2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru Forester (car1) and the 2026 Nissan Kicks (car2) is the $7,565 MSRP gap, positioning the Kicks significantly lower at $22,430 compared to the Forester's $29,995. Performance figures also show a substantial divide, with the Forester delivering 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque versus the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the Kicks, achieving 31 combined MPG against the Forester's 29 combined MPG, though the Forester offers standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Kicks is Front-Wheel Drive only. Dimensionally, the Forester is larger in every aspect, measuring 183.3 inches long versus the Kicks' 171.9 inches. Despite the size difference, cargo volumes are comparable, with the Kicks offering 30 cu ft to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior 31 combined MPG rating compared to the Forester's 29 MPG.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester is better suited for families due to its larger dimensions (183.3 inches long) and standard AWD capability.
2025 Subaru Forester
Enthusiasts will prefer the Forester, as its 180 hp output substantially exceeds the Kicks' 141 hp rating.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks presents superior base value, costing $7,565 less than the Forester while still providing comparable cargo capacity at 30 cu ft.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Maximum traction is required, as the 2025 Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
- Higher sustained power is needed, indicated by its 180 hp and 178 lb-ft torque output.
- You require the largest overall footprint, evidenced by its 183.3-inch length and 68.1-inch height.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Budget is the primary constraint, with an MSRP of $22,430, saving $7,565 over the competitor.
- Optimized city efficiency is prioritized, delivering 28 MPG city vs. the Forester's 26 MPG city.
- Slightly more dedicated cargo space is needed, as the Kicks holds 30 cu ft versus 29.6 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Forester | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.3" | 171.9" |
| Width | 72.0" | 70.9" |
| Height | 68.1" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 431.6/547.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate 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 | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.3 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 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 | 39.6 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H | 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 Forester and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Forester and 2026 Kicks?
The 2025 Subaru Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which is critical for variable weather conditions. In contrast, the 2026 Nissan Kicks comes standard only with Front-Wheel Drive.
How much more powerful is the Forester than the Kicks?
The Forester possesses 180 hp, creating a 39 hp advantage over the Kicks' 141 hp. This translates directly to 178 lb-ft of torque in the Subaru versus 140 lb-ft in the Nissan.
Does the larger Forester offer significantly more cargo space?
Not significantly; the larger Forester measures 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The smaller Nissan Kicks actually slightly edges it out with 30 cu ft available behind the second row.
Which vehicle achieves better fuel economy on the highway?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks has a slight advantage, rated at 35 MPG highway compared to the 2025 Subaru Forester's 33 MPG highway.
If I prioritize the lowest purchase price, which model should I select?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the clear choice for cost savings, listing for $22,430. This is substantially lower than the Forester's base MSRP of $29,995.
Are both vehicles similar in size for urban parking?
The Kicks is smaller and easier to maneuver in tight spots, measuring 171.9 inches long and 64.2 inches high. The Forester is considerably bulkier at 183.3 inches long and 68.1 inches high.
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