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Compact supremacy: analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of nissan kicks vs. toyota corolla

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla to help you determine which one is the better choice for your needs.
  • In terms of fuel efficiency, the Nissan Kicks has a slight edge over the Toyota Corolla, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city / 36 mpg highway compared to 30 mpg city / 38 mpg highway for the Corolla.
  • If you prioritize a more conservative and refined exterior, comfortable and supportive seats, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, the Toyota Corolla is a better option.

When it comes to compact crossovers, two of the most popular choices are the Nissan Kicks and the Toyota Corolla. Both vehicles offer a spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel efficiency, making them ideal for everyday commutes and family adventures. However, each vehicle has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla to help you determine which one is the better choice for your needs.

Exterior Design

The Nissan Kicks boasts a bold and sporty exterior design with sharp lines and a distinctive grille. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while its elevated ride height provides a commanding view of the road. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla has a more conservative and elegant exterior with a sleek silhouette and refined curves. Its lower stance gives it a more car-like feel, but it still offers ample ground clearance for light off-roading.

Interior Comfort and Space

Both the Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla offer spacious and comfortable interiors for passengers of all sizes. The Kicks has a more upright seating position that provides excellent headroom and legroom, even for taller individuals. It also features a generous amount of cargo space, making it suitable for carrying groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The Corolla, on the other hand, has a more traditional seating position with slightly less headroom and legroom. However, it offers a more comfortable and supportive front seat design.

Technology and Connectivity

The Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla are well-equipped with modern technology and connectivity features. The Kicks comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also offers a range of advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Corolla has a slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with similar connectivity options. However, it offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and road sign recognition.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Nissan 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) that provides smooth and efficient acceleration. The Toyota Corolla has a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It is available with either a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Nissan Kicks has a slight edge over the Toyota Corolla, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city / 36 mpg highway compared to 30 mpg city / 38 mpg highway for the Corolla.

Safety Features

Both the Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Kicks received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all IIHS crash tests. The Corolla also received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all but one IIHS crash test.

Price and Value

The Nissan Kicks has a starting price of $20,190, while the Toyota Corolla has a starting price of $20,425. Both vehicles offer a wide range of trim levels and options, allowing you to customize them to your specific needs and budget. When comparing similar trim levels, the Nissan Kicks is typically slightly less expensive than the Toyota Corolla. However, the Corolla offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features as standard, which may make it a better value for some buyers.

Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between the Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla ultimately depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you value a bold and sporty exterior design, spacious interior, and excellent fuel efficiency, the Nissan Kicks is a great choice. If you prioritize a more conservative and refined exterior, comfortable and supportive seats, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, the Toyota Corolla is a better option. Both vehicles offer excellent value for their respective price points, ensuring that you can find a compact crossover that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

The Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla are two of the most popular compact crossovers on the market, and for good reason. They offer a combination of practicality, comfort, and affordability that makes them ideal for a wide range of drivers. Whether you prefer the bold and sporty style of the Kicks or the more conservative and refined design of the Corolla, you can’t go wrong with either choice. Ultimately, the best way to decide which one is right for you is to take both vehicles for a test drive and see which one better aligns with your individual preferences and needs.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Toyota Corolla has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Kicks, with 169 horsepower compared to 122 horsepower.

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency?
A: The Nissan Kicks has slightly better fuel efficiency than the Toyota Corolla, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city / 36 mpg highway compared to 30 mpg city / 38 mpg highway.

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, but the Nissan Kicks has a more upright seating position that provides slightly more headroom and legroom.

Q: Which vehicle has a better infotainment system?
A: The Toyota Corolla has a slightly larger infotainment system than the Nissan Kicks, but both vehicles offer similar connectivity options and a user-friendly interface.

Q: Which vehicle has more safety features?
A: The Toyota Corolla offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features as standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and road sign recognition.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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