Starting at
Starting at
| 31/36 | Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG): | 28/32 |
| CVT | Transmission (type): | 6A |
| 2,685 | Curb Weight (lbs): | 3,062 |
SUVs fall into an array of classifications, from full-size behemoths affectionately known as “land yachts” to subcompact models revered for their efficiency and agility. While every SUV has its place in America’s vibrant automotive landscape, subcompact SUVs are a special breed because they serve as the gateway from the realm of sedans into something bigger and better. We see these qualities when comparing the 2024 Nissan Kicks vs 2024 Chevy Trax, which also reveals two distinct approaches to giving drivers exceptional value behind the wheel.
As subcompact SUVs, the 2024 Kicks and 2024 Trax are economical, practical, and versatile. They offer a higher driving position than a car and more room for passengers and cargo, making them widely appealing to those looking to escape the confines of driving a sedan. However, their similarities end there as Nissan and Chevrolet take different approaches in designing their subcompact models to appeal to the masses. So, which approach is better? What subcompact SUV wins the race?
Initially, drivers are drawn to the 2024 Chevy Trax because of its starting price of $20,400. This budget-savvy price tag is appealing on paper, but it doesn’t translate to much when it comes to your investment. This version of the Trax is a bare-bones model that's surprisingly sparse compared to the 2024 Kicks, which starts at $21,050 and is far better equipped.[a] Nissan does an exceptional job of showing drivers how their hard-earned money works in their investment, from the SUV’s NASA-inspired seating to its extensive technologies that stretch from connectivity to driver assistance.
But how else does Nissan deliver tangible value in the 2024 Kicks? While the 2024 Chevy Trax may have sparked your interest in a subcompact SUV, we guarantee a change of heart after looking at the details. Let’s dive in and uncover everything that makes the 2024 Kicks a better overall value than rivals like the Trax.
The 2024 Kicks and 2024 Trax share the same classification as subcompact SUVs, but the size of their footprints shows the spectrum of the class and reveals more about what you can expect from these models. How so? While both models have smaller footprints, the 2024 Kicks has a slightly more compact footprint that heightens its agility and maneuverability. Likewise, its subcompact design and powertrain make it far more efficient than the 2024 Trax, meaning you save more money on fuel.
The specifications paint a clearer picture, with the 2024 Trax sitting on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, compared to the Kicks’ at 103.1 inches. The Trax is also longer and wider, measuring 178.6 inches long and 71.7 inches wide. In contrast, the Kicks is more compact, with its 169.1-inch length and 69.3-inch width. Coincidentally, it’s also taller, measuring 63.4 inches, as opposed to the shorter Trax at 61.4 inches. But how does this translate to your experience in the driver’s seat?
The Trax’s shorter stance and larger footprint look good on paper, but it means cramped quarters in the front row. The headroom for you and your copilot measures 39.6 inches, with legroom at 41.9 inches. This seems spacious until you consider the Kicks and its more spacious cockpit that offers 40.4 inches of headroom and 43.7 inches of legroom; this gives you and your copilot plenty of room to relax and enjoy every outing—a characteristic Nissan enhances with the Kicks’ NASA-inspired seating.
The Kicks also gains an advantage over the Trax when it comes to efficiency and agility. Because of its smaller footprint, the Kicks is far easier to maneuver and park, whether navigating congested city streets or cruising at highway speeds. Moreover, Nissan ensures the Kicks modestly sips fuel, with this SUV averaging a best-in-class 31 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Chevrolet forces you to spend more on fuel, with the 2024 Trax averaging a mere 28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, with its larger dimensions also making it less agile and more difficult to park.
The 2024 Chevy Trax easily garners attention with its budget-friendly starting price of $20,400, but the real question is, what do you get for that price? When you look at the details and rivals like the 2024 Nissan Kicks, it’s easy to see that you don’t get much for your hard-earned money. The Trax LS lives up to every expectation of a base model, while the Kicks S exceeds expectations and gives you more for your money.
The Trax’s 2024 lineup starts with the LS, a sparsely equipped model that leaves much to be desired. It rolls off Chevrolet’s production line with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, active noise cancellation, 17-inch wheels, and smartphone integration. Still, you’ll have to spend more for the amenities and conveniences that genuinely matter—or you could invest in the 2024 Kicks S, which is outfitted with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, an expansive 7.0-inch touchscreen display, three USB ports, plush seating, and cruise control. Nissan also outfits this SUV with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added convenience and an easy-fill tire alert to enhance your safety behind the wheel.
Chevrolet asks drivers to spend more across the Trax’s 2024 lineup, which moves from the LS to the 1RS, LT, 2RS, and ACTIV. These trims offer a progressive lineup of features with only modest distinction, like the red interior accents on the 1RS, automatic climate control on the LT, 19-inch wheels on the 2RS, and chrome accents on the ACTIV. Fortunately, Nissan does more to acknowledge your investment, giving you more for your money across the Kicks lineup in 2024. That approach is readily apparent on every trim, from the S and SV to the SR and the Premium Package.
The Kicks SV offers more for your money and boasts a sportier aesthetic with its silver roof rails and 17-inch wheels. It also features a digital cockpit framed by a 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display and 8.0-inch touchscreen, four USB ports, Remote Engine Start, and NissanConnect Services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Climbing to the SR package adds more features, like a sportier aesthetic enhanced by black mirrors, black roof rails, a rear spoiler, LED headlights, and a dark chrome grille.
The interior is just as impressive, with its exclusive seating and trim details, automatic climate control, and an array of Nissan’s Intelligent technologies, including an Intelligent Around View Monitor and the eight-speaker Bose premium sound system.
Technology is all-encompassing in vehicle design, with Nissan and Chevrolet relying on advanced technologies that work in front of and behind the scenes to heighten your experience and safety in the driver’s seat. These technologies integrate with the SUVs’ safety features, with something as simple and integral as the airbags to tools as complex as cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
The difference, however, is in how the automakers offer these technologies and enhance your driving experience. Industry-wide safety requirements mean automakers must make certain safety technologies standard; however, automakers often differentiate themselves by adding to these suites to give drivers more for their money and a better overall experience in the driver’s seat.
We see this firsthand when comparing the 2024 Kicks with the 2024 Trax. The latter’s standard safety suite is officially known as the Chevy Safety Suite, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, a Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam automatic high beams, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.
Nissan goes above and beyond to give drivers more, starting with ten strategically placed airbags in the Kicks that rival the six airbags in the Trax. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 takes a similar approach and outfits the SUV with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, and High Beam Assist.
Drivers can also opt for advanced safety tools from Nissan’s suite of Intelligent features, including an Intelligent Around View monitor for a comprehensive view around the Kicks, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and Intelligent Cruise Control. The tools work with NissanConnect Services, which alerts emergency personnel when the airbags deploy, saving valuable time when every second counts.
Did your search for the perfect subcompact SUV start with the 2024 Chevrolet Trax? After more research and looking closer at the details, we guarantee your search will end differently, as it’ll end with you in the driver’s seat of the 2024 Nissan Kicks.
As the leading Nissan dealer in the region, we know the appeal of the Kicks. We also know firsthand how Nissan makes its customers a priority by valuing your hard-earned money to ensure you see the perks of your investment every mile ahead. We’re here to help you get the most from your investment, from helping you find the perfect Kicks to overseeing its routine maintenance and repair needs.
We’re your full-service Nissan destination and comprehensive automotive center. Our unmatched selection of new and used Nissans guarantees the perfect car, truck, or SUV is within reach—but our work doesn’t stop there, as we’re here to ensure your vehicle is in perfect condition, serving you for every mile and adventure ahead.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
