2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
If you're torn between stretching your budget for capability or saving significantly for daily efficiency, this comparison hits the core dilemma. The 2025 Nissan Kicks starts at a compelling $21,830, significantly undercutting the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's $26,560 entry price—a difference of $4,730. While the Crosstrek offers a slight edge in power, boasting 152 hp to the Kicks' 141 hp, the Kicks wins on fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined. For pure utility hauling, the Kicks provides substantially more room with 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. However, the Crosstrek comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a major advantage the FWD Kicks lacks, making the decision heavily reliant on whether foul weather performance outweighs initial cost and better city mileage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks is the clear winner for daily commuters due to its $4,730 lower MSRP and superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG.
2025 Nissan Kicks
Families needing maximum internal space will favor the Kicks for its superior 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek appeals more to enthusiasts because it offers more standard power (152 hp) and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Nissan Kicks
Given the much lower starting price and better highway fuel efficiency (35 MPG), the Kicks offers better overall fiscal value for general use.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- You want to save $4,730 right off the lot, with an MSRP starting at $21,830.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the Kicks delivers 31 MPG combined.
- You need maximum hauling ability in a compact package, offering 30 cubic feet of cargo space.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You live where snow or unpaved roads are common, thanks to standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer slightly higher output, with the Crosstrek delivering 152 horsepower.
- You appreciate a slightly longer body (176.4 inches) and a lower stance (62.8 inches height) for perceived stability.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 176.4" |
| Width | 70.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.2" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 104.6" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention 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 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 Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 145 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 | 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 |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/35 MPG | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 448.2/564.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.9 gal. | 16.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 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 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 55.1 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. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | P225/60R17 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
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 and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.
What is the biggest performance difference between the 2025 Kicks and the 2025 Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek holds the performance edge, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, slightly more than the Nissan Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Crosstrek includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which the FWD Kicks lacks.
Is the Nissan Kicks significantly more fuel-efficient than the Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, the Kicks shows better fuel economy on paper, achieving a combined 31 MPG (28 city/35 highway) compared to the Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined (27 city/34 highway). This difference can save money over a year of commuting.
How much more cargo room does the Kicks offer compared to the Crosstrek?
The Kicks offers significantly more utility space, boasting 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the Crosstrek provides 19.9 cubic feet, meaning the Kicks can swallow substantially more luggage or gear.
How much cheaper is the base 2025 Nissan Kicks than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek?
The starting price difference is substantial; the Kicks MSRP begins at $21,830, while the Crosstrek starts at $26,560. This represents a savings of $4,730 if you opt for the Kicks.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The Subaru Crosstrek is technically longer at 176.4 inches versus the Kicks' 171.9 inches. However, the Kicks is noticeably taller at 64.2 inches compared to the Crosstrek's 62.8 inches, contributing to its larger stated cargo volume.
Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?
Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek are equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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