Safety and technology face-off: nissan kicks vs kia soul – which protects you better?
What To Know
- The Kicks is rated for an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the CVT.
- 0-liter engine gets 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission, while the CVT improves those figures to 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- The Soul, on the other hand, provides even more interior space, a wider range of powertrain options, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
In the compact crossover SUV market, the Nissan Kicks and the Kia Soul stand out as two popular choices. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, practicality, and affordability, making them ideal for urban dwellers and families alike. In this detailed comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Nissan Kicks and the Kia Soul to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Exterior Design
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks features a sporty and youthful exterior with sharp lines and angular accents. Its bold V-Motion grille, boomerang-shaped headlights, and floating roof give it a distinctive presence on the road.
Kia Soul: The Soul, on the other hand, has a boxier and more retro-inspired design. Its squared-off shape, upright stance, and iconic “tiger nose” grille lend it a unique and recognizable appearance.
Interior Space and Features
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks offers a surprisingly spacious interior for its compact size. It features ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard is modern and well-laid-out, with a user-friendly infotainment system.
Kia Soul: The Soul’s boxy shape translates into even more interior space than the Kicks. It boasts generous legroom and cargo capacity, making it a great choice for families or those who need extra storage. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, with numerous storage compartments and a configurable center console.
Powertrain and Performance
Nissan Kicks: The 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) and front-wheel drive.
Kia Soul: The Soul offers a wider range of powertrain options. The base model is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT. Higher trim levels offer a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Fuel Economy
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks is rated for an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the CVT.
Kia Soul: The Soul’s fuel economy varies depending on the powertrain. The base 2.0-liter engine gets 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission, while the CVT improves those figures to 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine gets 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trim levels add features such as adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.
Kia Soul: The Soul also offers a comprehensive range of safety features. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trim levels add features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Price and Value
Nissan Kicks: The Nissan Kicks has a starting price of $20,290 for the base S trim. The top-of-the-line SR trim starts at $23,990.
Kia Soul: The Kia Soul has a starting price of $19,490 for the base LX trim. The top-of-the-line Turbo trim starts at $29,490.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Nissan Kicks and the Kia Soul are both excellent choices in the compact crossover SUV segment. The Kicks offers a sporty and stylish exterior, a spacious interior, and a fuel-efficient engine. The Soul, on the other hand, provides even more interior space, a wider range of powertrain options, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a stylish and affordable SUV with good fuel economy, the Nissan Kicks is a great option. If you need more space, power, or safety features, the Kia Soul is a better choice.
Beyond the Comparison: Unique Features
Nissan Kicks:
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Available Bose Personal Plus sound system
- Optional ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system
Kia Soul:
- Available Harman Kardon premium audio system
- Optional panoramic sunroof
- X-Line trim for added off-road capability
Final Thoughts: Making an Informed Decision
Whether you choose the Nissan Kicks or the Kia Soul, you’re getting a reliable and well-equipped compact crossover SUV. By carefully considering the differences between these two vehicles, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which vehicle has a better warranty?
Both the Nissan Kicks and the Kia Soul offer a comprehensive warranty package. The Nissan Kicks comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Kia Soul comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2. Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
The Nissan Kicks has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the Kia Soul has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
3. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
The Kia Soul offers a more powerful engine option than the Nissan Kicks. The Soul’s 1.6-liter turbocharged engine produces 201 horsepower, while the Kicks’ 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces 122 horsepower.