2021 Nissan Rogue vs Kicks

Nissan is renowned for crafting cars that have an attractive allure and deliver great value. Looking to purchase a new SUV? The 2021 Nissan Rogue and Kicks are two vehicles you may want to consider, with the former being a mid-size option providing plenty of power while the latter offers greater affordability in its compact state. This overview will compare these two SUVs, so let's jump into uncovering exactly what sets them apart.

Size and Styling

The Nissan Kicks is more compact than your typical sedan or SUV, but just as powerful. Its small size of 169.1 inches makes it great for tight parking spaces and narrow roads - to top it off, the car sits only 7 inches from ground level so you can easily get in without a struggle (unless you're over 6 feet tall). You may be wondering how much space this little guy has to offer: 69.3 by 63.3.

In comparison, the Nissan Rogue has a traditional SUV frame. It has a length of 183 inches, its width is 72.4 inches, and its height is 66.5 inches. Having a ground clearance of 8.2 inches allows it more easily clear obstacles, and this gives drivers a higher perch from which they can see the road.

Get ready to stretch out and relax in the Rogue's roomy interior! With 43.3 inches of legroom up front, plus 38.5 inches for those seated behind, you'll have all the comfort an adult needs when traveling with two other passengers - no cramped feeling here! There's even plenty of headroom and shoulder-space so that everyone can remain cozy without worrying about hitting their heads on a low roof or bumping elbows.

The Kicks doesn't have that kind of space in its back seat. It only has 33.5 inches of leg room in its second row. On short trips, this should be fine, but adult passengers riding in the back would likely feel a bit uncomfortable on long road trips. First-row leg room, on the other hand, is great in the Kicks. It provides the driver and front passenger with up to 43.7 inches of leg room.

Adventurers looking for a vehicle that can handle their lifestyle need to consider the difference in storage space between Nissan Rogue and Kicks. The rugged Rogue provides an impressive 74.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity – enough room for all your outdoor gear! On the other hand, outdoor enthusiasts may have to sacrifice some storage with its counterpart Kicks offering only 32.3 cubic feet when both rear seats are folded down.

The Kicks and Rogue provide drivers with two distinct options. With its futuristic design, the Kicks captivates onlookers with a sleek two-tone look, dramatic angles and curves, along with an expansive grille that highlights narrow headlights. Meanwhile, the newly redesigned Rogue exudes ruggedness in every aspect of its more traditional boxier silhouette while modern lighting adds a stylish finishing touch to it all.

The Nissan Rogue is a superior choice if you're in the market for an exterior beauty. With standard LEDs on its headlights, taillights and daytime running lights plus unique touches like UV-reducing solar glass, rear spoilers and heated side mirrors (just to name a few), it's sure to turn heads wherever your adventures may take you! If cutting edge tech isn't at the top of your list however, then consider opting for the Kicks which offers more basic features such as halogen headlights along with limited add-ons including LED fog lights or heated side mirrors.

Drivability

Another reason why the Rogue stands apart form the Kicks is that it has a more powerful engine. The Nissan Rogue runs on a 2.5-liter engine with four cylinders. This engine can make 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Every Rogue trim is available with all-wheel drive to provide additional traction when the conditions aren't so great.

The Nissan Kicks provides a peppy ride with its 1.6 liter, four cylinder engine that gives you 122 horses and 114 pound-feet of torque. For practicality's sake the Kicks is offered only in front wheel drive but fear not - this powertrain will meet the needs for most situations! Yet despite this boost in performance, it may struggle to draw attention from those seeking more punch out of their vehicle.

With its Xtronic continuously variable transmission, the Rogue offers drivers an effortless experience while varying their speed. For those who crave a more hands-on approach, paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel allow manually shifting between gears; plus Eco and Sport modes for front-wheel drive Rogues let you switch up your style without breaking a sweat. All this is sweetened with two extra features: Snow mode to tackle treacherous roads in wintery conditions, and Off-Road mode just waiting to be unleashed.

The Kicks is designed for a smooth ride, equipped with an independent strut front suspension and torso beam rear. For extra stability in rougher terrain, it has one stabilizer bar up front - the same as on its Nissan Rogue cousin. But if you crave even more control when roads get bumpy, check out the Rogue's dual stabilizers and multi-link rear end – tailored to take sharp turns like a champ.

