2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Maverick bursts onto the scene offering a spirited drive from its 191 hp powertrain, a true departure for a utility vehicle of its dimensions (199.8 inches long). It aims high on efficiency with a stellar 38 combined MPG. In stark contrast, the 2026 Nissan Kicks prioritizes pure economy and agility, coming in significantly cheaper at $22,430 against the Maverick's $28,145 starting price. While the Kicks manages a respectable 31 combined MPG, its 141 hp engine feels less urgent than the Maverick's punch. The Kicks is also notably smaller, measuring just 171.9 inches in length, which aids city maneuvering. This comparison pits raw power and segment-bending utility against sharp pricing and ultimate fuel efficiency, creating a fascinating showdown where the extra $5,715 spent on the Maverick buys 50 more horsepower and a tangible difference in highway cruising.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick offers superior fuel economy at 38 combined MPG versus the Kicks' 31 MPG, minimizing stops during the daily grind.
2026 Nissan Kicks
While lacking full truck utility, the Kicks offers a lower entry price of $22,430 and a dedicated 30 cu ft cargo capacity for family hauling essentials.
2025 Ford Maverick
With 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, the Maverick provides significantly more spirited acceleration than the Kicks' 141 hp output.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks saves the buyer $5,715 upfront, representing a much lower barrier to entry for crossover ownership.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- You prioritize driving engagement and need 191 hp for confident merging and passing maneuvers.
- You can utilize the greater utility inherent in the Maverick's larger 199.8-inch frame and higher stance.
- Maximizing fuel range is key, thanks to its excellent 38 combined MPG rating.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Sticking strictly to a budget is paramount, given its appealing starting MSRP of $22,430.
- You need usable covered storage, as the Kicks offers a specific 30 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Your driving is mostly urban and requires the easier handling afforded by its compact 171.9-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 171.9" |
| Width | 72.6" | 70.9" |
| Height | 68.8" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 42/35 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 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 | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
How much power is the difference between the 2025 Maverick and the 2026 Kicks?
The 2025 Ford Maverick delivers 191 horsepower, which is exactly 50 horsepower more than the 2026 Nissan Kicks, which produces 141 hp. This noticeable power gap suggests the Maverick will feel significantly quicker, especially when loaded.
Which crossover is the better choice for pure fuel savings?
The 2025 Ford Maverick has the edge in overall efficiency, achieving 38 combined MPG compared to the 2026 Nissan Kicks' 31 combined MPG. However, the Kicks shines slightly better in highway cruising efficiency at 35 MPG, matching the Maverick’s highway rating.
What is the cost differential between these two vehicles?
There is a substantial $5,715 price difference separating these models. The 2026 Nissan Kicks starts at $22,430, making it much more accessible than the 2025 Ford Maverick, which begins at $28,145.
Is the Maverick or the Kicks physically larger?
The Ford Maverick is significantly longer and taller, measuring 199.8 inches in length and 68.8 inches in height. The Nissan Kicks is much more compact at only 171.9 inches long and 64.2 inches high, making it easier to slip into tight parking spots.
Does the Kicks offer better dedicated storage for cargo?
The specifications explicitly list a 30 cu ft cargo capacity for the 2026 Nissan Kicks. While the Maverick is a different segment (a small truck), this specific figure confirms the Kicks has dedicated, protected space for bulky items.
Are there differences in the type of fuel or transmission used?
Both vehicles run on regular unleaded fuel, ensuring accessible fueling. However, the Maverick uses an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission, while the Kicks relies on a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
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