Written byThe Nissan Kicks has become popular among those looking for a low-priced SUV without sacrificing style or fuel economy. Many people turn to the Kicks because it offers excellent value for the Price and provides a comfortable ride around town. It combines impressive fuel efficiency, a roomy interior, and up-to-date tech without pushing the limits of your budget.
That’s why you’ll find many options that closely match what the Kicks offers. Many other vehicles in the market are as good, if not better, in providing great value, performance, practicality, and comfort. You’ll find a variety of compact SUVs that offer more power, all-wheel drive, a more luxurious cabin, or something entirely new and unique for your driving preference.
Let’s explore the top competitors and alternatives to the Nissan Kicks, outlining how each car stacks up regarding engine options, fuel efficiency, safety, technology, and Price. You’ve plenty of diverse options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a smooth and athletic drive in the Mazda CX-30, seeking out a tech-loaded Hyundai Venue, or a spacious interior in the Toyota Corolla Cross.
You’ll be able to decide which alternative fits your life and drives better than the Nissan Kicks by the time you reach the end of this article.
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#1. Hyundai Venue
- Starting Price: $21,275
- Engine: 1.6L I4
- Horsepower: 121 hp
- Torque: 113 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- MPG: 29 city / 33 highway
- Drivetrain: FWD
The Hyundai Venue is an excellent choice for drivers looking for a budget-friendly compact SUV with lots of the latest technologies. The Venue’s standard 1.6L I4 engine produces 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft while being mated to a continuously variable transmission, providing a refined driving experience. The Venue excels at getting you from point A to B around town, thanks to its fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The dashboard includes an 8-inch touchscreen, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and lane-keeping assist and forward collision avoidance features. It matches the fun driving experience and contemporary looks of the Kicks while also providing superior returns for the cost, putting it at the forefront of alternatives for city drivers on a budget.
#2. Kia Soul
- Starting Price: $20,190
- Engine: 2.0L I4
- Horsepower: 147 hp
- Torque: 132 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- MPG: 29 city / 35 highway
- Drivetrain: FWD
The Kia Soul has a unique look, plenty of room inside, and begins at a low price point of $20,190. A 2.0L I4 engine licensed for HP and lb-ft of torque runs the vehicle and is mated to a CVT transmission for a refined overall drive experience. The Soul delivers excellent fuel efficiency, earning up to 35 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city.
Its unique form factor maximizes both interior volume and usability for city drivers. Like the Nissan Kicks, the Soul features intuitive technology and essential safety systems, delivering superb value alongside a sense of style and adding oomph to any drive.
#3. Toyota Corolla Cross
- Starting Price: $23,860
- Engine: 2.0L I4
- Horsepower: 169 hp
- Torque: 150 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- MPG: 31 city / 33 highway
- Drivetrain: FWD / AWD
The Corolla Cross combines practicality and reliability and is an excellent choice compared to the Nissan Kicks. The Corolla Cross has a standard 2.0L I4 engine that generates 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque and is matched to a continuously variable transmission. It offers great mileage with 31 mpg around town and 33 mpg on the highway.
The Toyota Corolla Cross comes in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options for when extra grip and stability are essential. Every day comfort, Space, and safety make the Corolla Cross a pleasure to drive daily. If you want something that combines elegance and extra power, the Corolla Cross is a well-trusted and reliable choice.
#4. Mazda CX-30
- Starting Price: $24,995
- Engine: 2.5L I4
- Horsepower: 191 hp
- Torque: 186 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- MPG: 26 city / 33 highway
- Drivetrain: AWD (standard)
The Mazda CX-30 impresses by combining style, sportiness, and comfort for those unsatisfied with the Nissan Kicks. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, with a starting price of $24,995. The 6-speed automatic transmission provides effortless shifting as you go about your drive, and all-wheel drive comes standard for added stability wherever you drive.
It combines its strong performance with a fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. High-quality interior appointments and user-friendly technologies make the CX-30 feel classier than many competitors. If you’re after features and Space the Kicks doesn’t provide, the CX-30 presents a sophisticated yet capable alternative.
#5. Chevrolet Trax
- Starting Price: $21,495
- Engine: 1.2L Turbo I3
- Horsepower: 137 hp
- Torque: 162 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- MPG: 28 city / 32 highway
- Drivetrain: FWD
The all-new Trax kicks off a new generation of Chevy’s subcompact SUV at a starting price of $21,495. The Trax has a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive version of the vehicle delivers good gas mileage, returning up to 28 mpg around the city and 32 mpg for highway driving.
The redesign has given the Trax a fresher look, more room inside, and a new infotainment setup that improves the overall drive. The Trax sets itself apart from other subcompact SUVs for its smoother ride and well-organized interior. Compared to the Nissan Kicks, the Trax offers a great value-for-money option in the subcompact crossover segment.
