Envista vs Kicks
Buick brings the Envista; Nissan answers with the Kicks. Both play in the subcompact suv class. The numbers lean one way: the Kicks comes out ahead in 3 of the 4 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the space & practicality category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Envista wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Kicks wins
- Space & Practicality Kicks wins
- Off-road & Towing Kicks wins
- Price Kicks wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality2.3
- Engine & Performance1.3
- Fuel Economy & Range3.4
- Space & Practicality9.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Kicks has 45% more cargo space
A clear win for the Kicks: 30 cu ft against 20.7 cu ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Kicks has 43% more maximum cargo space
Here the Kicks pulls well ahead of the Envista, with 60 cu ft compared to 42 cu ft. The Kicks can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
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The Envista has 22 lb-ft more torque
The Envista doesn’t just edge this one; 162 lb-ft against 140 lb-ft is a lead you’ll feel. The Envista’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Envista has a 10.7 in longer body
More isn’t automatically better here: the Envista’s 182.6 in and the Kicks’s 171.9 in simply suit different preferences. Length matters most in tight garages and city parking spaces.
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The Kicks has better highway fuel economy
On fuel economy (highway), the Kicks edges out the Envista, 35 mpg to 32 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
By the manufacturer’s measurements, the Kicks is the more compact car, and the Envista the larger one.
Dimensions
| Spec | Envista | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | 171.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 104.6 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,987 lb |
Engine & Performance
Envista leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Envista. Point to the Envista for 22 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Envista is the safer choice.
Torque
Envista: 162 lb-ft Kicks: 140 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Kicks leads
Call it a small but real win for the Kicks in this area. Choose the Kicks and you get better highway fuel economy. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds. If this section decides it for you, choose the Kicks.
Fuel economy (highway)
Envista: 32 mpg Kicks: 35 mpg The Kicks uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Fuel tank
Envista: 13.2 gal Kicks: 11.9 gal Tank size and fuel economy together decide your range, so look at both before drawing conclusions.
Space & Practicality
Kicks leads
In this area the Kicks has a lead the Envista can’t close. The Kicks takes this one with 45% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. That makes the Kicks the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Envista: 20.7 cu ft Kicks: 30 cu ft The Kicks’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Cargo (seats folded)
Envista: 42 cu ft Kicks: 60 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Kicks leads
A modest lead on off-road & towing belongs to the Kicks. The Kicks makes its case with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. Prioritize off-road & towing, and the Kicks is where you should land.
AWD / 4WD available
Envista: no Kicks: yes Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Envista and the Kicks each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envista | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 141 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 140 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envista | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 35 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 11.9 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envista | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 20.7 cu ft | 30 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 42 cu ft | 60 cu ft (winner) |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 34.50 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envista | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.40 in |
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envista | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Envista | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | 171.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 104.6 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,987 lb |
Price
| Spec | Envista | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,800 | $21,830 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The launch price difference is small: $1,970, favoring the Kicks. The Kicks costs $1,970 less and still comes out ahead in more areas, a rare combination.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of launch. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Envista if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 140 lb-ft of torque)
- you like more of everything, size included
- you trust Buick and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Kicks if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (30 cu ft vs 20.7 cu ft)
- you want more room with the seats folded (60 cu ft vs 42 cu ft)
- you cover long highway distances (35 mpg vs 32 mpg on the highway)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
- you want more value for your money ($1,970 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Envista or the Kicks?
The Kicks makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you care more about 22 lb-ft more torque than anything else.
Which is larger, the Envista or the Kicks?
Going by the official dimensions, the Envista is the bigger of the two at 182.6 in. The Kicks measures 171.9 × 70.9 × 64.2 in.
Is the Envista cheaper than the Kicks?
At launch, the Kicks undercut the Envista by $1,970. These figures are as of launch, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Envista versus the Kicks shows that nicely. Start with the headline difference (the Kicks has 45% more cargo space), and a lot of the decision falls into place. A second point goes to the Kicks for better highway fuel economy. I don’t want to sell the Envista short, though: it has 22 lb-ft more torque.
The Envista makes sense for anyone who values engine & performance; the Kicks for anyone who values fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Kicks, though I’d happily point you to the Envista if you’d trade the rest for 22 lb-ft more torque.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.