2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Nissan Kicks

$26,560 · Crossover

$22,430 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2026 Nissan Kicks is the MSRP, with the Kicks being $4,130 less expensive at $22,430 versus the Crosstrek's $26,560. Performance metrics favor the Crosstrek, generating 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, marginally surpassing the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. However, the Kicks asserts dominance in fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined compared to the Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined, specifically with better highway returns (35 MPG vs 34 MPG). Cargo volume is another major split; the Kicks offers 30 cu ft, substantially more than the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. Despite the Crosstrek's higher power output, both utilize CVTs, but the Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a key mechanical difference from the Kicks' Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG and lower initial purchase price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks is better suited for families needing capacity, offering 30 cu ft of cargo space versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the enthusiast choice by virtue of its 152 hp output and standard All-Wheel Drive system.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks provides superior utility metrics per dollar, highlighted by the $4,130 MSRP savings and greater cargo volume.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You require standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for superior traction in various conditions.
You prioritize marginally higher engine output with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly larger vehicle footprint with a length of 176.4 inches.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Your primary concern is purchase price, as the MSRP is $4,130 lower than car 1.
You need maximum accessible storage, evidenced by the 30 cu ft cargo capacity.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, as the Kicks achieves 31 MPG combined versus 29 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Crosstrek	Nissan Kicks
Length	176.4"	171.9"
Width	70.9"	70.9"
Height	62.8"	64.2"
Wheelbase	105.1"	104.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm	141 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	140 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	Subaru	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/34 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	448.2/564.4 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	11.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.3 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	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	42.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	54.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.1 in.	52.4 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	Subaru	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.3 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	50.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/60R17	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Nissan Kicks.

How much does the 2026 Nissan Kicks cost less than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks has a starting MSRP of $22,430, which is exactly $4,130 less than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's starting price of $26,560.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks is slightly more efficient, achieving 31 MPG combined (28 city/35 highway) compared to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined (27 city/34 highway).

What is the main drivetrain difference between these two vehicles?

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the 2026 Nissan Kicks is equipped with Front-Wheel Drive.

Is the Crosstrek significantly more powerful than the Kicks?

Yes, the Crosstrek holds a modest power advantage, producing 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Kicks generates 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque.

How large is the difference in usable storage space?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks provides substantially more space with 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the 19.9 cu ft offered by the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.