2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Kicks ignites the pavement with its vibrant, city-ready efficiency, boasting a strong 31 MPG combined rating while maintaining an accessible $21,830 starting price. Contrast that with the substantial presence of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, which brings a potent 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque to the equation, promising a more authoritative drive. While the Equinox commands a premium, being $6,770 more expensive, it offers 34 more horsepower than the Kicks' 141 hp output. The Kicks sacrifices a bit of bulk and power for economy, achieving 35 highway MPG compared to the Equinox's 28 highway MPG. Though similarly sized, the Equinox is longer at 183.2 inches versus the Kicks' 171.9 inches, creating a tangible difference in presence, even though their primary cargo capacities are nearly identical at 30 cu ft for the Kicks and 29.8 cu ft for the Equinox.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox offers a larger vehicle footprint and more horsepower for moving families confidently.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox provides a clear performance edge with 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks undercuts the Equinox significantly with an MSRP of $21,830, saving buyers $6,770 upfront.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Your absolute top priority is saving money, with a low MSRP of $21,830.
- You need the best fuel efficiency, highlighted by the Kicks' 35 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer a more compact vehicle, with a shorter length of 171.9 inches for easier urban maneuvering.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You require more acceleration and towing capability due to the 175 hp engine.
- You desire the extra physical length (183.2 inches) and width (74.9 inches) for road presence.
- You want the highest torque output in the segment, delivering 184 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 183.2" |
| Width | 70.9" | 74.9" |
| Height | 64.2" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 104.6" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/35 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.9 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.3 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 54.2 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | 235/65R17 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Chevrolet Equinox.
What is the main powertrain difference between the 2025 Kicks and the 2026 Equinox?
The 2026 Equinox possesses a significantly stronger powertrain, generating 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2025 Kicks is rated at 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, making the Equinox the performance leader.
How much more efficient is the Nissan Kicks compared to the Chevy Equinox?
The Kicks is substantially more efficient, offering 31 MPG combined versus the Equinox’s 27 MPG combined. This 4 MPG advantage means fewer stops at the pump for Kicks drivers using regular unleaded fuel.
Is the price difference worth the extra power in the Equinox?
The Equinox demands a $6,770 higher MSRP ($28,600 vs. $21,830). Whether this is worth the extra 34 horsepower depends on the driver; budget-conscious buyers will favor the Kicks' entry price.
Which crossover offers more space for cargo?
While very close, the 2025 Nissan Kicks technically holds a slight edge with 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provides 29.8 cubic feet, making the practical difference almost negligible for most users.
Are either of these vehicles available with All-Wheel Drive?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox are listed exclusively with a front-wheel drive system for these base comparisons.
Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?
Yes, both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, suggesting similar smoothness in power delivery, despite their horsepower disparities.
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