What To Know
- The Nissan Kicks, with its smaller engine, has slightly better fuel economy, earning an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- In terms of value, the GMC Terrain offers a more spacious interior, more powerful engines, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features.
- Whether you choose the GMC Terrain or the Nissan Kicks, you’ll be getting a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, functionality, and performance.
In the fiercely competitive segment of compact SUVs, the GMC Terrain and Nissan Kicks stand out as two formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, functionality, and performance, but which one emerges as the superior choice? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each SUV to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The GMC Terrain offers a choice of two engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, is powered by a single 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the GMC Terrain with the 1.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine drops those numbers to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Kicks, with its smaller engine, has slightly better fuel economy, earning an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the GMC Terrain offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for up to five adults. The dashboard is modern and well-laid out, with a user-friendly infotainment system that features an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
The Nissan Kicks has a more compact interior, but it still manages to provide adequate space for four adults. The dashboard is less impressive than the Terrain’s, with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen and a simpler infotainment system. However, the Kicks does offer some unique features, such as a Bose Personal Plus sound system that delivers immersive audio.
Cargo Capacity and Towing
The GMC Terrain has a generous cargo capacity of 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Nissan Kicks has a smaller cargo area, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats down.
When it comes to towing, the GMC Terrain has the clear advantage. With the 1.5-liter engine, it can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the 2.0-liter engine increases that capacity to 3,500 pounds. The Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, has a maximum towing capacity of just 1,500 pounds.
Safety Features
Both the GMC Terrain and Nissan Kicks come standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. The Terrain offers a more comprehensive suite of advanced safety features as standard, including lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking. The Kicks, on the other hand, offers these features as part of its optional safety packages.
Price and Value
The GMC Terrain has a starting price of $27,200, while the Nissan Kicks starts at $20,290. Both vehicles offer a wide range of trim levels and options, so the final price will vary depending on the configuration you choose.
In terms of value, the GMC Terrain offers a more spacious interior, more powerful engines, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features. The Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price. Which vehicle represents a better value for your money ultimately depends on your individual priorities.
Summary: Which SUV Is Right for You?
The GMC Terrain and Nissan Kicks are both capable compact SUVs, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. The Terrain is more spacious, more powerful, and has a more comprehensive suite of safety features. The Kicks, on the other hand, is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, performance, and safety, the GMC Terrain is the better option. If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient and affordable SUV, the Nissan Kicks is a solid choice.
Summary: The Ultimate Compact SUV Showdown
Whether you choose the GMC Terrain or the Nissan Kicks, you’ll be getting a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, functionality, and performance. The Terrain is the better choice if you value space, power, and safety, while the Kicks is a more fuel-efficient and affordable option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and priorities.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The GMC Terrain offers a more powerful engine option, with 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Nissan Kicks‘ 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which SUV has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The GMC Terrain has a larger cargo capacity of 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, compared to the Nissan Kicks’ 25.3 cubic feet.
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Kicks has a better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, compared to the GMC Terrain‘s 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.