Subaru impreza vs nissan kicks: a face-off of features, performance, and style
What To Know
- While the Impreza boasts more power, the Kicks offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway compared to the Impreza’s 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- The Impreza received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick++ by IIHS, while the Kicks earned a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.
- The Nissan Kicks gets better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway compared to the Impreza’s 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
The automotive market is teeming with an array of compact crossovers, each vying for the attention of discerning consumers. Among the contenders, the Subaru Impreza and the Nissan Kicks stand out as formidable options. Both offer a compelling blend of versatility, affordability, and performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Subaru Impreza and the Nissan Kicks, exploring their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Powertrain
The Subaru Impreza is powered by a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. While the Impreza boasts more power, the Kicks offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway compared to the Impreza’s 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Subaru Impreza is renowned for its excellent handling, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system and a well-tuned suspension. It provides a balanced and responsive driving experience, especially on winding roads. The Nissan Kicks, while not as agile as the Impreza, offers a comfortable ride quality, making it a suitable choice for daily commutes and long road trips.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Subaru Impreza and the Nissan Kicks offer spacious and comfortable interiors for their size. The Impreza has slightly more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats, making it a better option for taller passengers. However, the Kicks has a larger cargo capacity, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the Impreza’s 20.8 cubic feet.
Technology and Features
The Subaru Impreza comes standard with an intuitive infotainment system featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Nissan Kicks offers a similar infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, but it lacks Android Auto compatibility. Both vehicles offer a range of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Subaru Impreza and the Nissan Kicks have earned impressive safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Impreza received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick++ by IIHS, while the Kicks earned a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.
Cost and Value
The Subaru Impreza has a starting price of $19,795, while the Nissan Kicks starts at $19,990. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels with varying features and amenities, so the actual price will depend on the specific model you choose. In terms of value, the Impreza offers more standard features and a better driving experience, while the Kicks provides better fuel economy and a larger cargo capacity.
Which One is Right for You?
The Subaru Impreza and the Nissan Kicks are both excellent compact crossovers with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize performance, handling, and safety, the Subaru Impreza is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient vehicle with a spacious cargo area, the Nissan Kicks is a solid option. Ultimately, the best way to decide which vehicle is right for you is to test drive both models and compare them based on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Impreza has a more powerful engine, with 152 horsepower compared to the Nissan Kicks’ 122 horsepower.
Q: Which vehicle gets better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Kicks gets better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway compared to the Impreza’s 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Nissan Kicks has a larger cargo capacity, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the Impreza’s 20.8 cubic feet.
Q: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: Both the Subaru Impreza and the Nissan Kicks have earned impressive safety ratings and reliability scores, so there isn’t a significant difference in reliability between the two vehicles.
Q: Which vehicle is more affordable?
A: The Subaru Impreza and the Nissan Kicks have similar starting prices, with the Impreza starting at $19,795 and the Kicks starting at $19,990.