2025 Nissan Kicks Play vs 2025 Toyota Corolla

$21,520 · Hatchback

$22,325 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a nimble hatchback like the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the traditional sedan reliability of the 2025 Toyota Corolla can be tough when budget and efficiency are top priorities. The Kicks leads with affordability, starting at just $21,520 compared to the Corolla's $22,325 MSRP. For city drivers, the Kicks offers a slightly taller profile at 63.3 inches, making entry and exit easier, despite having less raw power at 122 hp versus the Corolla's 169 hp. Fuel economy is close, but the Corolla edges out the Kicks with a combined 35 MPG versus the Kicks' 33 MPG. The biggest functional difference lies in storage: the Kicks boasts a substantial 25.3 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the Corolla's 13.1 cu ft capacity, making it far more practical for weekend hauls or large grocery runs. This comparison highlights a trade-off between power and pure utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Corolla

The 2025 Toyota Corolla wins for commuters due to its superior highway efficiency, achieving 41 MPG compared to the Kicks' 36 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is the clear winner for families needing space, offering nearly double the cargo capacity at 25.3 cu ft versus 13.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Corolla

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Corolla because it offers significantly more output with 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play offers better upfront value, starting $805 cheaper than the 2025 Toyota Corolla.

Choose the Nissan Kicks Play if...

You prioritize maximum cargo utility, as the Kicks provides 25.3 cu ft of space.
You want the lowest possible entry price point, with an MSRP of $21,520.
You prefer a taller ride height (63.3 inches) for easier ingress and egress.

Choose the Toyota Corolla if...

You need more passing power on the highway, leveraging the Corolla's 169 hp.
You focus heavily on highway fuel economy, as the Corolla hits 41 MPG.
You appreciate the traditional handling characteristics of a sedan over a hatchback.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Kicks Play	Toyota Corolla
Length	169.1"	182.5"
Width	69.3"	70.1"
Height	63.3"	56.5"
Wheelbase	103.1"	106.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
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	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	122 hp @ 6300 rpm	169 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque	114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	151 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	Toyota
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	31/36 MPG	32/41 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	334.8/388.8 mi.	422.4/541.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.8 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.4 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	43.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	54.0 in.
Front Hip Room	50.9 in.	53.9 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	Nissan	Toyota
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.4 in.	34.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.2 in.	51.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.1 in.	51.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Wheel Material	Steel	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	Full	Full
Wheel Size	16 x 6.0 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R16	P205/55R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	16 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and 2025 Toyota Corolla.

Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play actually faster than the 2025 Toyota Corolla?

No, the 2025 Toyota Corolla is significantly faster; it produces 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, while the Kicks is rated at 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, giving the Corolla a distinct power advantage.

Which vehicle is better for long road trips based on fuel costs?

The 2025 Corolla is slightly better for long trips due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 41 highway MPG compared to the Kicks' 36 highway MPG.

Why is the Kicks so much shorter than the Corolla?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is classified as a subcompact hatchback measuring 169.1 inches long, whereas the 2025 Toyota Corolla sedan is substantially longer at 182.5 inches, leading to different cabin dynamics.

Which car makes more sense for carrying bulky items?

The Kicks is the better choice for cargo; its 25.3 cu ft capacity easily surpasses the Corolla's 13.1 cu ft, offering better flexibility for gear or large shopping trips.