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#6. Honda HR-V
- Starting Price: $25,950
- Engine: 2.0L I4
- Horsepower: 158 hp
- Torque: 138 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- MPG: 26 city / 32 highway
- Drivetrain: FWD / AWD
The Honda HR-V is a stylish and well-rounded subcompact SUV with a starting price of $25,950. It runs on a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a CVT to deliver responsive acceleration and impressive fuel economy. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are options for the HR-V.
It gets good gas mileage, as the EPA estimates a city/highway fuel economy of 26/32 mpg. It impresses with a spacious cabin, polished handling, and a touch of elegance. Compared to the Nissan Kicks, the HR-V offers slightly more room while remaining a great option in the subcompact category for those looking for a balance of size, fuel economy, and style.
#7. Volkswagen Taos
- Starting Price: $23,995
- Engine: 1.5L Turbo I4
- Horsepower: 158 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (FWD) / 7-speed DSG (AWD)
- MPG: 28 city / 36 highway
- Drivetrain: FWD / AWD
The Volkswagen Taos is a practical subcompact SUV, priced from $23,995. This car has a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, providing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. You can get the Golf with either front-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic or with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG.
Due to its high fuel economy, the Taos can reach up to 28 mpg around town and 36 mpg while cruising on the highway. The cabin has generous Space and premium technology paired with excellent materials. The Taos is smooth to drive, very efficient, upscale, and stands out by offering more than competitors like the Nissan Kicks, all for about the exact Price.
#8. Subaru Crosstrek
- Starting Price: $25,195
- Engine: 2.0L Boxer I4
- Horsepower: 152 hp
- Torque: 145 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- MPG: 27 city / 34 highway
- Drivetrain: AWD (standard)
The Subaru Crosstrek compact SUV gives drivers room, reliability, and excellent handling in every weather. Prices for the car start at $25,195, and it comes with a 152 horsepower, 145 lb-ft torque Boxer I4 engine. Because it features a CVT and all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek feels stable under many driving conditions.
It is also fuel-efficient, getting 27 mpg when driving in the city and 34 mpg on highways. Drivers interested in something challenging and reasonably priced will find the Crosstrek ideal as an alternative to the Nissan Kicks. This type of vehicle is very popular with those who focus on having grip and minimal off-road skills all year long, but also want comfortable and efficient running.
#9. Buick Envista
- Starting Price: $22,400
- Engine: 1.2L Turbo I3
- Horsepower: 136 hp
- Torque: 162 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- MPG: 28 city / 32 highway
- Drivetrain: FWD
Like the Nissan Kicks, the Buick Envista is a small and stylish SUV that is also budget-friendly. Daily driving is easy with this model, thanks to the 1.2L turbocharged engine, resulting in 136 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The looks more upscale from the outside, and inside, the clean lines match the rest of the modern features.
Thanks to front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission with six gears, the Envista delivers comfort, usefulness, and affordability. Those looking for an upscale-looking small SUV with good technology but on a tight budget can consider the Buick Envista instead of the Kicks.
#10. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- Starting Price: $23,695
- Engine: 2.0L I4
- Horsepower: 148 hp
- Torque: 145 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- MPG: 23 city / 29 highway
- Drivetrain: FWD / AWD
Since the Outlander Sport is cheap, has an aggressive look, and can be purchased with optional all-wheel drive, it’s a good match for the Nissan Kicks. Sold from $23,695, this car relies on a 2.0L I4 engine with 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Driving this car daily is economical, with a fuel economy of 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The compact SUV can be steered easily, and the FWD or AWD options give the SUV greater versatility. The Outlander Sport is designed for customers who want a versatile crossover, an adventurous style, good comfort, and a lot of Space to fit their needs.
Conclusion: Which Nissan Kicks Alternative Is Right for You?
Your preferences will guide you in choosing another car instead of the Nissan Kicks. If expense and city-use are top priorities in a car, the Hyundai Venue, Chevy Trax, and Buick Envista are fine. Anyone looking for a sporty ride with better handling will enjoy what the Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos offer.
Of course, many compact cars have features that manage brutal weather and driving on rougher roads. You can choose all-wheel drive and appreciate the heavy-duty design on the Subaru Crosstrek and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The Soul and the Corolla Cross are terrific for anyone who values style, ample Space, and getting a lot for their money.
Each option listed here has a standout feature, such as Price, safety, Space for cargo, or how it drives. One of the best ways to find what suits you best is to try using the devices and observe which is the most fitting. The market offers many excellent small SUVs, so finding one that suits you won’t be difficult.
