2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2025 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2025 Subaru Forester is the $8,165 MSRP gap, starting at $21,830 for the Kicks versus $29,995 for the Forester. This price difference correlates with significant performance disparity; the Forester delivers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. However, efficiency favors the Kicks, achieving 31 MPG combined compared to the Forester's 29 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Forester is longer at 183.3 inches and taller at 68.1 inches, offering a slightly greater physical presence, although its cargo capacity of 29.6 cu ft is marginally smaller than the Kicks' 30 cu ft. The standard drivetrain difference is crucial: the Forester includes All-Wheel Drive, while the Kicks is Front-Wheel Drive only.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks wins for commuting due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy and lower $21,830 entry price.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester is better for families because its standard All-Wheel Drive and taller 68.1-inch height provide greater utility and assumed security.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester appeals more to enthusiasts, boasting 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks' output.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks offers superior quantifiable value with a starting MSRP that is $8,165 lower than the competitor.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Budget is the primary constraint, given the Kicks' $21,830 starting MSRP.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, as the Kicks achieves 35 MPG on the highway.
- Sufficient interior space is needed, as the Kicks offers a segment-leading 30 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- All-Wheel Drive capability is non-negotiable, which is standard on the Forester.
- Higher performance metrics are desired, evidenced by the Forester's 180 hp rating.
- A larger physical footprint is preferred, noted by the Forester's 183.3-inch length and 68.1-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 183.3" |
| Width | 70.9" | 72.0" |
| Height | 64.2" | 68.1" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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) | 28/35 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 431.6/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate 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 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 54.7 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H |
| 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 Forester.
What is the practical MPG difference between the 2025 Kicks and Forester?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks maintains an advantage with 31 MPG combined versus the 2025 Subaru Forester's 29 MPG combined. This 2 MPG advantage means the Kicks will require fewer refueling stops over the same annual mileage.
Is the power deficit in the Nissan Kicks noticeable compared to the Forester?
Yes, the 39 horsepower gap is significant; the Forester produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the Kicks offers 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, indicating the Forester will accelerate more assertively.
How do the cargo capacities compare between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks holds a minor advantage in raw volume with 30 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the 2025 Subaru Forester's 29.6 cubic feet. Both offer comparable utility within this segment.
Why is the Subaru Forester significantly more expensive than the Nissan Kicks?
The Forester carries an $8,165 higher MSRP ($29,995 vs. $21,830), primarily due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system and superior base engine output.
Which vehicle is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is larger in overall scale, measuring 183.3 inches in length and 68.1 inches in height. The Kicks is shorter at 171.9 inches and lower at 64.2 inches.
Are both vehicles capable of using standard regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2025 Subaru Forester specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type, which helps maintain lower long-term operating costs relative to premium-fuel vehicles.
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