2025 Nissan Kicks Play vs 2025 Subaru Legacy
Comparison Overview
So, you're stuck between choosing the nimble 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the more substantial 2025 Subaru Legacy. If your priority is keeping purchase costs low, the Kicks starts at a very attractive $21,520, undercutting the Legacy by a significant $5,290. However, the Legacy brings muscle, offering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks' 122 hp. For daily efficiency, the Kicks hatchback leads with a 33 MPG combined rating (31 city/36 highway) versus the Legacy's 30 MPG combined. While the Kicks is shorter at 169.1 inches, providing easier city parking, the Legacy provides superior passenger volume benefits due to its sedan stature. Ultimately, this decision boils down to prioritizing upfront savings and fuel economy (Kicks) versus raw power and standard All-Wheel Drive capability (Legacy).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
The Kicks is the better commuter due to its superior 33 MPG combined fuel economy and smaller footprint for navigating tight city streets.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy wins for families because its larger sedan body style, despite having less dedicated cargo space at 15.1 cu ft compared to the Kicks' 25.3 cu ft, generally offers more rear-seat passenger room.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The Legacy is the enthusiast choice, boasting a substantial 60 horsepower advantage and 176 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly quicker than the Kicks' 122 hp.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
The Kicks offers superior value, costing $5,290 less while delivering better fuel economy (33 MPG vs 30 MPG).
Choose the Nissan Kicks Play if...
- You need the lowest possible initial purchase price, starting at just $21,520.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, as the Kicks achieves 36 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the maneuverability and easier parking of a shorter 169.1-inch vehicle.
Choose the Subaru Legacy if...
- You require the enhanced traction and stability provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You value quicker acceleration, benefiting from the Legacy's 182 horsepower.
- You prefer the traditional comfort and slightly larger width (72.4 inches) of a dedicated sedan platform.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks Play | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 169.1" | 191.1" |
| Width | 69.3" | 72.4" |
| Height | 63.3" | 59.1" |
| Wheelbase | 103.1" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-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 Drum Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 122 hp @ 6300 rpm | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 31/36 MPG | 27/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 334.8/388.8 mi. | 499.5/647.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.8 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.4 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.7 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 50.9 in. | 55.5 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 | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.4 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.2 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.1 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.0 in. | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/60R16 | 225/55R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nissan Kicks Play and 2025 Subaru Legacy.
How much more does the Subaru Legacy cost than the Nissan Kicks?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy has an MSRP of $26,810, which is $5,290 more expensive than the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play starting price of $21,520.
Which vehicle is better for highway cruising efficiency?
The Nissan Kicks is more efficient on the highway, achieving an EPA rating of 36 MPG, while the Subaru Legacy manages 35 MPG highway.
Is the Nissan Kicks hatchback or the Subaru Legacy sedan better for performance driving?
The Subaru Legacy is the clear performance winner, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the Kicks' 122 hp output.
Does the Legacy's standard AWD offset the Kicks' better fuel economy?
The Legacy's standard All-Wheel Drive is a major functional benefit, especially in poor weather, but it results in a slightly lower combined fuel economy of 30 MPG compared to the Kicks' FWD 33 MPG.
How do the overall dimensions compare between the two vehicles?
The Legacy is noticeably longer at 191.1 inches versus the Kicks' 169.1 inches, and wider at 72.4 inches compared to 69.3 inches; however, the Kicks is significantly taller at 63.3 inches compared to the Legacy's 59.1 inches.
Which car offers more utility for hauling gear?
Surprisingly, the Kicks hatchback provides significantly more utility for hauling, boasting 25.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Legacy sedan's 15.1 cubic feet.
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