2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Nissan Kicks

$28,770 · Crossover

$22,430 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 sprints onto the scene offering a premium feel and spirited performance, boasting 187 hp from its standard setup paired with responsive AWD. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Kicks is the master of efficiency and accessibility, tempting buyers with its sharp $22,430 MSRP and stellar 31 MPG combined economy. The power gap is substantial: the CX-5 commands 46 more horsepower than the Kicks' 141 hp, though this comes at the cost of efficiency, as the CX-5 returns only 25 MPG combined. While the CX-5 is slightly larger at 180.1 inches long with 30.8 cu ft of cargo space, the Kicks counters with a remarkable $6,340 lower entry price. This comparison pits engaging driving dynamics and standard AWD against untouchable budget efficiency and FWD practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks is superior for daily commuting due to its excellent 35 MPG highway rating and lower operating cost.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers a more robust AWD platform and slightly larger 30.8 cu ft cargo capacity, ideal for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 delivers significantly more driving excitement with 187 hp and standard all-wheel drive engaging a 6-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks offers unbeatable value, priced $6,340 less than the CX-5 while providing superior fuel economy.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You demand spirited acceleration from 187 hp and prefer the security of standard all-wheel drive.
You value a more upscale driving environment paired with a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You need a slightly larger footprint, exemplified by its 180.1-inch length and 30.8 cu ft of cargo room.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Minimizing fuel stops is key, thanks to its 35 MPG highway efficiency.
Your budget is strict, as the Kicks starts $6,340 lower at $22,430 MSRP.
Your driving is primarily in fair weather, utilizing the front-wheel drive system and lighter build.

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	12.3 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	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Nissan Kicks.

How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-5 compared to the Nissan Kicks?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 produces 187 horsepower, giving it a decisive 46 horsepower advantage over the 2026 Nissan Kicks, which outputs 141 hp. This power difference translates directly into notably quicker acceleration for the CX-5.

Which vehicle is the clear choice for fuel efficiency on the highway?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks dominates fuel economy, achieving an impressive 35 MPG highway rating. The Mazda CX-5 trails significantly, managing 29 MPG highway, making the Kicks much cheaper to run daily.

What is the key difference in powertrain and drivetrain between these two crossovers?

The CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission, emphasizing balanced traction. In contrast, the Kicks uses Front-Wheel Drive paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) aimed purely at maximizing efficiency.

Is the price difference worth the performance downgrade in the Kicks?

The Kicks saves you $6,340 upfront by sacrificing 46 hp. If your driving involves less spirited maneuvers and more focus on budgeting, that saving is substantial, especially when combined with 6 MPG better overall fuel efficiency.

How do the exterior dimensions compare between the two models?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 180.1 inches long compared to the Kicks' 171.9 inches in length. This slightly larger size gives the CX-5 marginally more standard cargo space at 30.8 cubic feet versus the Kicks’ 30.0 cubic feet.

Can both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Nissan Kicks are designed to run happily on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying ownership costs for both models.