Envista vs Kicks Play
Rivals in the subcompact suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the Envista and the Kicks Play are no exception. What you gain on one side you give up on the other: the Envista wins on engine & performance, the Kicks Play on fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Envista wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Kicks Play wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price Kicks Play wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Engine & Performance0.1
- Fuel Economy & Range4.3
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
-
The Envista has 48 lb-ft more torque
The numbers aren’t close. The Envista lists 162 lb-ft for torque, while the Kicks Play lists 114 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Envista has 15 hp more power
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Envista leads 137 hp to 122 hp. The Envista’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Kicks Play has better fuel economy
The difference is minor (33 mpg against 30 mpg), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Kicks Play wins it. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Kicks Play has better highway fuel economy
The Envista comes close with 32 mpg; the Kicks Play does slightly better with 36 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
-
The Kicks Play has better city fuel economy
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 31 mpg for the Kicks Play, 28 mpg for the Envista. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Envista | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Envista leads
The Kicks Play is outclassed on engine & performance; the Envista leads by a clear margin. The Envista takes this one with 48 lb-ft more torque. The Envista’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Envista.
Torque
Envista: 162 lb-ft Kicks Play: 114 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
Envista: 137 hp Kicks Play: 122 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Kicks Play leads
This section belongs to the Kicks Play. In fuel economy & range, it leads the Envista by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Kicks Play comes with better fuel economy. The Kicks Play uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Net result: the Kicks Play leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
Envista: 30 mpg Kicks Play: 33 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Envista: 32 mpg Kicks Play: 36 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the Envista and the Kicks Play list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envista | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.6L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp (winner) | 122 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 114 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envista | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 31 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envista | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 20.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 42 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envista | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envista | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 7 in Smallest touchscreen |
| 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 Play |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Envista | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,800 | $21,520 (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 Kicks Play has a small price advantage of $2,280 at launch. Neither leads outright, so ask yourself whether the Envista’s strengths are worth $2,280 more to you.
Launch prices in the US as of launch; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Envista if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (162 lb-ft vs 114 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (137 hp vs 122 hp)
- you already use other Buick products
Choose the Kicks Play if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (33 mpg vs 30 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 32 mpg on the highway)
- you mostly drive in town (31 mpg vs 28 mpg in the city)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($2,280 less)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Envista or the Kicks Play?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Envista if engine & performance matters most, or the Kicks Play if fuel economy & range does.
Which costs less, the Envista or the Kicks Play?
Going by launch prices, the Kicks Play costs $2,280 less than the Envista. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Envista and the Kicks Play are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. Practically speaking, the Envista’s biggest advantage is 48 lb-ft more torque. Where the Kicks Play fights back is better fuel economy.
Match the strength to your habits (engine & performance for the Envista, fuel economy & range for the Kicks Play), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: honestly, it’s a split decision, so let engine & performance versus fuel economy & range settle it for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.