2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Nissan Kicks

$25,195 · Crossover

$21,830 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is the choice for driving enjoyment, packing a potent 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, delivering satisfying performance from its standard all-wheel-drive system. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Kicks charms budget-conscious buyers with its aggressive starting price of $21,830, significantly undercutting the Mazda's $25,195 MSRP. While the CX-30 offers a sportier edge with 50 more horsepower, the Kicks maximizes utility, boasting a substantial 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda's 20.2 cubic feet. Fuel efficiency leans slightly toward the Kicks with a 31 MPG combined rating versus the CX-30's 29 MPG combined. Ultimately, the contest pits Mazda's enthusiast appeal and spirited 6-speed automatic transmission against Nissan's superior practicality and significant cost savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined compared to the CX-30's 29 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks

Families will favor the Kicks for its substantially larger 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity, beating the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is the clear enthusiast pick, boasting 191 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive against the Kicks' 141 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks offers superior value by saving buyers $3,365 in initial MSRP while still providing good utility.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize spirited driving dynamics, benefiting from 191 horsepower.
You require standard all-wheel drive capability for varying conditions.
You prefer the direct feel of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Your primary concern is maximizing storage space with 30 cubic feet of cargo.
You need the absolute lowest initial purchase price, saving $3,365 over the CX-30.
You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the Kicks achieves 35 highway MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Nissan Kicks
Length	173.0"	171.9"
Width	70.7"	70.9"
Height	61.7"	64.2"
Wheelbase	104.4"	104.6"

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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
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 Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	141 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	186 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
Fuel Injection Type	✓	—
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	11.9 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	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
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	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
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	38.1 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	54.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 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	Mazda	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	50.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear 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 CX-30 and 2025 Nissan Kicks.

What is the main mechanical difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2025 Nissan Kicks?

The most significant difference lies in power output; the CX-30 delivers 191 horsepower, while the Kicks produces 141 horsepower. Additionally, the CX-30 features standard all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic, whereas the Kicks uses front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission.

How much more cargo space does the Kicks offer compared to the CX-30?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks is substantially more cargo-friendly, offering 30 cubic feet of capacity. This significantly surpasses the 2025 Mazda CX-30, which provides only 20.2 cubic feet for luggage.

Is the CX-30 significantly more expensive than the Kicks?

Yes, the Mazda CX-30 has an MSRP starting at $25,195, making it $3,365 more expensive than the Nissan Kicks, which starts at $21,830.

Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for highway commuting?

The Nissan Kicks holds the efficiency crown, achieving an EPA-estimated 35 MPG on the highway compared to the CX-30's 33 MPG highway rating.

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2025 Nissan Kicks are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, helping keep running costs lower for both models.

How do the physical dimensions compare between these two compact crossovers?

The vehicles are similar in length (173.0 inches for Mazda vs. 171.9 inches for Nissan), but the Kicks is slightly taller at 64.2 inches compared to the CX-30's 61.7 inches.