2025 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax blasts into the segment with an appealing $20,500 base price, exciting buyers with its robust torque figure of 162 lb-ft driving the front wheels through a traditional 6-speed automatic. Contrasting this is the sleeker 2026 Nissan Kicks, which slightly edges out the competition with 141 hp and a segment-leading 30 cu ft of cargo capacity—a significant 4.4 cu ft more than the Trax's 25.6 cu ft maximum. While the Trax offers a slightly larger footprint at 178.6 inches long, the Kicks prioritizes efficiency, achieving 35 MPG on the highway compared to the Trax's 32 MPG highway rating. For those seeking spirited driving feel through gear shifts, the Trax's transmission choice stands out against the Kicks' CVT, even though both crossovers offer similar combined efficiency around 30-31 MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior highway fuel economy of 35 MPG.
2026 Nissan Kicks
Families will benefit more from the Kicks' significantly larger maximum cargo capacity of 30 cubic feet.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax offers more low-end pulling power with 162 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks' 140 lb-ft.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax provides better immediate value with its significantly lower base MSRP of $20,500.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- You prioritize the lowest possible entry price, with an MSRP starting at just $20,500.
- You prefer the tactile feel of a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You want the strongest torque figure, boasting 162 lb-ft for immediate throttle response.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Maximizing storage space is crucial, as the Kicks offers an impressive 30 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You want the absolute best highway mileage, achieving 35 MPG.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the Kicks is 2.8 inches taller at 64.2 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trax | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.6" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.8" | 70.9" |
| Height | 61.4" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | flex-fuel (FFV) | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/32 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for long highway drives?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the clear winner for highway efficiency, rating at 35 MPG compared to the 2025 Chevrolet Trax's 32 MPG highway rating. This difference of 3 MPG could add up over regular long-distance commutes.
Does the Trax's 6-speed transmission offer a noticeable driving advantage over the Kicks' CVT?
Enthusiasts might prefer the Trax's 6-speed shiftable automatic for its distinct shift points, whereas the Kicks utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While the Trax has more torque (162 lb-ft), both are FWD and relatively modest in outright power.
How much bigger is the Kicks' cargo area compared to the Trax?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers substantially more space, boasting 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is 4.4 cubic feet more than the 2025 Chevrolet Trax, which maximizes at 25.6 cubic feet.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Trax significantly cheaper than the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
Yes, the Trax presents a lower entry cost, starting at an MSRP of $20,500, while the Kicks begins at $22,430. This nearly $2,000 difference is a major factor for budget-conscious buyers.
Which vehicle has more horsepower for quick acceleration?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks holds a slight edge in peak power with 141 hp, beating the Trax's 137 hp rating. However, the Trax compensates with 22 more lb-ft of torque.
Are either of these crossovers available with All-Wheel Drive?
Based on the provided specifications, neither the 2025 Chevrolet Trax nor the 2026 Nissan Kicks offer an All-Wheel Drive option, as both are listed exclusively as Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles.
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