2025 Mazda 3 vs 2025 Nissan Kicks Play

$24,150 · Sedan

$21,520 · Hatchback

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan and the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play Hatchback often comes down to prioritizing driving dynamics over sheer utility. If your daily drive feels like a necessary chore, the Mazda 3, with its 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, offers a noticeably more engaging experience than the Kicks' 122 hp output. However, those focused on maximizing space will appreciate the Kicks, which provides a massive 25.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft, even though the Kicks is slightly more fuel-efficient at 33 combined MPG versus the Mazda's 31 combined MPG. The Mazda 3 carries a higher MSRP of $24,150 compared to the Kicks' entry price of $21,520. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you need a more powerful compact sedan or a surprisingly spacious urban crossover.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 city MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

Families will prefer the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play because its 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity nearly doubles the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda 3

The 2025 Mazda 3 is the enthusiast's pick, boasting 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Kicks' output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play offers better baseline value with a lower MSRP of $21,520 and better combined fuel economy at 33 MPG.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

You value driving engagement and prefer a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
You want significantly more power, as the Mazda 3 delivers 191 hp versus the Kicks' 122 hp.
You prefer the lower stance and potentially more refined handling dynamics of a compact sedan over a crossover.

Choose the Nissan Kicks Play if...

Maximizing cargo capacity is essential, given the Kicks offers 25.3 cu ft of storage.
You need the lowest possible purchase price, as the Kicks starts at $21,520, undercutting the Mazda 3 by $2,630.
Your primary goal is maximizing urban efficiency, evidenced by the Kicks' 31 city MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda 3	Nissan Kicks Play
Length	183.5"	169.1"
Width	70.7"	69.3"
Height	56.9"	63.3"
Wheelbase	107.3"	103.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
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	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Drum Brakes	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	—
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/37 MPG	31/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/488.4 mi.	334.8/388.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	10.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	40.4 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	43.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	53.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	50.9 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	Mazda	Nissan
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	33.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.5 in.	53.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.9 in.	49.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Wheel Material	Alloy	Steel
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.0 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/60R16	P205/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda 3 and 2025 Nissan Kicks Play.

How much bigger is the Nissan Kicks' storage area compared to the Mazda 3?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play offers considerably more space with 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is nearly double the 13.2 cu ft available in the 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan, making the Kicks much better for hauling large items.

Is the Mazda 3 much more powerful than the Kicks?

Yes, the power difference is substantial; the Mazda 3 produces 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Kicks only manages 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Mazda will feel much quicker in passing maneuvers.

Which car is generally better on gas for long highway commutes?

Both are quite efficient, but the 2025 Mazda 3 nudges ahead slightly on the highway, rating at 37 MPG highway compared to the Kicks' 36 MPG highway, despite the Kicks having better city numbers (31 MPG vs 27 MPG).

If I'm focused strictly on the lower initial cost, which one should I look at?

You should lean towards the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play, as its MSRP is $21,520, making it the more budget-friendly option compared to the Mazda 3's starting price of $24,150.

Does the body style affect overall vehicle dimensions significantly?

Yes, the Kicks (Hatchback/Crossover style) is significantly taller at 63.3 inches compared to the Mazda 3's 56.9 inches, which contributes to its superior cargo volume and potentially easier entry/exit.

What are the drivetrain differences between these two models?

The Mazda 3 uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with front-wheel drive. Conversely, the Nissan Kicks utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) while also being front-wheel drive.