Nissan kicks vs volkswagen nivus: which crossover conquers the city streets?
What To Know
- The Nivus, on the other hand, features a more premium and sophisticated interior with soft-touch materials and advanced technology features such as a digital instrument cluster.
- The Nissan Kicks with the CVT transmission achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- The Volkswagen Nivus with the CVT transmission delivers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
The Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Nivus are two popular subcompact SUVs that offer a blend of style, functionality, and affordability. Both vehicles have their unique strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial for buyers to carefully consider their needs and preferences before making a decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of the Nissan Kicks vs Volkswagen Nivus to help you make an informed choice.
Design and Exterior
The Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Nivus adopt distinct design philosophies. The Kicks exudes a bold and sporty appearance with its angular lines, sharp creases, and floating roofline. In contrast, the Nivus boasts a more conventional and sleek silhouette, featuring a sloping roofline and a prominent grille. Both vehicles offer a range of exterior colors and customization options to suit individual tastes.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Nivus provide spacious cabins with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The Kicks offers a modern and intuitive dashboard layout with a user-friendly infotainment system. The Nivus, on the other hand, features a more premium and sophisticated interior with soft-touch materials and advanced technology features such as a digital instrument cluster.
Both SUVs come equipped with an array of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows, and a rearview camera. However, the Nivus offers a wider range of optional features, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a premium sound system.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Nissan Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. The Volkswagen Nivus, on the other hand, is equipped with a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivers 128 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque.
Both vehicles offer a choice between a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a conventional automatic transmission. The Kicks provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, while the Nivus offers slightly better acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Safety and Technology
Safety is a top priority for both the Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Nivus. Both SUVs come equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control.
In terms of technology, the Kicks and Nivus offer a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Nivus, however, offers a more comprehensive suite of ADAS features as part of its optional driver assistance package.
Fuel Efficiency and Cost
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many buyers. The Nissan Kicks with the CVT transmission achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Volkswagen Nivus with the CVT transmission delivers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
The starting price of the Nissan Kicks is slightly lower than that of the Volkswagen Nivus. However, the Kicks offers a more affordable base model with fewer standard features. The Nivus, on the other hand, offers a higher level of standard equipment and more comprehensive safety and technology features.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Nivus depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize style, affordability, and a spacious interior, the Kicks is a great option. If you value premium features, advanced technology, and a more refined driving experience, the Nivus is a more suitable choice.
Takeaways: Navigating the Compact SUV Market
The Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Nivus are both compelling options in the compact SUV segment. Each vehicle offers unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to different buyer preferences. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that best meets your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Volkswagen Nivus offers a slightly larger cargo capacity than the Nissan Kicks, with 17.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats.
Q: Does the Nissan Kicks come with all-wheel drive?
A: No, the Nissan Kicks is only available with front-wheel drive.
Q: Which SUV has the better infotainment system?
A: The Volkswagen Nivus offers a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Nivus more expensive to maintain than the Nissan Kicks?
A: Maintenance costs for the Volkswagen Nivus and Nissan Kicks are comparable. However, the Nivus may require more frequent servicing due to its smaller engine size.
Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: Both the Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Nivus offer a comprehensive warranty covering the powertrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles and the bumper-to-bumper for 3 years or 36,000 miles.