Battle of the budget crossovers: nissan kicks vs jac s3 exclusive showdown
What To Know
- The subcompact crossover segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, with automakers vying for the attention of buyers seeking a practical and versatile vehicle.
- The Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the S3 returns 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- The Nissan Kicks has a better fuel economy with 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway compared to the JAC S3’s 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The subcompact crossover segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, with automakers vying for the attention of buyers seeking a practical and versatile vehicle. Two of the most popular contenders in this segment are the Nissan Kicks and the JAC S3. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key features, specifications, and performance aspects of both vehicles to determine which one emerges victorious in the battle of the subcompact crossovers.
Design and Styling
The Nissan Kicks boasts a bold and futuristic design with sharp lines and angles. Its V-Motion grille, boomerang-shaped headlights, and floating roofline give it a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. The JAC S3, on the other hand, adopts a more conservative approach with a traditional SUV silhouette. Its grille is more angular, and its headlights are more conventional.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Kicks offers a spacious and well-equipped cabin with comfortable seating for five. The dashboard features a user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The S3 also provides a spacious interior with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but its materials and overall fit and finish are not quite as refined as those of the Kicks.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. The S3, meanwhile, is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 148 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
On the road, the Kicks delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience. Its suspension is well-tuned for both city and highway driving, providing a comfortable ride without compromising handling. The S3, with its more powerful engine, offers slightly better acceleration and passing power, but its ride quality is somewhat firmer.
Safety and Technology
Both the Kicks and the S3 come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control. The Kicks adds lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring to its safety arsenal. The S3 offers a 360-degree surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert as optional features.
Fuel Economy and Pricing
The Nissan Kicks has a slight edge over the JAC S3 in terms of fuel economy. The Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the S3 returns 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to pricing, the base model Nissan Kicks starts at around $20,000, while the base model JAC S3 starts at around $18,000. However, the Kicks offers a more comprehensive range of standard features and a higher level of refinement.
The Verdict
After a thorough comparison of the Nissan Kicks and the JAC S3, the Nissan Kicks emerges as the overall winner. It offers a more stylish design, a more refined interior, better safety features, and comparable performance. While the S3 is slightly more affordable, its lower price point comes at the cost of some features and a less polished driving experience.
Alternatives to Consider
If you are considering the Nissan Kicks or the JAC S3, you may also want to consider the following alternatives:
- Honda HR-V: A well-rounded subcompact crossover with excellent fuel economy and a spacious interior.
- Hyundai Kona: A stylish and versatile crossover with a range of engine options and advanced safety features.
- Kia Soul: A funky and practical crossover with a spacious cabin and a variety of customization options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The JAC S3 has a more powerful engine with 148 horsepower compared to the Nissan Kicks‘ 122 horsepower.
Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Kicks has a better fuel economy with 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway compared to the JAC S3’s 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, but the Nissan Kicks may have a slight edge in terms of overall passenger and cargo space.
Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: Both vehicles have good safety ratings, but the Nissan Kicks has a slight edge with its standard lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring systems.
Q: Which vehicle is more affordable?
A: The JAC S3 has a lower starting price compared to the Nissan Kicks. However, the Kicks offers a more comprehensive range of standard features and a higher level of refinement.
