What To Know
- The Kicks excels in this area, achieving an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with its CVT transmission.
- The Kicks offers a more affordable entry point, while the Crosstrek provides additional standard features and a more powerful engine at a slightly higher cost.
- The Crosstrek, on the other hand, offers a more rugged aesthetic, a more powerful engine, and a wider range of safety features.
In the realm of compact crossovers, two formidable contenders stand tall: the Nissan Kicks and the Subaru Crosstrek. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and adventure-ready capabilities. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these two rivals, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect compact crossover for your needs.
1. Exterior Design: Style vs. Ruggedness
The Kicks boasts a sleek and modern exterior, featuring sharp lines and a sporty stance. Its angular headlights and floating roofline give it a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. In contrast, the Crosstrek exudes a more rugged and adventurous aesthetic, with pronounced wheel arches and a higher ground clearance. Its X-shaped grille and dark plastic cladding lend it a more utilitarian appeal.
2. Interior Space and Comfort: Room for Adventure
Both the Kicks and Crosstrek offer spacious interiors for their size. The Kicks boasts a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Its supportive seats and intuitive dashboard layout enhance overall comfort. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, features a more rugged and functional interior, with durable materials and a higher seating position. It also offers more cargo space than the Kicks, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Powertrain and Performance: Efficiency vs. Adventure
The Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The Crosstrek offers a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed manual or CVT transmission, allowing for more spirited driving.
4. Fuel Economy: Saving at the Pump
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for compact crossovers. The Kicks excels in this area, achieving an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with its CVT transmission. The Crosstrek, despite its larger engine, still offers respectable fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with its CVT transmission.
5. Safety Features: Confidence on the Road
Both the Kicks and Crosstrek offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to keep drivers and passengers protected. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Crosstrek, however, boasts additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
6. Technology and Connectivity: Staying Connected
The Kicks and Crosstrek come equipped with modern infotainment systems. The Kicks features a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, providing seamless smartphone connectivity. The Crosstrek offers a larger 8-inch touchscreen with similar connectivity features, as well as a premium Harman Kardon sound system for an immersive audio experience.
7. Price and Value: Bang for Your Buck
Pricing for the Kicks starts at around $20,000, while the Crosstrek begins at approximately $23,000. The Kicks offers a more affordable entry point, while the Crosstrek provides additional standard features and a more powerful engine at a slightly higher cost. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and budget.
The Verdict: Choosing the Perfect Crossover
The Nissan Kicks and Subaru Crosstrek are both exceptional compact crossovers that offer a unique blend of style, practicality, and efficiency. The Kicks stands out with its sleek design, fuel-efficient engine, and affordable price. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, offers a more rugged aesthetic, a more powerful engine, and a wider range of safety features.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Nissan Kicks vs. Crosstrek depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize style, fuel efficiency, and affordability, the Kicks is an excellent option. However, if you crave adventure, desire a more powerful engine, and value safety features, the Crosstrek is the superior choice.
Popular Questions
Q: Which crossover has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek offers more cargo space than the Nissan Kicks.
Q: Which crossover has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has a more powerful 2.0-liter engine than the Nissan Kicks‘ 1.6-liter engine.
Q: Which crossover is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Nissan Kicks is more fuel-efficient than the Subaru Crosstrek, achieving up to 36 mpg on the highway with its CVT transmission.
Q: Which crossover offers more standard safety features?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek boasts a wider range of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and automatic high beams.
Q: Which crossover has a better infotainment system?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek features a larger 8-inch touchscreen and a premium Harman Kardon sound system, providing a more immersive audio experience.