Battle of the subcompacts: nissan kicks vs kia rio – which reigns supreme?
What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Kicks with the CVT achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- The Nissan Kicks comes with a generous list of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.
- The Kia Rio also offers a range of standard features, such as a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.
The Nissan Kicks and Kia Rio are two popular compact crossovers that offer a blend of style, practicality, and affordability. However, despite their similarities, these vehicles have distinct features and capabilities that may appeal to different buyers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Nissan Kicks and Kia Rio, evaluating their performance, features, design, and overall value.
Performance
Engine and Powertrain
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). The Kia Rio, on the other hand, offers two engine options: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque or a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Kicks with the CVT achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Kia Rio with the 1.6-liter engine gets slightly better mileage, with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The Rio with the 1.8-liter engine has slightly lower fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
Features
Standard Features
The Nissan Kicks comes with a generous list of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Kia Rio also offers a range of standard features, such as a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. However, it does not include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.
Advanced Safety Features
Both the Nissan Kicks and Kia Rio offer a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Kicks offers a more comprehensive safety package, with features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.
Design
Exterior Styling
The Nissan Kicks features a bold and edgy exterior design, with sharp lines and a distinctive grille. The Kia Rio has a more conservative and understated design, with a sleek and aerodynamic profile. Both vehicles offer a range of exterior color options to choose from.
Interior Space
The Nissan Kicks offers a spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Kia Rio has a slightly smaller interior, but it still provides enough space for most people. Both vehicles offer comfortable seating and a variety of storage compartments.
Value
Pricing
The Nissan Kicks has a starting price of $19,990, while the Kia Rio starts at $16,150. The Rio is the more affordable option, but the Kicks offers more standard features and a more comprehensive safety package.
Warranty
Both the Nissan Kicks and Kia Rio come with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Final Thoughts
The Nissan Kicks and Kia Rio are both excellent compact crossovers that offer a balance of practicality, affordability, and style. However, the Kicks has a slight edge in terms of standard features, advanced safety features, and interior space. The Rio, on the other hand, is more affordable and offers slightly better fuel economy. Ultimately, the best choice between the two vehicles depends on the buyer’s individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
The Kia Rio with the 1.8-liter engine has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Kicks.
Which vehicle has a larger interior?
The Nissan Kicks has a larger interior than the Kia Rio.
Which vehicle has a better warranty?
Both the Nissan Kicks and Kia Rio come with the same warranty coverage.
Which vehicle is more affordable?
The Kia Rio is more affordable than the Nissan Kicks.
Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
The Kia Rio with the 1.6-liter engine has slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Kicks.