Suv showdown: jeep cherokee vs nissan kicks – which is right for your adventure?
What To Know
- The Nissan Kicks shines in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- Both the Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Kicks come with a range of features and amenities to enhance comfort and convenience.
- The Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, has a more urban and stylish design, featuring sleek lines, a floating roof, and eye-catching colors.
In the competitive world of compact SUVs, the Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Kicks stand out as two popular contenders. Both offer a blend of ruggedness, practicality, and style. But which one emerges victorious in a head-to-head comparison? This comprehensive guide pits the Jeep Cherokee against the Nissan Kicks, analyzing their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Capabilities
Engine and Power:
The Jeep Cherokee offers a range of engine options, including a 2.4L Tigershark engine with 180 horsepower and a 3.2L Pentastar V6 with 271 horsepower. The Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower. In terms of power, the Cherokee has a clear advantage, especially with the V6 option.
Fuel Efficiency:
The Nissan Kicks shines in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Jeep Cherokee, with its larger engines, has lower fuel economy ratings, ranging from 21 mpg in the city to 29 mpg on the highway.
Off-Road Performance:
The Jeep Cherokee boasts legendary off-road capabilities thanks to its Trail Rated badge. It offers advanced features like a Selec-Terrain system, which allows drivers to optimize traction for different terrains. The Nissan Kicks, while not as capable as the Cherokee, still provides decent ground clearance and a suspension tuned for light off-roading.
Interior and Comfort
Space and Versatility:
The Jeep Cherokee offers a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The rear seats fold down to create a generous cargo area, making it practical for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The Nissan Kicks, while smaller, still provides adequate space for its size, with a versatile cargo area that can accommodate various items.
Features and Amenities:
Both the Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Kicks come with a range of features and amenities to enhance comfort and convenience. The Cherokee offers a premium sound system, heated seats, and a large touchscreen infotainment system. The Kicks features a user-friendly infotainment system, a spacious glovebox, and comfortable seats.
Safety Features:
In terms of safety, both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of features. The Jeep Cherokee includes advanced driver-assist systems like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Nissan Kicks provides similar features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
Style and Design
Exterior Design:
The Jeep Cherokee has a rugged and muscular exterior that exudes off-road prowess. Its signature grille, boxy shape, and bold lines give it a distinctive look. The Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, has a more urban and stylish design, featuring sleek lines, a floating roof, and eye-catching colors.
Interior Design:
Inside, the Jeep Cherokee offers a comfortable and functional cabin with high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The Nissan Kicks has a modern and youthful interior, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. Both vehicles offer a range of interior color and trim options to suit different tastes.
Value and Pricing
Starting Price:
The Nissan Kicks has a lower starting price than the Jeep Cherokee, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.
Trim Levels and Features:
Both the Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Kicks offer various trim levels with different features and options. The Cherokee has a wider range of trim levels, including the off-road-oriented Trailhawk model. The Kicks has fewer trim levels but still provides a good mix of features and value.
Resale Value:
The Jeep Cherokee typically has a better resale value than the Nissan Kicks due to its strong brand reputation and off-road capabilities.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Kicks depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize off-road capability, power, and a spacious interior, the Jeep Cherokee is the better choice. However, if fuel efficiency, affordability, and a stylish urban design are your top priorities, the Nissan Kicks might be a more suitable option.
The Bottom Line
The Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Kicks are both excellent compact SUVs with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Cherokee offers unmatched off-road performance and a powerful engine lineup, making it the ideal choice for adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Kicks, on the other hand, stands out with its fuel efficiency, affordability, and stylish design, making it a great option for city dwellers and budget-conscious buyers. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a reliable and enjoyable driving experience from either of these vehicles.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Jeep Cherokee has a higher towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds, while the Nissan Kicks has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds.
Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo space?
A: The Jeep Cherokee offers a larger cargo space of up to 68.3 cubic feet, while the Nissan Kicks has a cargo space of up to 25.3 cubic feet.
Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: Both the Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Kicks offer a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.