2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Buick Envista
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a budget-friendly runabout like the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the style-focused 2026 Buick Envista often boils down to prioritizing efficiency versus size and torque. The Kicks is significantly cheaper, starting at $21,830 compared to the Envista's $24,600, which is a substantial $2,770 difference right off the bat. When looking at power delivery, the Kicks offers slightly more horsepower at 141 hp, but the Envista counters with superior torque (162 lb-ft vs. 140 lb-ft), which might feel better in city merging situations. For pure fuel economy, the Kicks wins the efficiency battle with a combined 31 MPG, edging out the Envista's 30 MPG combined rating. However, the Envista provides a much longer body, measuring 182.6 inches long compared to the Kicks' 171.9 inches, offering potential cabin space benefits, though its cargo area is smaller at 20.7 cu ft versus the Kicks' 30 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is the better commuter choice due to its slightly better 31 MPG combined fuel economy and lower starting MSRP of $21,830.
2026 Buick Envista
The 2026 Buick Envista wins for families because its 182.6-inch length suggests more interior room compared to the Kicks' 171.9-inch frame.
2026 Buick Envista
Enthusiasts will likely prefer the 2026 Buick Envista for its higher torque output of 162 lb-ft, despite having less horsepower.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks provides better immediate value with a $2,770 lower entry price and superior fuel efficiency.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel savings with a combined 31 MPG rating.
- You need the absolute lowest initial purchase price, starting at $21,830.
- You need the maximum cargo space, as the Kicks offers 30 cubic feet.
Choose the Buick Envista if...
- You prefer having more pullability from a stop, thanks to 162 lb-ft of torque.
- You value a longer vehicle structure (182.6 inches) for a potentially larger cabin feel.
- You prefer a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Buick Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 182.6" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.5" |
| Height | 64.2" | 61.2" |
| Wheelbase | 104.6" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/35 MPG | 28/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 369.6/422.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.9 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 52.3 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 |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 45.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | 225/60R17 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks and 2026 Buick Envista.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is the winner on the pump, achieving 31 MPG combined compared to the 2026 Buick Envista's 30 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Kicks uses only regular unleaded, while the Envista supports E85.
How does the power difference affect driving feel?
The Kicks has more horsepower at 141 hp, but the Envista offers substantially more torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Kicks' 140 lb-ft. This means the Envista might feel quicker off the line or when passing.
Is the Buick Envista actually bigger inside than the Nissan Kicks?
While the Envista is physically longer (182.6 inches vs. 171.9 inches), surprisingly, the Kicks offers superior specified cargo volume at 30 cubic feet compared to the Envista's 20.7 cubic feet.
What is the price difference between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Buick Envista has a significantly higher starting MSRP of $24,600, while the 2025 Nissan Kicks starts much lower at $21,830, making the Kicks about $2,770 cheaper.
Are there any differences in drivetrain technology?
Yes, the Kicks utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), which is often tuned for efficiency. Conversely, the Envista employs a more conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Which vehicle is better for highway driving based on MPG?
The Nissan Kicks has a slight edge on the highway, rating at 35 MPG versus the Envista's 32 MPG highway rating, although both achieve 28 MPG in city driving.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool