Urban explorers: nissan kicks vs kona – city-friendly suvs compared
What To Know
- 0-liter engine gets an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged Kona gets 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, with the top-of-the-line Kicks SR priced at $26,990 and the Kona Ultimate priced at $29,600.
- While the Kicks provides a more affordable option with a spacious interior and good fuel economy, the Kona boasts a bolder design, more powerful engine options, and a more engaging driving experience.
In the realm of compact crossovers, the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona stand as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, style, and performance, making them popular choices for urban dwellers and adventure-seekers alike. However, discerning buyers may wonder which crossover reigns supreme in various aspects. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Styling
The Nissan Kicks boasts a sleek and futuristic design, with sharp angles and a sloping roofline. Its V-Motion grille and boomerang-shaped headlights give it a distinctive presence on the road. In contrast, the Hyundai Kona adopts a more rugged and adventurous look, featuring a boxy silhouette and pronounced fenders. Its split-headlight design and cascading grille exude a sense of boldness and off-road capability.
Interior and Features
Inside the Nissan Kicks, you’ll find a spacious and well-equipped cabin. The dashboard features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera as standard. Higher trim levels offer additional amenities such as leather upholstery, heated seats, and a Bose audio system.
The Hyundai Kona’s interior is equally impressive, with a modern and driver-centric design. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display is available on higher trims. The Kona also offers ample storage space and comfortable seats.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Nissan Kicks comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and responsive acceleration. The Hyundai Kona, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, or a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of handling, the Nissan Kicks provides a comfortable and composed ride, with minimal body roll. The Hyundai Kona offers a more dynamic and engaging driving experience, with precise steering and responsive handling.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many buyers. The Nissan Kicks delivers an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Hyundai Kona with the 2.0-liter engine gets an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged Kona gets 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Both the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Kicks comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Kona offers similar safety features, along with optional features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Price and Value
The Nissan Kicks has a starting price of $20,540, while the Hyundai Kona starts at $21,150. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, with the top-of-the-line Kicks SR priced at $26,990 and the Kona Ultimate priced at $29,600. When it comes to value, the Kicks offers a more affordable entry point with a comparable level of features.
The Verdict: Which Crossover Reigns Supreme?
The Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona are both excellent compact crossovers that offer a compelling blend of style, practicality, and performance. While the Kicks provides a more affordable option with a spacious interior and good fuel economy, the Kona boasts a bolder design, more powerful engine options, and a more engaging driving experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Nissan Kicks Pros:
- Affordable starting price
- Spacious interior
- Good fuel economy
- Standard safety features
Nissan Kicks Cons:
- Less powerful engine
- CVT transmission can be noisy
Hyundai Kona Pros:
- Bold and rugged design
- Powerful engine options
- Precise handling
- Optional advanced safety features
Hyundai Kona Cons:
- Higher starting price
- Less interior space
- Lower fuel economy than the Kicks
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which crossover has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Nissan Kicks has a cargo capacity of 25.3 cubic feet, while the Hyundai Kona offers 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
Q: Which crossover offers a panoramic sunroof?
A: Only the Hyundai Kona offers a panoramic sunroof as an optional feature.
Q: Which crossover has a better warranty?
A: Both the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona come with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
