2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Kicks bursts onto the scene as the undisputed budget champion, flaunting an accessible MSRP of $21,830 while still netting an impressive 31 MPG combined. Its lighter footprint and FWD setup keep running costs low. Contrarily, the imposing 2026 Subaru Forester demands a higher investment at $29,995, but it rewards drivers with a potent 180 hp and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, significantly outmuscling the Kicks’ 141 hp. While the Forester boasts superior capability and dimensions—measuring 183.3 inches long compared to the Kicks’ 171.9 inches—the Kicks retains a slight edge in fuel economy (35 MPG highway vs. 33 MPG). This comparison pits economy and entry-level appeal against power and all-weather security, highlighted by the $8,165 upfront cost difference.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined efficiency and significantly lower $21,830 starting price.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the better family choice, offering greater ride height and length (183.3 inches) along with standard AWD capability.
2026 Subaru Forester
Enthusiasts will favor the Forester's potent 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Kicks' 141 hp output.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks provides substantial utility for its low $21,830 MSRP, delivering better pure value against the higher-priced Forester.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Your absolute priority is keeping the initial purchase price under $22,000.
- Maximizing fuel economy is crucial, leveraging its 35 MPG highway rating.
- You primarily navigate dry, urban roads where the FWD configuration is sufficient.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You need the assured traction of All-Wheel Drive for inclement weather.
- You require the extra size and presence provided by its 183.3-inch length and 68.1-inch height.
- You crave noticeably quicker acceleration, benefiting from the 39-horsepower advantage.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 183.3" |
| Width | 70.9" | 72.0" |
| Height | 64.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 104.6" | 105.1" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/35 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.9 gal. | 16.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 54.7 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | 225/60R 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 2026 Subaru Forester.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Kicks and the 2026 Forester?
The 2026 Forester delivers substantially more power with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. This 39 hp difference ensures the Forester feels significantly more responsive during passing maneuvers.
How does the fuel economy compare given the drive type differences?
Despite having standard All-Wheel Drive, the 2026 Forester achieves a respectable 29 MPG combined. However, the FWD 2025 Kicks edges it out slightly with a 31 MPG combined rating and better highway numbers at 35 MPG.
Is the higher price of the Forester justified by the space it offers?
The Forester costs $8,165 more, but it does offer marginally more exterior size at 183.3 inches long. Interestingly, their cargo capacities are nearly identical, with the Kicks offering 30 cu ft versus the Forester's 29.6 cu ft.
Which vehicle is easier on the wallet for a daily commuter?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is the definitive choice for budgetary commuters, starting at $21,830. Its lower entry price immediately saves thousands compared to the Forester’s $29,995 MSRP.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
Both the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2026 Subaru Forester are designed to run happily on regular unleaded fuel, keeping refueling costs predictable for both owners.
Why would an enthusiast prefer the Forester despite both having CVTs?
While both use continuously variable transmissions, the enthusiast will choose the Forester because its robust powertrain generates 178 lb-ft of torque. This torque, combined with the superior AWD system, offers a more engaging and capable driving dynamic than the Kicks' FWD setup.
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