Fuel efficiency is going to be the area in which the Kicks has the advantage. It does very well in this department, being able to earn 36 miles per gallon on the highway. In the city, it still manages to have a fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon. The Rogue doesn't do poorly, but it's just not as efficient because it's larger and more powerful. Front-wheel-drive Rogues have an estimated fuel economy of 35/27 (highway/city) miles per gallon. Those numbers drop to 33 and 26, for the highway and city, if the SUV has all-wheel drive.

Comfort, Options and Performance

The Nissan Kicks is sure to satisfy, with convenient features from automatic temperature control and smart keyless entry with push-button start to small storage compartments for all your knickknacks. But the Rogue takes it up a notch – imagine relaxing in tri-zone climate control while also enjoying rear sun shades, auto-dimming mirrors, illuminating visors and accent lighting! And never worry about clutter again: make use of its signature Divide N' Hide Storage System. It's everything you could want in an automobile.

The Rogue offers a comfortable driving experience regardless of trim. Starting out, enjoy manually adjustable front seats and cloth upholstery that can be upgraded to heated steering wheels, luxurious leather options or power-adjustable seating for an even more customized ride. And if you're looking to take your comfort level one step further, opt for the highest available model with features such as quilted semi-aniline leather seats and rear seat heating.

The Kicks is all about style and comfort, offering sport cloth seats with head-turning orange accents as standard on its highest trim. For even more luxury, the top-tier version features a leather steering wheel and shift knob while Prima-Tex synthetic material can be selected for an added touch of sophistication. Heated front seating and a heated steering wheel are optional upgrades that provide extra warmth during colder weather drives.

Fortunately, both the Kicks and Rogue come standard with touchscreens, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. In the Kicks, the base model has a seven-inch touchscreen, while the other two trims have eight-inch touchscreens. The sound system has six speakers, and the top two trims have SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Either three or four total USB ports can be integrated into the Nissan Kicks. Its most premium trim can be upgraded, at an additional cost, with a Bose eight-speaker sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and NissanConnect Services.

Things are bit more advanced in the Nissan Rogue. Its first three trims have eight-inch touchscreens, and its highest trim has a nine-inch touchscreen. That larger touchscreen comes with navigation, a Bose premium audio system, wireless charging, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. Most trims have NissanConnet Services and four USB ports, and every Rogue trim has SiriusXM Radio. When it comes to technology, more is better, and the Rogue certainly has the more attractive package.

Safety

In recent years, Nissan has worked hard to enhance its vehicles with driver-assist technologies. The Kicks and Rogue have impressive collections of these types of systems.

The two models can warn drivers about potential frontal collisions and help them slow down in an effort to prevent accidents, they can detect pedestrians in the road and take evasive measures to hopefully avoid them, and they can warn drivers when they're veering out of their lanes. In the Rogue, an available mitigation system can correct steering if the vehicle is drifting out of position.

Nissan has made driving easier and safer with the Kicks and Rogue. By adding Blind Spot Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a Rear Vision Camera, as well as Rear Automatic Braking to even their entry level trims -- you can be sure that your path is more secure than ever before! Additionally equipped with an All-Around View Monitor for 360 degree protection against any unseen obstacles - cruising on the road just got much more comfortable.

The Nissan Rogue helps drivers navigate tight parking spots with its suite of advanced sonar systems - offering an extra pair of eyes to help them avoid obstacles. From the standard rearview sensors, all the way up to front and side options, these intuitive warnings give drivers peace of mind in any situation.

Both SUVs have intelligent cruise control. Like traditional cruise control, this program can maintain a set speed. It can also adjust the speed if the vehicle in front of the Nissan has slowed down. If that other vehicle subsequently speeds up, the Nissan can speed up, safely, as well. In the Rogue, the system is called ProPILOT Assist because it has a steering assist function built into it.

Which Model to Choose?

The Nissan Kicks offers a wide range of prices to fit any budget - from the economical starting price of $19,500 up to its top trim's competitive cost at just under $22K. With such affordable options for different levels of luxury and performance, this vehicle is sure to be an attractive choice.

The Nissan Rogue is an attractive option for cost-conscious car buyers, but the range of prices provides something to fit everyone's budget. From the entry-level S trim at $25,750 up to a luxurious Platinum model for $35,530 - there’s plenty of value in this stylish crossover SUV no matter your price point. With so many options and features available on each trim level it may be worth considering investing that little bit extra into the Rogue.

The Rogue and the Kicks are two models that may look alike, but they offer completely different driving experiences. For those who want a little extra muscle from their mid-size SUV with some added prestige - the Rogue is for them. However, if you're looking for modern features in an economical package without sacrificing quality or style – then check out Nissan's compact crossover model: the Kicks.