What To Know
- Choosing the right compact car can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with compelling options like the Kia Forte and the Nissan Kicks.
- The Forte boasts a more powerful engine, offering a spirited driving experience, while the Kicks prioritizes fuel efficiency and a smoother ride.
- Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many car buyers, and both the Forte and Kicks excel in this area.
Choosing the right compact car can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with compelling options like the Kia Forte and the Nissan Kicks. Both vehicles offer a blend of affordability, efficiency, and practicality, but they cater to different driving needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Kia Forte vs Nissan Kicks, helping you determine which one best suits your lifestyle and driving requirements.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Engines
The Kia Forte and Nissan Kicks take distinct approaches to performance. The Forte boasts a more powerful engine, offering a spirited driving experience, while the Kicks prioritizes fuel efficiency and a smoother ride.
Kia Forte: Under the hood, the Forte packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for daily commutes and highway driving, making it feel more responsive and engaging than the Kicks. The Forte’s six-speed manual transmission option further enhances its sporty character.
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks relies on a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. While not as potent as the Forte’s engine, the Kicks compensates with its smooth and refined nature. This makes it ideal for city driving and navigating tight spaces. The Kicks’ CVT (continuously variable transmission) ensures a seamless and fuel-efficient driving experience.
Interior and Comfort: A Battle of Space and Features
Both the Forte and Kicks offer comfortable interiors with modern features, but they differ in terms of space and layout.
Kia Forte: The Forte’s interior is more spacious, providing ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The driver’s seat offers generous adjustability, allowing for a comfortable driving position. The Forte also boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks prioritizes a minimalist and modern design. While it offers sufficient space for four adults, the rear legroom might feel a bit cramped for taller passengers. The Kicks’ interior features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Its unique “D-shaped” steering wheel adds a touch of sportiness to the cabin.
Fuel Efficiency: A Race to the Top
Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many car buyers, and both the Forte and Kicks excel in this area.
Kia Forte: The Forte achieves an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined. This makes it a highly efficient option for daily commutes and long road trips.
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks takes the crown in fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated rating of 33 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. This slight edge makes the Kicks a more economical choice for those prioritizing fuel savings.
Safety Features: A Focus on Security
Both the Forte and Kicks prioritize driver and passenger safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features.
Kia Forte: The Forte comes standard with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, driver attention monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trim levels offer additional features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks also boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Driver Attention Alert system.
Value and Pricing: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Kia Forte and Nissan Kicks offer competitive pricing, making them attractive options for budget-conscious buyers.
Kia Forte: The Forte starts at around $19,000, making it a more affordable option than the Kicks. It also offers a generous warranty, with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Nissan Kicks: The Kicks starts at around $20,000, slightly higher than the Forte’s starting price. It also offers a comprehensive warranty, with a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Fit
The decision between the Kia Forte and Nissan Kicks ultimately comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize a more powerful and engaging driving experience with ample interior space, the Kia Forte is the better choice. However, if fuel efficiency, a smooth and comfortable ride, and a modern design are your top priorities, the Nissan Kicks might be the ideal fit.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Kia Forte and Nissan Kicks are excellent choices in the compact car segment, it’s always beneficial to explore other options. Consider vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Mazda3, which offer similar features and capabilities.
The Final Word: A Decision Tailored to Your Needs
Ultimately, the best compact car for you is the one that aligns with your driving needs, budget, and personal preferences. Carefully consider your priorities, test drive both the Kia Forte and Nissan Kicks, and make an informed decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which car has better cargo space?
A: The Kia Forte offers more cargo space than the Nissan Kicks, with 15.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the Kicks’ 19.3 cubic feet.
Q: Which car is more reliable?
A: Both the Kia Forte and Nissan Kicks have a reputation for reliability. However, Kia has consistently ranked higher in reliability studies, particularly in recent years.
Q: Which car is better for city driving?
A: Both cars are well-suited for city driving. However, the Nissan Kicks’ smaller size and smoother ride might make it slightly more maneuverable in tight spaces.
Q: Which car is better for long road trips?
A: The Kia Forte‘s more powerful engine and spacious interior make it a more comfortable and enjoyable option for long road trips.
Q: Which car offers more advanced safety features?
A: Both the Kia Forte and Nissan Kicks offer a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. However, the Kia Forte’s Drive Wise suite includes additional features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control in higher trim levels.
