2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between a practical wagon and a slightly taller crossover for daily driving? The 2025 Subaru Impreza, starting at $24,360, offers standard All-Wheel Drive and 152 horsepower, making it ready for slippery roads, though its cargo space is modest at 20.4 cu ft. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Kicks presents a tempting entry price of $22,430 and wins on sheer utility with a substantial 30 cu ft of cargo volume, significantly more than the Impreza. However, the Kicks operates strictly on Front-Wheel Drive and produces less power at 141 hp. While the Kicks edges out the Impreza slightly in efficiency with 31 combined MPG versus the Subaru's 30 combined MPG, buyers must weigh the Impreza's capability against the Kicks' superior inherent storage capacity for similar pricing.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers slightly better fuel economy at 31 combined MPG compared to the Impreza's 30 MPG.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks provides a significantly larger maximum cargo capacity of 30 cu ft, which is great for gear and groceries.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The 2025 Subaru Impreza appeals more due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system and marginally higher output of 152 horsepower.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks has a lower starting MSRP at $22,430 while still providing excellent practicality.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability, regardless of whether it's standard for your driving conditions.
- You prefer the slightly higher power output of 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- You favor the sedan-like driving dynamics of a smaller vehicle, with a length of 176.2 inches compared to the Kicks.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Maximizing cargo space is essential, as the Kicks offers 30 cu ft versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
- You want to save on the initial purchase price, as the Kicks starts nearly $1,900 cheaper at $22,430.
- You primarily drive in dry climates and prioritize the marginally better fuel economy (31 combined MPG).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 171.9" |
| Width | 70.1" | 70.9" |
| Height | 58.3" | 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 | 2.0 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 | — |
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) | 30 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2 | 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 Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
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 Impreza and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
Which vehicle is better for snowy or slippery conditions?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the clear winner here because it comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing superior traction in low-grip situations. The 2026 Nissan Kicks is strictly Front-Wheel Drive.
How much more cargo room does the Nissan Kicks offer over the Subaru Impreza?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers significantly more space with 30 cu ft of cargo capacity. This compares favorably to the 2025 Subaru Impreza wagon, which has 20.4 cu ft.
Are there major differences in engine performance between the two?
Yes, the Impreza has a slight edge with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, beating the Kicks' 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. This difference is small but notable for acceleration.
Which car has the better fuel economy rating?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is slightly more efficient, achieving 31 combined MPG (28 City/35 Highway). The 2025 Subaru Impreza achieves 30 combined MPG (27 City/34 Highway).
Which vehicle is taller, offering a higher seating position?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is considerably taller at 64.2 inches, compared to the Subaru Impreza's height of 58.3 inches. This extra height translates to a more commanding view of the road for Kicks drivers.
Is the Impreza wagon larger overall than the Kicks crossover?
Although the Impreza is a wagon, it is actually 4.3 inches longer than the Kicks (176.2 inches vs 171.9 inches). However, the Kicks is significantly taller and wider, contributing to its increased interior volume.
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