Nov 8, 2024
High angle view of a red 2024 Nissan Kicks for sale parked on a lot.

Whether it’s a favorite type of food or a favorite vacation destination, we know what we like, and we tend to stick to it. The same goes for vehicles, and if you’re on the fence about whether your next vehicle should be a sedan or SUV, it’s best to explore both avenues to see what each has to offer. Many drivers are drawn to sedans because they’re just so affordable. They are typically the cheapest options in a brand’s lineup—which is a no-brainer, especially for those on a budget—but what if there were SUVs out there with better capabilities for the same price as sedans? This is the case with the Nissan Kicks.

You may have noticed a Nissan Kicks for sale, wondering if it’s finally time to adopt the SUV lifestyle, but there’s also the Nissan Sentra, which is a similarly priced sedan with a vast array of impressive features. One is a subcompact SUV, the other is a compact sedan, and when it comes to the Kicks versus Sentra, why not upgrade to an SUV? Here at Rusty Wallace Nissan, we’re able to help all types of drivers with all types of budgets find their ideal vehicles, whether it’s a full-size SUV, a compact sedan, a tough truck, or something else. Let’s explore what the Nissan Kicks has to offer that you may not be able to find in the Sentra…

Size Differences

Now, if we were comparing the large and in-charge Armada with the small-size Sentra, you would notice a startling difference in size. However, since we’re comparing two small travelers, the size differences aren’t as blaring. There are differences, though, as the newest Kicks to hit the streets is larger than its predecessors, showcasing a taller, wider, and longer stance—but just by a few inches. 

This makes it subtly more accommodating without taking away from its compact stature, which is what many drivers are looking for these days, especially those frequently traversing city streets and traffic-packed roadways. Small vehicles are ideal for daily commuters and those more comfortable with driving smaller cars, so in choosing the Kicks over the Sentra, you won’t have to worry about having to get used to driving a new type of vehicle; it’ll handle just as nimbly as a sedan.

This increased space doesn’t take away from the quality of the ride at all, but it does affect comfort inside—in all the right ways. With more legroom than a sedan can provide, the Kicks is able to offer a cozier experience, whether you’re on carpool duty for the week or taking your little one and their friend to the park after school. Increased legroom and headroom allow the Kicks to be more enjoyable on the road, which is especially helpful as you’re stuck in rush hour traffic on your way home from a hectic day at the office.

Perhaps what’s most appreciated about SUVs is the amount of cargo space inside, and although the Sentra offers outstanding trunk space, it just can’t compare to an SUV. The Kicks is small, but it is highly accommodating, offering up to 60 cu.ft. in its cargo hold, compared to the Sentra’s 14.3 cu.ft. The Kicks also offers an adjustable height load floor to make getting your gear into its cargo hold a breeze. It’s highly flexible as well, with split-folding rear seats, allowing you to handle extra gear, extra passengers, or both. If you want a compact traveler that’s easy to handle yet more accommodating than a sedan, the Kicks is worth a closer look.

Side angle view of a the black interior cabin of an orange 2024 Nissan Kicks SV.

Cabin Comfort

Both the Kicks and Sentra offer an extraordinary cabin experience, with high-quality touches throughout and plenty of comfort features, especially as you make your way up the trim levels. The Kicks, however, is able to offer a bit more, which is a trend with SUVs. Such models tend to offer a bit more features than their cruiser and commuter counterparts to elevate the quality of the ride and make your drive home from work a more tranquil experience. 

While the Sentra boasts Nissan’s iconic Zero Gravity seats in the front only, the Kicks also adds them in the rear, allowing everyone on board to enjoy a serene ride. These ergonomically friendly seats allow you to sink into the cabin like never before, avoiding the fatigue that usually creeps up when on the road for a while.

Another thing that drivers really appreciate with SUVs is the higher driver’s seat position, which really enhances visibility and helps promote a safer ride. Sedans are low to the ground, and often, it’s difficult to see, especially when merging onto a busy highway. SUVs, like the Kicks, allow you to enjoy the compact nature of a small-size traveler with the benefits of a higher driving position, which also makes its interior cabin feel much more spacious.

You can expect sleek styling inside the all-new Kicks, which includes features designed to improve the feeling of the ride. From ambient LED lighting to set the mood to a D-shaped steering wheel, the Kicks showcases an unforgettable experience on board. Contrasting dual stitching, soft-touch controls, and high-quality appointments await in higher-level trims, making it easy to settle into the ride and enjoy every moment you’re behind the wheel.

Innovating Expectations

Just like design features and comfort elements, you can also expect SUVs to offer more in terms of technology. Take the touchscreen, for example, as the Kicks comes standard with a seven-inch display, just like the Sentra; however, the Kicks also offers an available 12.3-inch option, while the Sentra only allows you to upgrade to an eight-inch display. Drivers are seeking out large and immersive touchscreen experiences, which the Kicks offers. As you climb the trim levels, you can expect to enjoy more tech options, including wireless smartphone capabilities, a ten-speaker Bose premium audio system, and more must-have innovations inside.

The Kicks can also be armed with ProPILOT Assist for the first time ever. This cutting-edge driver assistance tech suite allows you to utilize Intelligent Cruise Control and steering assistance to help you remain safely in your lane while navigating traffic. This intuitive feature has the ability to stop your vehicle and accelerate again to your previous speed, adapting to changes in traffic flow so that you can focus on everything else.

An orange 2024 Nissan Kicks driving across a bridge.

Kicks or Sentra—Which Should You Pick?

If you’re on the lookout for a small-size traveler, you have more options than just sedans. Subcompact SUVs like the Kicks are fabulous options when you need a vehicle that’s easy to drive but also a bit more spacious and capable than a sedan. The Kicks can also be armed with all-wheel drive capabilities—something that the Sentra doesn’t offer—which makes this subcompact option a winner for those who are concerned about bad weather, road conditions, and bumpy terrain.

As you can see, although the Kicks and Sentra are similarly priced, the Kicks offers you so much more to make your ride better. From more space inside for people and gear to a larger available touchscreen and a more comfortable interior, you’ll find that the Kicks has what it takes to elevate your ride in every way. If you thought that you couldn’t find an SUV for the same price as a sedan, think again; the Kicks is a phenomenal option for everyday drivers, delivering the space, features, and capabilities needed to take on any journey with immense confidence.