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Which Compact Crossover Reigns Supreme? Ford Escape Vs Nissan Kicks: The Ultimate Showdown

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Ford Escape comes well-equipped with a range of features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver assistance technologies such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
  • The Nissan Kicks also offers a variety of features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a four-speaker audio system, a rearview camera, and a range of driver assistance technologies such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
  • If you’re looking for a compact SUV with a powerful engine, a spacious interior, and a range of available features, the Ford Escape is a great choice.

The Ford Escape and the Nissan Kicks are two compact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, efficiency, and style. Both vehicles have their unique strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to compare them before deciding which one is the best fit for your needs. This comprehensive guide delves into the key aspects of the Ford Escape and Nissan Kicks, providing a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Efficiency

The Ford Escape offers a range of engine options, including a turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that generates 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine gets 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Kicks, with its smaller engine, offers an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Cargo Space

The Ford Escape offers a spacious and comfortable interior with seating for up to five passengers. The front seats provide ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats offer decent legroom and headroom. Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 33.5 cubic feet, which can be expanded to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The Nissan Kicks has a smaller interior compared to the Ford Escape, but it still offers adequate space for four adults. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear seats may feel cramped for taller passengers. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 25.3 cubic feet, which can be expanded to 53.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Features and Technology

The Ford Escape comes well-equipped with a range of features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver assistance technologies such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

The Nissan Kicks also offers a variety of features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a four-speaker audio system, a rearview camera, and a range of driver assistance technologies such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

Safety

Both the Ford Escape and the Nissan Kicks have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Ford Escape earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The Nissan Kicks also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

Price and Value

The Ford Escape has a starting price of $24,885, while the Nissan Kicks has a starting price of $19,070. Both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels and options, so the final price will depend on the specific configuration you choose.

In terms of value, the Nissan Kicks offers a more affordable starting price and comes with a generous list of standard features. However, the Ford Escape offers more powerful engine options, a more spacious interior, and a wider range of available features.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision between the Ford Escape and the Nissan Kicks depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact SUV with a powerful engine, a spacious interior, and a range of available features, the Ford Escape is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with good fuel efficiency and a generous list of standard features, the Nissan Kicks is worth considering.

Deciding Factors to Consider

Here are a few key factors to consider when deciding between the Ford Escape and the Nissan Kicks:

  • Engine Power: The Ford Escape offers more powerful engine options compared to the Nissan Kicks. If you’re looking for a vehicle with more power and acceleration, the Ford Escape is the better choice.
  • Interior Space: The Ford Escape offers a more spacious interior with more headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. If you need a vehicle with more space for passengers and cargo, the Ford Escape is the better choice.
  • Features and Technology: The Ford Escape offers a wider range of available features and technology compared to the Nissan Kicks. If you’re looking for a vehicle with more advanced features and technology, the Ford Escape is the better choice.
  • Price and Value: The Nissan Kicks offers a more affordable starting price and comes with a generous list of standard features. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with good value for money, the Nissan Kicks is the better choice.

Final Verdict

The Ford Escape and the Nissan Kicks are both excellent choices in the compact SUV segment. The Ford Escape offers more powerful engine options, a more spacious interior, and a wider range of available features. The Nissan Kicks offers a more affordable starting price, good fuel efficiency, and a generous list of standard features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape or the Nissan Kicks?

A: The Nissan Kicks has better fuel efficiency than the Ford Escape, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Escape’s 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior, the Ford Escape or the Nissan Kicks?

A: The Ford Escape has a more spacious interior than the Nissan Kicks, with more headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.

Q: Which vehicle offers more advanced features and technology, the Ford Escape or the Nissan Kicks?

A: The Ford Escape offers more advanced features and technology than the Nissan Kicks, including a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a more powerful audio system, and a wider range of available driver assistance technologies.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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