2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$21,830 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Nissan Kicks bursts onto the scene as the quintessential city slicker, its accessible starting MSRP of $21,830 and stellar 31 MPG combined offering pure economic bliss. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 beckons drivers seeking a visceral connection, boasting a potent 186 hp and a standard All-Wheel Drive system that promises spirited handling. While the Kicks is remarkably efficient, achieving 35 MPG on the highway, it trails significantly in performance with only 141 hp. The price gap is substantial, positioning the CX-30 nearly $4,145 higher, yet it rewards that premium with 45 more horsepower and torque. The Kicks maximizes utility with 30 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda's 20.2 cu ft, making it the pragmatic choice against the CX-30's focus on dynamic driving powered by its superior powertrain.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the CX-30's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks offers significantly more usability for families with a maximum cargo capacity of 30 cu ft compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda CX-30 because it delivers 186 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, dwarfing the Kicks' 141 hp and FWD layout.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks provides excellent value, starting at $21,830, a $4,145 lower entry point than the CX-30.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Your budget is firm, as the 2025 Kicks starts at a highly competitive $21,830.
Maximizing fuel stops is a priority, thanks to its best-in-class 31 MPG combined rating.
You need the most practical hauling capability, highlighted by its class-leading 30 cu ft of cargo volume.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You demand superior acceleration from the 186 hp engine and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You require the added security and grip of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied conditions.
You prioritize driving dynamics and prefer a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Kicks	Mazda CX-30
Length	171.9"	173.0"
Width	70.9"	70.7"
Height	64.2"	61.4"
Wheelbase	104.6"	104.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
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	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	141 hp @ 6000 rpm	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	186 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	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.2/416.5 mi.	304.8/393.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.9 gal.	12.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
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	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	52.4 in.	54.6 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	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.5 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.1 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R16	215/65R16
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
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 2026 Mazda CX-30.

How much better is the fuel economy on the Kicks compared to the CX-30?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks holds a distinct advantage, rated at 31 MPG combined, which is a 4 MPG edge over the 2026 Mazda CX-30's 27 MPG combined rating. This difference equates to substantial long-term savings at the pump.

Is the higher price of the CX-30 justified by its performance increase?

Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 commands a $4,145 premium, but it pays dividends with 186 hp—a 45 hp increase over the Kicks' 141 hp. This makes the Mazda significantly quicker.

Which crossover has better utility for hauling cargo?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks is the clear utility winner, offering 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially more than the 2026 Mazda CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. This extra space is crucial for larger hauls.

Does the drive type significantly separate these two models?

Absolutely; the Kicks is strictly Front Wheel Drive, whereas the CX-30 includes All-Wheel Drive standard. This gives the Mazda better traction capabilities than the front-drive Kicks.

Are the dimensions drastically different for parking?

The dimensions are nearly identical, with the Kicks being slightly shorter in length (171.9 inches vs 173.0 inches) but taller (64.2 inches vs 61.4 inches). Both remain excellent choices for tight urban parking scenarios.

What type of fuel do both crossovers require?

Both the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 are compatible with regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the need for premium gasoline in either vehicle.