Ultimate suv showdown: nissan kicks vs. suzuki vitara – who will conquer off-road trails?
What To Know
- The Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the Vitara gets 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the naturally aspirated engine.
- Both the Nissan Kicks and the Suzuki Vitara offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
- Both the Nissan Kicks and the Suzuki Vitara offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Vitara has a slight edge with features like adaptive cruise control.
In the realm of compact SUVs, two formidable contenders stand out: the Nissan Kicks and the Suzuki Vitara. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of style, functionality, and affordability, making them popular choices among urban dwellers and adventure enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these two SUVs to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The Nissan Kicks boasts a bold and futuristic exterior design that sets it apart from the crowd. Its sculpted body lines, sharp angles, and distinctive V-Motion grille create a sporty and aggressive stance. In contrast, the Suzuki Vitara exudes a more rugged and utilitarian aesthetic. Its boxy shape, pronounced wheel arches, and angular headlights convey a sense of adventure and off-road capability.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside the cabins, the Nissan Kicks offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard features a user-friendly layout with a large touchscreen infotainment system, while the seats provide comfortable support. The Suzuki Vitara‘s interior is equally spacious and practical, with a focus on durability and functionality. Its high seating position offers excellent visibility, and the controls are intuitively placed within reach.
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. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and responsive acceleration. The Suzuki Vitara offers a choice of two engines: a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. The naturally aspirated engine produces 115 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged engine delivers 138 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Kicks slightly edges out the Suzuki Vitara. The Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the Vitara gets 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the naturally aspirated engine. The turbocharged Vitara has slightly lower fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Both the Nissan Kicks and the Suzuki Vitara offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety features on the Kicks include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Vitara also comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Off-Road Capabilities
While both vehicles are primarily designed for urban driving, they also offer some off-road capabilities. The Nissan Kicks features an optional all-wheel-drive system that provides improved traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. The Suzuki Vitara offers a more advanced all-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential, which enhances its off-road performance.
Price and Value
The Nissan Kicks has a starting price of $20,290 for the base S trim. The Suzuki Vitara is slightly more expensive, with a starting price of $21,995 for the base LX trim. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Nissan Kicks and the Suzuki Vitara are both excellent subcompact SUVs that offer a blend of style, practicality, and affordability. If you prioritize bold design, fuel economy, and a comfortable interior, the Nissan Kicks is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a more rugged and off-road capable SUV with a spacious cabin, the Suzuki Vitara is the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Suzuki Vitara with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Kicks.
Q: Which SUV gets better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Kicks gets slightly better fuel economy than the Suzuki Vitara, especially in the city.
Q: Which vehicle offers more advanced safety features?
A: Both the Nissan Kicks and the Suzuki Vitara offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Vitara has a slight edge with features like adaptive cruise control.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Suzuki Vitara offers more advanced off-road capabilities with its locking center differential.
Q: Which vehicle is more affordable?
A: The Nissan Kicks has a slightly lower starting price than the Suzuki Vitara.
