There always seem to be two camps when it comes to vehicles, those who are loyal buyers of historic legends and those who like to give newer automakers a chance. Now, although Nissan has indeed been around for decades, Chevy has over a century of experience under its belt, and when it comes to your next vehicle, does it pay to have maturity in the industry or a new perspective on things? The emerging popularity of SUVs is undeniable, and two popular compact competitors are about to go head to head when it comes to which vehicle is better suited for your travels. We’re talking about the 2021 Chevy Trax vs 2021 Nissan Kicks. If you’re looking for your next ride, these small travelers are ready to deliver an impressive journey. It’s time for you to decide if, after over 100 years of growth in the market, Chevy still has what it takes to wow you or if Nissan is going to come out victorious with its creative take on the compact SUV.
On the Surface
You’ll find distinct differences as soon as you look at both of these vehicles, which will really give you some insight on what to expect out of them. The Chevy Trax emits a level of refined class with its sculpted exterior and timeless features, while the Kicks is ready to stir the pot with a more modern design. The Trax features special editions to further enhance its appeal, like the Midnight and Sport editions, the former focusing on sleek design, while the latter appeals to the more active buyer. And one look at its interior with its spacious and comfortable cabin, complete with a sophisticated sass that only Chevy can create, shows you that Chevy doesn’t mess around when it comes to design. Plenty of room for everyone and everything they’re bringing along in the Trax proves that you don’t have to be a large vehicle to be able to move people and cargo in comfort.
But what about the Kicks? From the outside, the Nissan Kicks seems as though it will showcase modern vibes throughout; however, one peek at its interior shows you a more dated appeal. We’d expect more out of its design, especially when you take in how cool it looks from the outside. Although it provides a nice amount of room, especially with its larger back seat, many drivers are disappointed with its lack of convenient storage solutions. When it comes to a favorable design inside and out, the Chevy Trax simply delivers with its refined appearance and cozy cabin, making for an enjoyable drive, no matter how far you’re traveling.
Under the Hood
Both SUVs definitely sport a different look, but how do they match up when it comes to performance, and what lies under the hood? The Chevy Trax is equipped with a 1.4L turbocharged engine, which provides it with 155 horsepower, enough power to help it commute around town and beyond with no problems. Its six-speed automatic transmission provides a smoother ride, and with all-wheel drive available, traveling off the beaten path is certainly possible in this dynamic traveler. All in all, the Trax is a well-built vehicle that has admirable power for its size and will deliver an agile and comfortable ride.
The Nissan Kicks is armed with a four-cylinder engine that provides it with 122 horsepower, which is on the low end of its class. Although it’s slower, its continuously variable transmission, or CVT for short, allows for an ultra-smooth and extremely efficient ride, and with a nice suspension system, your ride will be an easy one. The Kicks also gets good gas mileage and is overall a nice little SUV, if you can look past its lack of acceleration. When it comes to your ride, although you want to be able to enjoy it without too much roughness from the road, it still helps to be able to get moving quickly, which is why the Chevy Trax takes the lead here with performance. The Kicks is simply too slow off the line, and without all-wheel drive available, it’s slowly falling behind the pack, as many drivers desire this feature to take them wherever they need to go safely and without worry.
Technology Elements
When it comes to your next vehicle, having all the convenient tech and infotainment features is an absolute must, and above all else, they have to be easy to use. That’s where the Chevy Trax shines with its exceptionally functional infotainment system, all presented to you in one neat package through its 7-inch intuitive touchscreen. You’ll find that many of your connectivity options come standard in the Trax, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and with a built-in WiFi Hotspot, staying connected is simple. It helps to have a convenient and effortless way to stay updated on what lies ahead during your day so that even if you’re traveling, you don’t miss out on important notifications.
The Nissan Kicks features its own version of advanced infotainment; however, it’s not nearly as nice to look at compared to the Trax. Although basic, it is easy to navigate and quite simple to get to know. With Bluetooth capabilities standard and a premium Bose audio system available, you’ll find that your passengers will stay entertained while you remain connected. Drivers report that they’d love to see larger icons on its touchscreen, as many of them are quite difficult to see, especially while driving. Both SUVs provide you with what you want and need when it comes to infotainment, but with the Kicks’ lackluster display, we’re going to have to go with the Trax when it comes to tech features. When you’re driving, you need to be able to see the icons on the screen, and if you can’t, it makes for some dangerous conditions that we don’t want to experience, making the Trax the way to go in this segment of the competition.
Trusted Legacies
Chevy and Nissan are two completely different automakers with totally unique designs, features, and elements that go into their vehicles. Getting its start in the automotive heyday, Chevrolet has been growing and evolving throughout the course of over a century, crafting vehicles that continue to provide us with everything we’re looking for and more. Since 1911, the automaker has been attracting drivers of all walks of life with offerings from all ends of the spectrum. From speedsters, like the Corvette and Camaro to tough trucks, like the Silverado and Colorado, spunky sedans, like the Malibu and electrified offerings like the Bolt EV, and don’t forget sturdy SUVs, much like the Trax, Chevy knows what buyers want in their vehicles. Because of this, there’s no denying that with the Trax, Chevy offers up a superior experience, from its classic design to its easy-to-use tech features.
Nissan’s beginnings came much further down the line after Chevy and Ford battled it out with other American automakers for the top spots. It wasn’t until the 1930s that Nissan emerged, and with famous offerings like the Skyline and Datsun, Nissan became a household name among those looking for something different. High-performance trucks like the Titan and Frontier, ultra-fast roadsters like the GT-R and 370Z, and more practical cars, SUVs, and electric options have joined the Nissan inventory, showcasing a versatile lineup of options. Although newer to the industry than Chevy, Nissan still attracts buyers with its impressive selection and reputation of building dependable vehicles.
2021 Chevy Trax vs 2021 Nissan Kicks
Both SUVs sport very similar offerings, and when it comes to your next ride, you need to make a choice that is going to work best for you. For us, the Chevy Trax outperforms and outshines the Kicks in many ways. From its timeless style to its performance on the road, all-wheel drive capabilities, and innovative tech, the Trax really proves itself at first glance, as well as in its fine details. The Kicks, on the other hand, disappoints with a dated interior, slow acceleration, and lack of all-wheel drive, making us wish that it performed as impressively as it looked. Even though both SUVs come from different backgrounds, we have to give it to Chevy for designing an SUV that checks all the boxes when it comes to design, performance, and technology. So when you’re ready for a new vehicle, head to your local Chevy dealership and check out the Trax.
