2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Nissan Kicks

$28,770 · Crossover

$21,830 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Nissan Kicks is the substantial $6,940 MSRP gap, with the CX-5 starting at $28,770 compared to the Kicks' $21,830 entry point. This price difference reflects significant mechanical disparities; the CX-5 delivers 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Conversely, the Kicks maintains a strong efficiency lead, achieving a combined 31 MPG versus the CX-5's 25 MPG. While the Kicks utilizes a FWD setup, the CX-5 includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Dimensionally, the CX-5 is notably larger at 180.1 inches long versus the Kicks' 171.9 inches, though cargo capacities are nearly identical at 30.8 cu ft (CX-5) and 30.0 cu ft (Kicks). The CX-5 uses a traditional 6-speed automatic, while the Kicks employs a CVT.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks offers superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG which is significantly better than the CX-5's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The larger dimensions and standard AWD capability of the Mazda CX-5 provide a more substantial and secure platform for family transport.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 provides substantially more output with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks' 141 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks is the superior value proposition due to its $21,830 MSRP, offering significantly lower cost of entry.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

All-Wheel Drive capability is required, as the CX-5 includes it standard.
The driver prioritizes performance, benefited by the 187 hp engine output.
A larger physical footprint (180.1 inches length) for perceived substance is desired.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Minimizing fuel costs is paramount, given its 31 combined MPG rating.
The initial purchase price must remain below $22,000, starting at $21,830.
Maneuverability in tight urban settings is favored due to its smaller overall exterior dimensions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Nissan Kicks
Length	180.1"	171.9"
Width	72.6"	70.9"
Height	66.1"	64.2"
Wheelbase	106.2"	104.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
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	187 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	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume 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	39.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	54.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 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	39.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 in.	50.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent

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-5 and 2025 Nissan Kicks.

What is the exact difference in power between the 2025 CX-5 and the 2025 Kicks?

The Mazda CX-5 produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This output is 46 hp and 46 lb-ft greater than the Nissan Kicks, which generates 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque.

How much more expensive is the standard AWD system on the Mazda CX-5?

The MSRP difference is $6,940, with the AWD CX-5 starting at $28,770 while the FWD Kicks starts at $21,830. This price premium buys the CX-5 standard AWD and significantly higher power figures.

Which vehicle offers better efficiency for highway driving?

The Nissan Kicks leads significantly in highway efficiency, posting an EPA-estimated 35 MPG Highway. The Mazda CX-5 lags behind in this metric, rated for 29 MPG Highway.

Are the cargo capacities comparable despite the size difference?

Yes, the cargo capacities are remarkably close for vehicles of these different sizes. The CX-5 offers 30.8 cu ft, slightly edging out the Kicks' 30.0 cu ft capacity behind the rear seats.

What type of transmissions do these crossovers utilize?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 utilizes a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Kicks employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

Which vehicle is physically smaller overall?

The Nissan Kicks is the more compact option, measuring 171.9 inches in length, 64.2 inches in height, and 70.9 inches in width. The CX-5 is larger in all three dimensions.