Ep 72. 2019 Ford Ranger & 2018 Nissan Kicks
- January 18, 2019
In this episode of MotorWeek, we dive deep into the features and performance of two popular vehicles: the 2019 Ford Ranger and the 2018 Nissan Kicks. Both trucks have made waves in the automotive industry, and we're excited to see what sets them apart.
First up is the 2019 Ford Ranger, which marks the model's return to the U.S. market after nearly a decade. This midsize truck has a muscular design with a bold grille and strong lines, but it also offers plenty of practical features for drivers who need a workhorse vehicle. The Ranger is available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, with either a 5- or 6-foot bed. The interior is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of legroom and intuitive controls. The Ranger comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 10-speed automatic transmission. The combination makes for impressive acceleration and towing capacity, whether you're hauling cargo or cruising down the highway. The Ranger also offers a range of advanced safety features, including blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Next, we take a closer look at the 2018 Nissan Kicks, which is a subcompact SUV designed for urban driving. The Kicks has a quirky, bold design with distinctive accents like two-tone paint and a floating roof. It's smaller than most SUVs, but it still offers a surprisingly spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The Kicks comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. The combination delivers smooth acceleration and good fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Kicks also features a range of tech-friendly features, including a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Bose audio system. On the safety front, the Kicks offers automatic emergency braking, rearview monitor, and blind spot warning.
Throughout the episode, we test drive both the Ford Ranger and the Nissan Kicks, putting them through their paces on the road and off. We also explore their respective features and specs in detail, including their towing capacity, cargo space, and various performance metrics. We also hear from experts and owners about their experiences with the vehicles, learning more about what makes them stand out in their respective classes.
Overall, this episode of MotorWeek offers a comprehensive look at two exciting vehicles that have generated a lot of buzz in the automotive industry. Whether you're looking for a tough and capable truck or a stylish and fun-to-drive subcompact SUV, the Ford Ranger and Nissan Kicks both have plenty to offer. Tune in to MotorWeek to get the full scoop on these two impressive vehicles.
