2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2025 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Nissan Kicks (Car1) and the 2025 Subaru Outback (Car2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Outback costing $8,165 more, starting at $29,995 compared to the Kicks' $21,830. Performance metrics significantly favor the Outback, delivering 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque against the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows a clear advantage for the smaller Kicks, achieving a 31 MPG combined rating versus the Outback's 28 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Outback is the larger offering, measuring 191.1 inches long and providing 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space, exceeding the Kicks’ 30.0 cubic feet capacity. Furthermore, the Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the Kicks is limited to Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks offers superior fuel efficiency at 31 MPG combined, leading to lower operational costs for daily driving.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback provides substantially more interior space, boasting 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Kicks' 30.0 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback delivers 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Kicks' 141 hp output.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks starts at a base MSRP of $21,830, providing a much lower entry price point than the $29,995 Outback.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- The budget is strict, given the $8,165 lower starting MSRP ($21,830).
- Maximizing fuel economy is the priority, as the Kicks achieves 31 MPG combined.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is not required, as the Kicks only offers FWD.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Superior traction is necessary due to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- Higher power output is desired, evidenced by 182 hp versus 141 hp.
- Greater physical dimensions and storage are needed, as the Outback offers 32.6 cu ft of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 191.1" |
| Width | 70.9" | 73.0" |
| Height | 64.2" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 104.6" | 108.1" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 140 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 |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/35 MPG | 26/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 481.0/592.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.9 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 | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
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 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
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 | 225/65R 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 Outback.
What is the main mechanical difference between the 2025 Kicks and 2025 Outback?
The most significant mechanical difference is the drivetrain; the Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the Kicks is exclusively Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Additionally, the Outback produces 182 horsepower compared to the Kicks' 141 horsepower.
Which vehicle provides better fuel economy for city driving?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is more efficient in urban settings, rated at 28 MPG City, whereas the 2025 Subaru Outback is rated for 26 MPG City. This results in a 2 MPG advantage for the Kicks.
How does the interior storage compare between the two crossovers?
The Subaru Outback offers slightly more utility with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, slightly surpassing the Nissan Kicks, which provides 30.0 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats.
Is the significant price difference justified by performance metrics?
The Outback's $8,165 higher MSRP buys an additional 41 horsepower and standard AWD capability, factors that justify the increased cost for buyers prioritizing performance and capability over pure budget adherence.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
No, neither vehicle requires premium fuel; both the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2025 Subaru Outback are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The 2025 Subaru Outback is the larger vehicle in all external dimensions, being 19.2 inches longer (191.1 in vs. 171.9 in) and slightly wider and taller than the 2025 Nissan Kicks.
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