2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$21,830 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The $8,070 MSRP gap between the 2025 Nissan Kicks ($21,830) and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 ($29,900) is the most significant initial differentiator. Performance metrics clearly favor the Mazda, offering 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. This power advantage is balanced against fuel economy, where the Kicks achieves a superior 31 MPG combined versus the CX-50's 26 MPG combined, a measurable 5 MPG difference. Furthermore, the Kicks utilizes efficient FWD with a CVT, while the CX-50 provides standard AWD paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While the CX-50 is slightly larger at 185.8 inches in length, the Kicks offers 30 cu ft of cargo space, slightly less than the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft capacity. The Kicks prioritizes budget and efficiency, whereas the CX-50 focuses on power and all-weather capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks

The 2025 Nissan Kicks wins for commuting due to its higher 31 MPG combined rating and significantly lower starting price of $21,830.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is better suited for families due to its larger overall dimensions and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 appeals to enthusiasts by producing 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the Kicks' 141 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks presents superior immediate value based on its $8,070 lower entry price point while still offering competitive utility.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Your primary concern is minimizing operational costs, evidenced by the 35 MPG highway rating.
You require the lowest possible acquisition price, starting at $21,830.
You primarily drive in dry conditions and prefer the simplicity of Front Wheel Drive and a CVT.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You prioritize dynamic performance, as the 187 hp engine offers substantially more power.
You require reliable traction from standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
You need slightly more capacity, benefiting from 31.4 cu ft of cargo space versus 30 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Kicks	Mazda CX-50
Length	171.9"	185.8"
Width	70.9"	75.6"
Height	64.2"	63.5"
Wheelbase	104.6"	110.8"

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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	185 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	—	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

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	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.2/416.5 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.9 gal.	15.9 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	10.3 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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	52.4 in.	53.6 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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.5 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.1 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
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	P225/65R17
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-50.

What is the true cost difference considering fuel economy?

While the MSRP difference is $8,070 in favor of the Kicks, the Kicks' 5 MPG advantage (31 combined vs. 26 combined) will save money over time. However, factoring in the Kicks' use of regular unleaded vs. potential lower-grade fuel requirements for the Mazda (if applicable, though both list regular) requires further long-term analysis.

How much more interior room does the CX-50 offer?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is longer at 185.8 inches compared to the Kicks' 171.9 inches, resulting in marginally more cargo space at 31.4 cu ft versus 30 cu ft. The CX-50 is also significantly wider by 4.7 inches.

Is the Kicks' FWD a significant limitation compared to the CX-50's AWD?

For drivers in regions with heavy snow or frequent severe weather, the standard All-Wheel Drive on the CX-50 provides a measurable traction advantage. The Kicks is limited to Front Wheel Drive, relying on its lighter weight and 28 MPG city rating for urban performance.

Which vehicle offers better acceleration based on specifications?

The Mazda CX-50 is expected to accelerate significantly faster due to its 46 hp advantage (187 hp vs. 141 hp) and higher torque output (185 lb-ft vs. 140 lb-ft). The Kicks uses a CVT optimized for efficiency, whereas the CX-50 uses a more traditional 6-speed automatic.

Are both vehicles compatible with standard fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 specify usage of regular unleaded fuel, simplifying long-term fueling costs.

How does the size difference impact maneuverability?

The Nissan Kicks is notably smaller and shorter (171.9 inches long), which generally translates to easier maneuvering and parking in tight urban environments compared to the larger CX-50 (185.8 inches long).