Head-to-Head: 2021 Nissan Kicks vs Rogue Sport
In this Nissan vs Nissan comparison, we put the Kicks and the Rogue Sport side-by-side to determine which one is a better value for the money.
Nissan’s Small SUV Options
With the growing popularity of subcompact and crossover utility vehicles, Nissan joined the party in 2017 by releasing the Rogue Sport, a smaller version of the popular Rogue followed in 2018 by the all-new Kicks. While they have similar specs, the Rogue Sport costs $5,000 more than the Kicks. We decided to compare them side-by-side and find out for ourselves which Nissan is the better buy, the Nissan Kicks or the Nissan Rogue Sport?
Nissan Kicks vs Nissan Rogue Sport Specs
Under the hood, the only engine available for the 2021 Nissan Kicks is a naturally aspirated 1.6L four-cylinder that puts down 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque and it is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Kicks can only be had in front-wheel-drive form and AWD is absent from the options list. Granted, this is not the most thrilling powertrain combo, but it is on par with other similarly priced vehicles in its class. On the other hand, cargo capacity is decent for a subcompact SUV with a generous 25.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and folding them down will expand that figure to 53.1 cu-ft.
In comparison, the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport gets a larger 2.0L four-cylinder rated at 141 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque, and like the Kicks, it is paired with a CVT. However, all models come standard with FWD, but it can be optioned with AWD. Despite being a few inches longer, the Rogue Sport has slightly less cargo space behind the rear seats at 22.9 cu-ft, although when those seats are folded down, it opens up to 61.1 cu-ft, giving it a sizable edge over the Kicks in total cargo space.
Driving and Performance
Suffice to say, with 125 horsepower, you won’t be getting your “kicks” when cruising down route 66 (or anywhere for that matter). Acceleration is less than stellar, with the 2021 Nissan Kicks managing to trot from 0-60 in just under 10 seconds. While that may not be an issue when driving around town, it becomes evident when you add a couple of extra passengers or try to merge on the highway. Fortunately, there is some redemption in the name of fuel economy, with an excellent EPA rating of 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg for highway driving. This is above average for a subcompact SUV and on par with many compact cars.
It should be noted that the Nissan Kicks is marketed towards urbanites, especially younger and first-time buyers. Likewise, the emphasis is on utility and being able to navigate city streets. As such, the Kicks is surprisingly nimble, and its tight turning radius comes in handy when trying to parallel park in tight spots. The ride is on the sportier side, with decent handling, although not to the point where it is unbearable on rough surfaces. As for driver comfort, the seats are decent, with the higher trims having extra support and better materials.
Unfortunately, things are not much better with the Nissan Rogue Sport, and its performance is equally uninspiring to the point where we would question the “Sport” title. If we had to suggest one improvement, it would be equipping his compact SUV with the more powerful engine of the standard mid-size Rogue.
Like the Kicks, 141 horsepower is fine for driving around town, although both vehicles would benefit from having a few extra horses when cruising on the highway. Fortunately, the Rogue Sport is fuel-efficient, albeit not to the extent of the Kicks. In FWD trim, the Rogue Sport manages to get an EPA city/highway rating of 25 mpg and 32 mpg, with the AWD model checks in at 24 mpg and 30 mpg for the same respective conditions.
Performance and fuel economy aside, the Nissan Rogue Sport hardly lives up to that moniker with a suspension that is on the softer side and braking performance that is nothing spectacular. While it does a good job of soaking up road imperfections, we would like to think that “sport” is probably not the appropriate name here. Adding the 19” wheel package with low-profile tires will eliminate some of the body roll, but that comes with a couple of trade-offs, such as a harsher ride and more expensive tires.
Comfort & Interior
Despite being a budget subcompact SUV, the 2021 Nissan Kicks has a decent interior that doesn’t look too cheap nor excessively bland. If anything, it is just fine for a $20,000 vehicle. The infotainment system has a 7” touchscreen that is easy to use and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Obviously, there are no Infiniti-level luxuries, although you can add some creature comforts like heated seats, decent quality synthetic leather materials, and a comfortable armrest. The seats will not provide any miracles, but there is enough room for taller adults. As mentioned earlier, cargo space is better than average for a vehicle of this size.
For the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport, a higher price tag does not necessarily mean better. It gets the same 7” touchscreen infotainment system as the Kicks, which is disappointing considering the price. Likewise, there is slightly less legroom for the front passenger, and the same is true for anyone seated in the rear as well. However, the Rogue Sport is slightly wider, making it more accommodating for three adults in the rear seats. When it’s all said and done, the Rogue Sport has an edge in terms of overall comfort as it can be equipped with a few options that are not offered on the Kicks.
Trims & Features
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is available in three trims, the S, SV, and SR, with the S trim starting at $19,500 and the top-level SR coming in at just under $22,000. With the base S package, you get steel wheels with plastic hubcaps, manually adjustable cloth seats, and a 7” touchscreen infotainment system. Also, all trims get Nissan’s 360 Safety Shield suite of driver’s assistance features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic rear braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.
Upgrading to the mid-level SV adds an infotainment system with an 8” screen, adaptive cruise control, heated mirrors, alloy wheels, and a front center armrest. Opting for the top-level SR will get you a rear spoiler, LED headlights, a surround-view parking camera, and sportier front seats. In addition, the SR can be equipped with a premium package that includes an upgraded Bose sound system, Wi-Fi hotspot, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and steering wheel.
Like the Kicks, the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport is offered in three trims the S, SV, and SL, with the S starting at $24,000 and the SL at $28,500, and all models can be equipped with AWD. In addition, you get the same 360 Safety Shield as the Kicks and some extras for the SV and SL packages. The base S trim is similarly equipped to the Kicks with manually adjustable cloth seats and a 7” infotainment system, although you get alloy wheels.
The SV follows a similar path and is optioned with a larger infotainment center, heated power seats, and a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. Also available for the SV is a technology package that adds memory power seats, a surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control. For the top SL trim, get everything included in the SV tech package as standard fare, along with leather seats, navigation, and 19” alloy wheels. In addition, it unlocks an optional premium package with extras like a sunroof, LED headlights, premium Bose audio, and a power-adjustable passenger’s seat.
Is the Nissan Kicks the One to Own?
When it comes to value for the money, the 2021 Nissan Kicks is the clear winner. Simply put, you do not gain much with the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport, especially if you consider the $5,000 premium. There is less space upfront, albeit minimal, with the same amount of legroom for the rear passengers. Likewise, a lower cargo capacity with the seats up, although the Rogue Sport has a sizable edge when they are folded down. The main downsides for the Kicks are the lack of AWD and a spartan options list. To be fair, this is a budget subcompact SUV that is marketed towards younger buyers.
With that said, if AWD and cargo capacity are the deciding factors, you would be better off skipping the compact Rogue Sport altogether and spending a couple grand on the actual mid-size Rogue, which gets you some additional space and a more powerful engine.
