Nissan kicks vs dodge journey: the ultimate battle of subcompact suvs
What To Know
- Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration, but the base four-cylinder model achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
- If you’re looking for a compact crossover with a sporty design, good fuel economy, and a high level of standard safety features, the Nissan Kicks is a great choice.
- If you need a more spacious vehicle with seating for up to seven passengers and a more traditional SUV-like appearance, the Dodge Journey is a better option.
The Nissan Kicks and Dodge Journey are two popular compact crossovers that offer a blend of practicality, style, and performance. If you’re in the market for a vehicle in this segment, you’ll likely consider these two options. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Nissan Kicks against the Dodge Journey to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Style
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks boasts a sleek and sporty design with sharp lines and a distinctive front grille. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in urban areas, while its elevated ride height provides a commanding view of the road.
Dodge Journey: The Journey has a more traditional SUV-like appearance with a boxy silhouette and a bold front fascia. It offers a spacious cabin with ample seating for up to seven passengers, making it a good choice for families.
Interior and Features
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks’ interior is well-designed and features high-quality materials. It comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rearview camera. Higher trims offer premium features such as leather seats, a Bose sound system, and a 360-degree camera.
Dodge Journey: The Journey’s interior is spacious and comfortable, but it feels less modern than the Kicks’ cabin. It comes with a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available on higher trims. Features such as navigation, a sunroof, and heated seats are also optional.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option. The Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Dodge Journey: The Journey offers a range of engine options, including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The four-cylinder engines are paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 is mated to a six-speed automatic. All Journey models come standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration, but the base four-cylinder model achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Safety
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Dodge Journey: The Journey has earned a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Good rating in all crash tests conducted by IIHS. However, it has not yet been evaluated for the latest IIHS crash tests, including the small overlap front and side crash tests. Standard safety features include electronic stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.
Price and Value
Nissan Kicks: The Nissan Kicks has a starting price of $20,290 for the base S trim. The top-of-the-line SR trim starts at $23,290.
Dodge Journey: The Dodge Journey has a starting price of $28,995 for the base SE trim. The top-of-the-line GT trim starts at $36,995.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Nissan Kicks and Dodge Journey are two very different vehicles that appeal to different buyers. If you’re looking for a compact crossover with a sporty design, good fuel economy, and a high level of standard safety features, the Nissan Kicks is a great choice. If you need a more spacious vehicle with seating for up to seven passengers and a more traditional SUV-like appearance, the Dodge Journey is a better option.
Additional Considerations:
- Reliability: The Nissan Kicks has a slightly better reliability rating than the Dodge Journey, according to J.D. Power.
- Resale Value: The Nissan Kicks is expected to hold its value better than the Dodge Journey over time.
- Warranty: Both the Nissan Kicks and Dodge Journey come with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
The Dodge Journey offers more powerful engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6 and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
2. Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
The Nissan Kicks has a higher overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.
3. Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
The Dodge Journey has a more spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers.
4. Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
The Nissan Kicks has better fuel economy than the Dodge Journey, especially in the city.
5. Which vehicle has a lower starting price?
The Nissan Kicks has a lower starting price than the Dodge Journey.
