Clash of the compact suvs: nissan kicks vs ford escape – which reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The Nissan Kicks exudes a youthful and sporty aesthetic, featuring angular lines, a sloping roofline, and a prominent V-Motion grille.
- With the CVT, the Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- In terms of safety, the Kicks and Escape both received high ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
In the realm of subcompact crossovers, the Nissan Kicks and Ford Escape stand out as two formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of versatility, efficiency, and style. But which one emerges as the superior choice? This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of the Nissan Kicks vs. Escape debate, examining their key features, performance, and overall value.
Exterior Design
The Nissan Kicks exudes a youthful and sporty aesthetic, featuring angular lines, a sloping roofline, and a prominent V-Motion grille. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
In contrast, the Ford Escape boasts a more rugged and muscular design. Its boxy silhouette, bold grille, and high ground clearance convey a sense of adventure and off-road capability.
Interior Space
Inside, the Nissan Kicks offers ample legroom and headroom for passengers in both rows. Its cargo area provides 25.3 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
The Ford Escape offers slightly more spacious accommodations, with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, the Kicks’ more upright seating position may appeal to some drivers who prefer a commanding view of the road.
Performance
The Nissan Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Escape, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of acceleration, the Ford Escape with the 2.0-liter engine outperforms the Kicks, reaching 60 mph in 6.8 seconds compared to 9.4 seconds. The Escape also offers superior towing capacity, rated at 3,500 pounds versus the Kicks’ 1,500 pounds.
Fuel Economy
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Nissan Kicks holds a slight edge over the Ford Escape. With the CVT, the Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Escape with the 1.5-liter engine returns 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Technology
The Nissan Kicks and Ford Escape both offer a comprehensive suite of infotainment and safety features. The Kicks comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. Available features include an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and Bose audio system.
The Escape also features a 7-inch touchscreen display as standard, along with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system. Available upgrades include an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and Bang & Olufsen audio system.
In terms of safety, the Kicks and Escape both received high ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles offer a range of driver-assistance features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Value
The Nissan Kicks has a starting price of $20,290, while the Ford Escape starts at $26,860. The Kicks offers a more affordable entry point, but the Escape provides more standard features and a more powerful engine. However, the Kicks offers better fuel economy and a more spacious cargo area.
Which One is Right for You?
The Nissan Kicks vs. Escape debate ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, and a spacious cargo area, the Kicks is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more powerful engine, rugged design, and advanced safety features, the Escape may be a better fit.
Wrap-Up: The Ultimate Subcompact Crossover
Both the Nissan Kicks and Ford Escape are exceptional subcompact crossovers that offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and style. The Kicks is an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize efficiency and cargo space, while the Escape appeals to those who seek adventure, power, and advanced technology. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Questions You May Have
1. Which vehicle has a more comfortable interior?
Both the Kicks and Escape offer spacious and comfortable interiors, but the Escape has a slight edge in terms of legroom and headroom.
2. Is the Kicks or Escape more fuel-efficient?
The Nissan Kicks is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Ford Escape, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway compared to the Escape’s 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for the 1.5-liter engine.
3. Which vehicle offers more cargo space?
The Ford Escape offers more cargo space than the Nissan Kicks, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down compared to the Kicks’ 25.3 cubic feet and 53.1 cubic feet, respectively.
4. Is the Kicks or Escape more affordable?
The Nissan Kicks has a lower starting price than the Ford Escape, with an MSRP of $20,290 compared to $26,860.
5. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
The Ford Escape with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Kicks, with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks’ 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.