. However, the Gravite gets semi-leatherette seats with livelier colours – like the cream and cyan combo on our test car – which feel more premium than those in the Triber. The steering wheel also comes with a full leather wrap. The driver gets a movable armrest that enhances comfort on longer journeys, though it should have also been offered for the co-driver.

The seats are fairly comfortable, and the second row gets both sliding and reclining functions. If only it had a centre armrest, it would have made for a great car to be driven around in. The third row also offers decent space, and it can also seat two adults, which is commendable given the sub-4 metre footprint of the MPV. The seats here can also be fully detached with a couple of quick moves, freeing up space in the boot. There are AC vents in all three rows, too. 

Speaking of features, you get front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, cooled storage spaces, cruise control (only with MT), a touchscreen unit with wireless smartphone connectivity, automatic headlamps and wipers – all of that in a sub-10 lakh rupee car. On-road. In its top-spec trim. 

There’s also additional equipment that you might notice in the pictures – such as JBL speakers, dual dashcam, and ambient lighting – but all of that is part of the Launch Edition trim, which is limited to 1,001 units. 

Nissan Gravite Review: Performance & Ride Quality

The powertrain is perhaps the weakest link in what is otherwise a great package. There’s a single engine option on offer – a 1.0-litre three-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that puts out 71bhp and 96Nm of peak torque. While it is adequate for the city, you feel a noticeable lack of power out on the highway. 

Overtakes are fine, as long as they are planned three business days in advance. High speed stability is decent, but getting to those high speeds is somewhat of a challenge. The subpar AMT accentuates the lack of power, and it makes you work harder than you should have to. The 5-speed manual should be your default choice of transmission, even if you primarily drive in the city, as the experience is significantly better than the AMT. The steering is also vague, though its lightness works in its favour while manoeuvring through tight lanes.

NVH levels aren’t too impressive, either. The engine can be heard inside the cabin at all times, and road noise also filters in quite often. However, for the price bracket that the Gravite sits in, the refinement levels are acceptable and not a deal breaker.

One aspect Nissan has got spot on is the ride quality. The MPV just glides over bad roads and absorbs most undulations with ease. Even at higher speeds, the ride leaves no room for complaint. There is a good amount of body roll, though, due to the tallboy design. 

Nissan Gravite Review: Verdict

So, has Nissan played it too safe? Well, essentially, the Gravite is a Triber at its core, but it feels more refined in terms of its in-cabin experience and perceived quality – while also being cheaper. For a car priced between Rs 5.65 to Rs 8.35 lakh (ex-showroom), the Gravite delivers insane value for money, and scores high on the practicality quotient. While it could certainly do with more power and a wider range of powertrain options, it makes up for those shortcomings with space, ride quality, and features. It is still a safe bet – but safe isn’t always sorry.