Nissan kicks vs. honda fit: the battle of the compact crossovers

The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new models and updates being released every year. In the compact crossover and hatchback segment, two popular choices are the Nissan Kicks and the Honda Fit. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of features, performance, and affordability, but which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of the Nissan Kicks vs. Honda Fit, helping you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design: Style and Substance

The Nissan Kicks and Honda Fit present distinct exterior designs that reflect their respective brands’ philosophies. The Kicks boasts a bold and muscular stance, with sharp lines and aggressive angles. Its front fascia is dominated by a V-Motion grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights and fog lights. The rear end features a sloping roofline and wraparound taillights, giving it a sporty and modern look.

In contrast, the Honda Fit exudes a more understated and practical aesthetic. Its boxy silhouette maximizes interior space, while its smooth curves and rounded edges create a friendly and approachable appearance. The front grille is simple yet elegant, with chrome accents and LED headlights. The rear end features large taillights and a tailgate spoiler, adding a touch of sportiness.

Interior Comfort and Convenience

Stepping inside the Nissan Kicks and Honda Fit reveals two very different approaches to interior design. The Kicks offers a spacious and well-equipped cabin, with comfortable seats and plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard is modern and intuitive, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration.

The Honda Fit, on the other hand, emphasizes practicality and versatility. Its interior is surprisingly spacious, with a versatile seating arrangement that allows for multiple configurations. The rear seats can be folded down to create a flat load floor, making it easy to transport large items. The dashboard is simple and functional, with a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Bluetooth connectivity.

Performance and Handling: Power and Efficiency

Under the hood, 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 efficient power delivery. The Kicks offers a comfortable and stable ride, with responsive handling and adequate acceleration for daily driving.

The Honda Fit is equipped with a smaller 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 119 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also mated to a CVT, providing similar fuel efficiency to the Kicks. However, the Fit feels more agile and sporty, with sharper handling and a more engaging driving experience.

Safety Features: Protecting You and Your Passengers

Both the Nissan Kicks and Honda Fit are equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect you and your passengers. The Kicks comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also offers optional features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

The Honda Fit matches the Kicks’ safety offerings, with standard features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also includes additional features such as forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.

Fuel Economy and Emissions: Saving Money and Preserving the Environment

Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many buyers in the compact crossover and hatchback segment. The Nissan Kicks delivers an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive slightly reduces fuel economy to 30 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The Honda Fit is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Kicks, with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.

Price and Value: Getting the Most for Your Money

The Nissan Kicks starts at a base price of around $20,000, while the Honda Fit has a slightly lower base price of around $17,000. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, so the final price will vary depending on your specific needs and preferences.

When comparing the value of these two vehicles, it’s important to consider not only the purchase price but also the long-term cost of ownership. Factors such as fuel economy, maintenance costs, and resale value should all be taken into account.

Which Vehicle is Right for You: Making the Final Decision

The Nissan Kicks and Honda Fit are both excellent choices in the compact crossover and hatchback segment. The Kicks offers a bold and stylish design, a spacious and well-equipped interior, and a comfortable ride. The Fit, on the other hand, emphasizes practicality and versatility, with a roomy and flexible interior, impressive fuel economy, and agile handling.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize style and comfort, the Nissan Kicks is an excellent option. If you value practicality, fuel efficiency, and a fun-to-drive experience, the Honda Fit is the better choice.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?

The Honda Fit has a larger cargo capacity than the Nissan Kicks, with 52.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down. The Kicks has 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

2. Which vehicle has a better infotainment system?

Both vehicles offer similar infotainment systems, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, the Nissan Kicks has a slightly larger touchscreen (7 inches vs. 5 inches) and offers optional features such as navigation and a premium audio system.

3. Which vehicle has a more comfortable ride?

The Nissan Kicks has a more comfortable ride than the Honda Fit, with a softer suspension that absorbs bumps and road imperfections better. The Fit has a firmer suspension that provides more responsive handling but may be less comfortable on rough roads.