2021 Chevy Trax vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

• 2021 Chevy Trax

  

  Starting at

  $21,400

  2021 Nissan Kicks

  

  Starting at

  $19,500

  155- 177	Torque (lb-ft)	114 - 122
  48.4	Cargo Space (cu.ft.)	32.3
  All-Wheel	Available Drive	Front-Wheel

  A good SUV offers the perfect combination of style, comfort, performance, and functionality, which is a major part of why SUVs have become such a popular choice. When looking at your options, a compact crossover can be a great choice if you want the capabilities of an SUV without getting a model that is so large it can take over your life. Considering the 2021 Chevy Trax vs 2021 Nissan Kicks, it is clear that both of these small crossovers have a lot to offer. But when you start looking at their specs and the details of each vehicle, the Trax simply gives you more of what you need.

  There are a lot of similarities between these two vehicles: they both have a single engine available, similar overall size, and seating for up to five passengers. Once you look beyond these baseline similarities, however, you can start to see how the Chevy Trax pulls ahead. For example, even though they both have one engine available, the engine in the Trax is far better, with substantially more horsepower and torque. This might not be the defining attribute of a good compact crossover, but it means the Trax is a lot more fun to drive, with sportier performance that really lets you enjoy yourself behind the wheel.

  It should also be pointed out that while both of these models come with front-wheel drive standard, only the 2021 Chevy Trax has all-wheel drive available – you cannot get AWD with the Nissan Kicks. Inside, their interiors are quite comparable, especially as you look at the different standard and available features, but you get more overall cargo space inside the Chevy Trax, despite the fact that it is actually a couple of inches shorter overall. In the end, it all comes together to make the Trax a better option for most drivers. Visit us at McCluskey Chevrolet to see the Trax for yourself and experience what sets it apart.

• Performance

  

  While people who are interested in a sports car or a powerful truck will always pay careful attention to the vehicle’s engine, too often, this important feature can be overlooked with other types of vehicles. Even if you are looking for a compact crossover SUV, the engine is still very important since it directly impacts how enjoyable it is to drive. In this comparison, the 2021 Chevy Trax has a much better engine and transmission than the 2021 Nissan Kicks, and it really makes a big difference. It is also worth pointing out that you can get an all-wheel drive model with the Trax, while the Nissan Kicks is only available with front-wheel drive.

  Engine Options

  Both of these models have a single engine available, so comparing them to see which is better is very simple. The Chevy Trax comes with a 1.4L turbocharged engine that delivers 155 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the 2021 Nissan Kicks comes with a simple 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that offers 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. Just looking at these numbers, you can see there is a significant difference between them and that the Trax has a far superior drivetrain.

  Transmissions

  The Nissan also comes with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) instead of the six-speed automatic offered by Chevy, further reducing its performance. Some people like a CVT due to the smooth driving experience it offers, but you lose some of the torque and reliability of a traditional transmission like the Chevy Trax has. This is ultimately not going to be as major a difference when compared to how much more powerful the Trax is compared to the Kicks, but it is still something to keep in mind – and we ultimately prefer the overall driving experience that the 2021 Chevy Trax has to offer.

• Interior and Technology

  

  Both the 2021 Chevy Trax and the 2021 Nissan Kicks are compact crossover SUVs, so in terms of size, there are a lot of similarities between them. You get almost the same amount of front and rear headroom and legroom in both of these vehicles, as well as nearly the same amount of total passenger volume within these two models. And yet, despite their similarities, there are also some key differences that really demonstrate why the Chevy Trax is a superior option.

  Size

  In terms of overall size, both of these models are pretty similar, though it is worth pointing out that while the Kicks measures about 169 inches in overall length, the Chevy Trax measures just 167 inches in overall length. A difference of two inches might not seem huge, but it can certainly matter when it comes to fitting a vehicle into a garage with all of your other stuff. This difference in length is also noteworthy because despite being slightly shorter in length, the Trax gives you much more cargo space inside.

  Cargo Space

  Behind the rear seats of the 2021 Nissan Kicks, there are about 25 cu.ft. of cargo space, and with the rear seats down, there are 32 cu.ft. of total cargo volume inside the Kicks. By comparison, the 2021 Chevy Trax gives you more than 18 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats and an impressive 48 cu.ft. of total cargo volume behind the front row of seats. This is a little bit less rear cargo space in the Trax but significantly more overall cargo space. So if you often have only one passenger with you and need to load up a lot in your vehicle, then the Trax will definitely let you take a lot more with you.

  Tech Highlights

  The tech and comfort features between these two crossovers are pretty comparable, though there are a few significant ways that the Chevy Trax comes out on top. For one thing, there are only two trim levels available for the Trax, while the Kicks offers three, so it is easier to get what you want without having as many options to pick from. Sometimes more options are a good thing, but the simplicity of picking between the Trax LS and LT definitely makes shopping for your next vehicle easier.

  Interior Options

  In the 2021 Chevy Trax, you get a 7-inch infotainment display and 6-speaker audio system standard, along with numerous USB ports and support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Trax also comes with cloth seating, a steering wheel with mounted controls, and a 3-inch digital driver information center. Deluxe cloth and leatherette seating are available for the Chevy Trax, and you can get remote start, remote keyless entry, and cruise control.

  The 2021 Nissan Kicks features manually-adjustable front seats with no option for power-adjustable seats. There is also no option for a power sunroof like you can get in the Trax. A 7-inch infotainment display is standard in the Kicks, much like the Chevy Trax, and all three trims come with a 6-speaker sound system much like the Trax. Overall, the Kicks compares reasonably well with the base Trax but certainly falls short of the Trax’s available interior options.

• Safety

  

  In terms of safety features, once again, the 2021 Chevy Trax and 2021 Nissan Kicks are pretty comparable in a lot of ways. They both have great standard and available safety features to help protect you on the road. The Trax has a bit more to offer, however, which allows you to get the most out of your vehicle and feel safe behind the wheel.

  Active and Passive Features

  The Nissan Kicks features a comprehensive airbag system, along with available intelligent cruise control, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Warning. A traction control system, anti-lock braking, and a tire pressure monitoring system are all standard on every Kicks model. While these safety features are good, they just feel a bit lackluster.

  Standard safety features on the 2021 Chevy Trax include a comprehensive 10-airbag safety system, daytime running lamps, and StabiliTrak with electronic stability and traction control. There is an available Driver Confidence Package that includes Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Side Blind Zone Alert. These features, combined with standard options and its slightly smaller size, make it easy to enjoy the Trax and stay safe on the road.

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