2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable difference is the MSRP, with the 2025 Nissan Kicks starting at $21,830, substantially undercutting the 2026 Subaru Impreza's $26,595 price tag by $4,765. Performance metrics favor the Impreza, which generates 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Fuel economy also shows a distinction, as the Kicks achieves a superior combined 31 MPG (28/35 city/highway) versus the Impreza's 29 combined MPG (27/33). In terms of utility, the Kicks offers a larger cargo volume at 30 cubic feet, significantly exceeding the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. However, the Impreza, being slightly longer at 176.2 inches, includes standard All-Wheel Drive, contrasting with the Kicks' Front-Wheel Drive configuration.
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 fuel efficiency and lower entry price point of $21,830.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks provides substantially more utility with 30 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza offers better outright performance with 152 hp and the significant traction advantage of standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks presents better value by offering 17.5% more cargo space for $4,765 less than the Impreza.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Your budget is strictly limited, as the Kicks starts at $21,830.
- Maximizing fuel savings is crucial, evidenced by its 31 combined MPG rating.
- You require maximum hauling space, benefiting from the 30 cu ft of cargo volume.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You require the enhanced traction and stability provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prioritize marginal increases in engine output, such as 152 hp versus 141 hp.
- A wagon body style with a slightly longer overall length (176.2 inches) is preferred over a compact crossover.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 176.2" |
| Width | 70.9" | 70.1" |
| Height | 64.2" | 58.3" |
| 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 Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 145 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 | 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 | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.6 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 Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 55.1 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: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | 225/40R18 |
| 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 Impreza.
What is the primary functional difference between the two models?
The primary functional difference is the drivetrain; the 2025 Kicks utilizes Front-Wheel Drive, while the 2026 Impreza comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. Additionally, the Kicks has significantly more cargo capacity at 30 cu ft versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
Which vehicle offers better long-term running costs based on provided data?
The Nissan Kicks is likely cheaper to fuel due to its 31 combined MPG rating, which surpasses the Impreza’s 29 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Kicks has a $4,765 lower initial MSRP.
How do the dimensions compare between the Kicks and the Impreza?
The Kicks is shorter in length (171.9 inches vs. 176.2 inches) but taller (64.2 inches vs. 58.3 inches) and wider (70.9 inches vs. 70.1 inches). This results in the Kicks having a more traditional crossover stance.
Is the 2026 Subaru Impreza faster than the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
Based purely on engine output, the Impreza is marginally faster, producing 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2026 Subaru Impreza are specified to use regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle provides more passenger-friendly space, considering the body styles?
While passenger volume is not specified, the Kicks' higher height (64.2 inches) suggests better headroom for a crossover format, whereas the Impreza's wagon format prioritizes length and cargo access.
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