What To Know
- The Kia Stonic, on the other hand, adopts a more conventional approach with a rounded silhouette and a more traditional grille.
- In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Kicks slightly edges out the Kia Stonic with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- The Stonic, on the other hand, boasts a more upscale interior, a wider range of personalization options, and a higher ground clearance.
The subcompact crossover segment is a highly competitive one, with automakers vying for a slice of the market share. Two of the most popular contenders are the Nissan Kicks and the Kia Stonic. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, style, and affordability, making them attractive options for urban dwellers and adventurous spirits alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Nissan Kicks vs Kia Stonic against each other to determine which one reigns supreme.
Design and Styling
The Nissan Kicks exudes a youthful and sporty vibe with its sharp lines and angular bodywork. The floating roof design adds a touch of flair, while the two-tone color scheme accentuates its playful character. The Kia Stonic, on the other hand, adopts a more conventional approach with a rounded silhouette and a more traditional grille. However, its bold color palette and customizable exterior elements allow for a wide range of personalization options.
Interior and Features
Inside the Nissan Kicks, you’ll find a spacious and well-equipped cabin. The dashboard features a user-friendly layout with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. The Kia Stonic offers a similarly spacious interior with a more upscale design. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system boasts a sleek and intuitive interface. Additionally, the Stonic comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Nissan Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it provides a smooth and efficient driving experience. The Kia Stonic offers two engine options: a 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 100 horsepower and a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 120 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Kicks slightly edges out the Kia Stonic with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Technology
Both the Nissan Kicks and Kia Stonic come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Nissan Kicks offers additional driver assistance technologies such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Kia Stonic counters with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keep assist.
Cargo and Storage
The Nissan Kicks offers a generous 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Kia Stonic provides slightly less cargo capacity with 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 41.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the Stonic offers a higher ground clearance of 6.3 inches compared to the Kicks’ 6.1 inches, making it more suitable for off-road adventures.
Price and Value
The Nissan Kicks starts at an MSRP of $19,990 for the base S trim level. The top-of-the-line SR trim with all-wheel drive retails for $24,880. The Kia Stonic has a slightly higher starting price of $21,990 for the LX trim level. The fully loaded SX trim with all-wheel drive commands an MSRP of $28,490.
Final Verdict
The Nissan Kicks and Kia Stonic are both excellent choices in the subcompact crossover segment. The Kicks offers a more playful design, a spacious and well-equipped cabin, and an impressive fuel economy. The Stonic, on the other hand, boasts a more upscale interior, a wider range of personalization options, and a higher ground clearance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you value style, practicality, and affordability, the Nissan Kicks is a great option. If you prefer a more premium experience, advanced safety features, and a touch of ruggedness, the Kia Stonic is worth considering.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which car has a more powerful engine?
A: The Kia Stonic offers a more powerful turbocharged engine option with 120 horsepower.
Q: Does the Nissan Kicks come with all-wheel drive?
A: Yes, all-wheel drive is available as an option on the Nissan Kicks.
Q: What is the fuel economy of the Kia Stonic?
A: The Kia Stonic has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for the 1.4-liter engine and 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the 1.0-liter turbo engine.
Q: Which car has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Nissan Kicks offers a larger cargo capacity of 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the Kia Stonic’s 16.3 cubic feet.
Q: Does the Kia Stonic offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
A: Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features on the Kia Stonic.