Nissan kicks vs vitara: which compact suv offers the best bang for your buck?

When it comes to compact urban SUVs, the Nissan Kicks and Suzuki Vitara are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, practicality, and affordability, making them ideal for city dwellers and suburban families alike. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Nissan Kicks against the Vitara to determine which one reigns supreme in the urban jungle.

Exterior Design

The Nissan Kicks and Vitara have distinct exterior designs that reflect their respective brands‘ identities. The Kicks boasts a sleek and futuristic aesthetic, with sharp lines and angular accents. Its V-Motion grille and boomerang-shaped headlights give it a sporty and aggressive stance.

The Vitara, on the other hand, has a more rugged and adventurous look. Its boxy shape and upright stance convey a sense of durability and off-road capability. The Vitara’s signature grille and angular headlights add to its rugged charm.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Kicks and Vitara offer spacious and comfortable interiors for their size. The Kicks has a slightly larger cabin, with more headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Its seats are well-bolstered and provide excellent support.

The Vitara’s interior is also spacious, but it feels slightly more cramped than the Kicks. The seats are comfortable, but they lack the same level of support as the Kicks’ seats.

Technology and Features

The Nissan Kicks and Vitara come well-equipped with a range of technology and convenience features. The Kicks features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.

The Vitara also has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It does, however, offer a variety of other features, such as navigation, voice control, and a rearview camera. In terms of safety, the Vitara comes standard with lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Performance and Fuel Economy

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 with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient acceleration. The Kicks has a combined fuel economy rating of 31 mpg.

The Vitara is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The Vitara has a combined fuel economy rating of 29 mpg.

Off-Road Capability

While both the Nissan Kicks and Vitara are designed primarily for urban environments, they both offer some degree of off-road capability. The Kicks has a ground clearance of 6.8 inches and features a traction control system that helps it navigate slippery surfaces.

The Vitara has a ground clearance of 7.5 inches and offers a more advanced all-wheel drive system that provides better traction in off-road conditions. It also features a hill descent control system that helps maintain a safe speed when driving downhill.

Price and Value

The Nissan Kicks starts at $20,890 for the base S model and tops out at $24,990 for the top-of-the-line SR model. The Vitara starts at $22,990 for the base LX model and tops out at $29,490 for the top-of-the-line Limited model.

Final Note

Both the Nissan Kicks and Suzuki Vitara are excellent choices for urban dwellers and suburban families who are looking for a compact SUV that combines style, practicality, and affordability. The Kicks offers a slightly more spacious interior, better fuel economy, and a more advanced safety suite. The Vitara, on the other hand, has a more rugged exterior, better off-road capability, and a more affordable starting price.

Ultimately, the best choice between the Nissan Kicks and Vitara depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, fuel economy, and safety, the Kicks is the better option. If you prioritize ruggedness, off-road capability, and affordability, the Vitara is the better choice.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Which SUV is more spacious?
The Nissan Kicks has a slightly larger cabin than the Vitara, with more headroom and legroom.

2. Which SUV has better fuel economy?
The Nissan Kicks has a combined fuel economy rating of 31 mpg, while the Vitara has a combined fuel economy rating of 29 mpg.

3. Which SUV has a more advanced safety suite?
The Nissan Kicks offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.

4. Which SUV has better off-road capability?
The Suzuki Vitara has better off-road capability than the Nissan Kicks, thanks to its higher ground clearance, more advanced all-wheel drive system, and hill descent control system.

5. Which SUV is more affordable?
The Suzuki Vitara has a more affordable starting price than the Nissan Kicks.