The Nissan Kicks is a small SUV that boasts a bold exterior and a budget-friendly price tag. It’s also earned some pretty high marks in terms of safety. But if the Nissan Kicks isn’t the right compact SUV for satisfying your daily driving needs? There are plenty of alternatives to the Nissan Kicks that are worth your attention. Let’s check them out.

Consumer Reports gave the Mazda CX-30 better reliability ratings

Now, Consumer Reports didn’t give the new Nissan Kicks the highest ratings. In fact, it gave this year’s model a 64 overall score. It also gave this year’s model a two out of five predicted reliability rating and a two out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. According to Consumer Reports, it’s the Nissan Kicks’ driving experience and overall comfort that kept it from earning higher scores.

The good news is that Consumer Reports gave this alternative to the Nissan Kicks much better scores. The new Mazda CX-30 earned a 75 overall score, along with a five out of five predicted reliability rating. This year’s model also earned a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. According to Consumer Reports, owners will likely be most satisfied with the CX-30’s driving experience, styling, and overall comfort.

The Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive

If you’re on the hunt for an all-wheel drive SUV, the Nissan Kicks might not be the best fit for you. This year’s model comes standard with front-wheel drive. But if you need an all-wheel-drive vehicle? This year’s Kicks isn’t available with it. The good news is that this rugged alternative to the Nissan Kicks comes standard with all-wheel drive. 

Standard all-wheel drive isn’t the only reason to choose the Subaru Crosstrek over the Nissan Kicks either. Much like the CX-30, Consumer Reports gave this year’s Crosstrek much higher ratings than the Nissan Kicks. In fact, Consumer Reports gave this year’s Crosstrek an 84 overall score. It also gave the Crosstrek a four out of five predicted reliability rating and a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

The IIHS gave this year’s new Crosstrek higher safety ratings than the Nissan Kicks too. While the IIHS recognized this year’s Crosstrek as a Top Safety Pick, the Nissan Kicks was not given such a high rating. The NHTSA also gave the Crosstrek higher safety ratings. While it gave the Nissan Kicks a four out of five safety rating, it gave this year’s Crosstrek a five-star overall safety rating.

The Hyundai Kona boasts a few ownership perks

Shopping for a new car and in it for the perks? If you are, Hyundai Kona makes for an appealing alternative to this year’s Nissan Kicks. This year’s model boasts a starting price of $20,500, which is slightly higher than that of the Nissan Kick’s. However, unlike the Nissan Kicks, this year’s Kona comes standard with Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance for three years or 36,000-miles, whichever comes first. 

Complimentary maintenance isn’t all that the Kona has going for it, either. Unlike the Nissan Kicks, this year’s Kona comes driven by a 147-hp engine. And if you need all-wheel drive? While this year’s Kona doesn’t come standard with it, all-wheel drive is available. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the Nissan Kicks.