Compact Suv Showdown: Nissan Rogue Vs Nissan Kicks – Which One Reigns Supreme?

In the competitive compact SUV segment, the Nissan Rogue and Nissan Kicks stand out as two popular choices for drivers seeking versatility, efficiency, and a comfortable ride. Both vehicles offer a range of features and capabilities, but they also have distinct differences that may influence your decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of the Nissan Rogue vs Nissan Kicks to help you determine which one best aligns with your needs and preferences.

Performance and Efficiency:

1. Engine and Powertrain:

• The Nissan Rogue offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 248 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
• The Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, comes with a single engine option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that generates 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It is also equipped with a CVT.

2. Fuel Economy:

• The Nissan Rogue’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. With the 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive, it achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces the ratings to 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway.
• The Nissan Kicks delivers impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city/36 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models. All-wheel drive variants see a slight decrease, with ratings of 30 mpg city/32 mpg highway.

Interior and Cargo Space:

1. Passenger Space:

• The Nissan Rogue offers ample passenger space, with seating for up to five adults. The front seats provide good headroom and legroom, while the rear seats offer comfortable legroom and sufficient headroom for most passengers.
• The Nissan Kicks provides seating for up to five, but the rear seats may feel somewhat cramped for taller individuals. Headroom and legroom are adequate, but the sloping roofline may limit headroom for rear passengers.

2. Cargo Capacity:

• The Nissan Rogue boasts a spacious cargo area, with 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 70.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This makes it a practical choice for hauling luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear.
• The Nissan Kicks has a more limited cargo capacity, offering 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While it may be sufficient for everyday errands, it may not be ideal for larger cargo needs.

Features and Technology:

1. Infotainment Systems:

• The Nissan Rogue comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels offer larger screens, Bose premium audio systems, and navigation.
• The Nissan Kicks features a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Upper trims add features like an 8-inch touchscreen, Bose audio, and navigation.

2. Safety Features:

• The Nissan Rogue comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.
• The Nissan Kicks also offers a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, some advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are reserved for higher trim levels.

Price and Value:

1. Starting Price:

• The Nissan Rogue has a starting MSRP of $26,550 for the base S trim level. Higher trim levels, such as the SV, SL, and Platinum, offer additional features and amenities at a higher price.
• The Nissan Kicks starts at a lower price point, with an MSRP of $20,290 for the base S trim. It also offers various trim levels, including the SV, SR, and SR Premium, with increasing levels of features and technology.

2. Value Proposition:

• The Nissan Rogue offers a good value proposition, providing a spacious interior, efficient powertrains, and a wide range of features. Higher trim levels offer even more features and amenities, but they come at a higher price.
• The Nissan Kicks represents a more affordable option, with a lower starting price and a range of features that cater to budget-conscious buyers. However, it sacrifices some space and cargo capacity compared to the Rogue.

Summary:

The Nissan Rogue and Nissan Kicks are both compelling compact SUVs with unique strengths and characteristics. The Rogue offers a spacious interior, ample cargo space, efficient powertrains, and a comprehensive suite of features and technology. It is a well-rounded choice for families and individuals seeking a versatile and comfortable SUV.

On the other hand, the Kicks is a more affordable option that provides good fuel economy, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a range of safety features. It is an excellent choice for urban commuters and those seeking a compact SUV with a lower price tag.

Ultimately, the choice between the Nissan Rogue and Nissan Kicks depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Consider factors such as interior space, cargo capacity, fuel efficiency, features, and safety when making your decision. Test drive both vehicles to experience their driving dynamics and determine which one aligns best with your expectations.

What You Need to Know

1. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine, the Nissan Rogue or Nissan Kicks?

• The Nissan Rogue offers more powerful engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, compared to the Nissan Kicks’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.

2. Which vehicle has better fuel economy, the Nissan Rogue or Nissan Kicks?

• The Nissan Kicks delivers better fuel economy than the Nissan Rogue, with EPA-estimated ratings of 31 mpg city/36 mpg highway compared to the Rogue’s 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway (with the 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive).

3. Which vehicle has more cargo space, the Nissan Rogue or Nissan Kicks?

• The Nissan Rogue offers significantly more cargo space than the Nissan Kicks, with 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down, compared to the Kicks’s 25.3 cubic feet and 53.1 cubic feet, respectively.