Nissan Kicks vs. Nissan Rogue: Which Small Nissan SUV is Right for You?

When it comes to selecting a compact SUV that offers modern tech, comfort, and performance, Nissan has two strong contenders: the Nissan Kicks and the Nissan Rogue. While both vehicles share Nissan’s reputation for reliability, they are designed with different drivers in mind. In this detailed comparison, we will explore their key features, differences in design, and performance to help you decide which model best suits your lifestyle.

Exterior Design and Size Comparison

Nissan Kicks Exterior

The 2025 Nissan Kicks boasts a refreshed design, making it stand out with a bold, athletic look. The SR All-Wheel Drive trim, featured in this comparison, has a two-tone color option, LED headlights, and 19-inch premium wheels that give the Kicks a modern and stylish appearance. This updated design also includes front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and roof rails for added functionality. While compact, the Kicks doesn’t sacrifice practicality. It offers ample cargo space for its class, especially with the rear seats folded down.

One feature that makes the Kicks particularly appealing to drivers in snowy regions like Minnesota is its 8.4 inches of ground clearance, which is slightly higher than the Rogue’s. This makes the Kicks surprisingly capable for a compact SUV, allowing for confident handling on uneven or snow-covered roads.

Nissan Rogue Exterior

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Rogue has a more rugged and spacious design. The Rogue is a larger vehicle, offering a stronger road presence and additional cargo space. Like the Kicks, the Rogue also features LED headlights and roof rails, but the SV trim in this comparison includes a power liftgate, which makes loading and unloading cargo more convenient. The Rogue’s larger frame and additional features—such as 18-inch wheels and the option for the Rock Creek package in the new 2025 model for off-road enthusiasts—make it a better choice for those seeking a versatile SUV with more power and space.

Although the Rogue’s ground clearance is slightly lower at 8.2 inches, it still offers excellent capability for most road conditions and light off-road situations, making it a versatile option for both city and rural driving.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Nissan Kicks Interior

Stepping inside the 2025 Nissan Kicks, you’ll find a surprisingly tech-forward cabin for a compact SUV. The SR trim comes with two 12.3-inch displays—one for the digital gauge cluster and the other for infotainment, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium package in this model adds a wireless phone charger and a Bose Personal Plus sound system, which places speakers directly in the headrests for an immersive audio experience. The sport leatherette seats, with red and silver stitching, contribute to a modern, sporty feel.

One of the standout features of the Kicks is the heated steering wheel, which pairs perfectly with the remote start system—an essential for cold Minnesota winters. While the rear seats are a bit tighter than the Rogue’s, the Kicks still offers adequate space for passengers and cargo, especially with the fold-flat rear seats and additional underfloor storage.

Nissan Rogue Interior

The 2024 Nissan Rogue takes things up a notch in terms of interior space and comfort. Its larger cabin allows for more legroom, especially in the second row, making it a more comfortable option for families or those frequently transporting passengers. The Rogue’s SV trim comes with Nissan’s easy-to-clean PrimaTex upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats, making it a more luxurious experience than the Kicks.

Although the Rogue’s 8-inch infotainment screen is smaller than the Kicks’, it includes similar connectivity features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (though not wireless in the SV trim). If you’re looking for a larger infotainment screen and built-in Google Assistant, you’ll need to consider higher trim levels. One of the unique features of the Rogue is its rear doors, which open to nearly 90 degrees, making it significantly easier to load car seats or larger items—a feature that sets it apart from the Kicks.

Performance and Handling

Nissan Kicks Performance

Under the hood, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, generating 141 horsepower, which is paired with a CVT transmission. This setup provides smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency, with an estimated 34 MPG on the highway and 30 MPG combined for the AWD model. While it’s not designed for performance enthusiasts, the Kicks offers a pleasant driving experience for those who prioritize fuel economy and daily commuting.

The all-wheel-drive option makes the Kicks a capable companion for Minnesota’s winters, providing extra traction on snow and ice. However, if you want to maximize fuel efficiency, the front-wheel-drive version offers slightly better gas mileage.

Nissan Rogue Performance

On the other hand, the 2024 Nissan Rogue brings a bit more power to the table with its 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower. Despite its larger size and increased power, the Rogue manages to achieve excellent fuel economy, with up to 35 MPG on the highway and 31 MPG combined. The turbocharged engine gives the Rogue a zippier feel on the road, with quicker acceleration and more confidence when merging or passing on highways.

Both the Kicks and Rogue come with Nissan’s CVT transmission, but the Rogue’s performance feels a bit sportier due to the extra horsepower. It also offers paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience, along with drive modes that include Sport Mode for those times when you want a little extra kick.

Safety Features

Nissan is known for its comprehensive suite of safety technologies, and both the Kicks and Rogue deliver in this department.

Nissan Kicks Safety

The Kicks SR trim comes equipped with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance, making long drives more comfortable and safer. It also includes blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. With the 360-degree camera system, tight parking becomes much easier, and the parking sensors on both ends of the vehicle help avoid minor fender-benders.

Nissan Rogue Safety

Similarly, the 2024 Nissan Rogue includes the ProPILOT Assist system, as well as an extensive list of standard safety features like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Rogue’s larger size also makes it feel more stable on the road, providing an extra sense of security for drivers and passengers alike. Additionally, the Rogue’s 90-degree rear doors make it easier to load and unload car seats, a feature especially valuable for families.

Price and Value

The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium AWD starts at around $31,200, making it one of the most affordable options for those seeking a feature-packed compact SUV with the top trim level. It delivers excellent value with its impressive tech features and modern design, perfect for budget-conscious buyers who still want a well-equipped vehicle.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue SV AWD, on the other hand, comes in at a higher starting price of around $36,000. For that extra investment, you get more space, power, and additional premium features, making it a better option for those who need more versatility or frequently carry passengers.

Which Nissan is Right for You?

In summary, the Nissan Kicks is a great option for drivers who want a compact, affordable SUV that still offers a lot of tech and comfort features. Its excellent fuel economy, modern design, and optional all-wheel-drive system make it an ideal vehicle for city dwellers or younger drivers looking for their first SUV.

Meanwhile, the Nissan Rogue offers more power, space, and luxury, meaning it could be a better choice for families or those who need a bit more versatility in their vehicle. The Rogue’s additional features, such as the 90-degree rear doors and power liftgate, make it a more convenient and practical option for larger households.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to visit Walser Nissan Wayzata and take both models for a test drive. Whether you prioritize tech features, fuel economy, or space, you’ll find a Nissan SUV that fits your lifestyle.

To see these features in action, check out our accompanying video for an in-depth walkaround of both models. Then, visit us at Walser Nissan Wayzata or online to schedule a test drive today!