2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Nissan Kicks is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Outback starting at $29,995, representing a $7,565 premium over the Kicks' entry price of $22,430. Performance specifications also show a notable gap; the Outback delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Conversely, the Kicks offers superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined (28 City/35 Highway) compared to the Outback's 28 MPG combined (26 City/32 Highway). Dimensionally, the Outback is larger, measuring 191.1 inches in length versus the Kicks' 171.9 inches. While the Outback offers slightly more cargo room at 32.6 cubic feet, both vehicles employ a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. The standard all-wheel drive of the Outback contrasts with the front-wheel drive setup standard in the Kicks.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel efficiency, delivering 31 MPG combined versus the Outback's 28 MPG.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback is favored for families due to its larger exterior dimensions (191.1 inches long) and slightly greater standard cargo capacity of 32.6 cubic feet.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback appeals more to enthusiasts with 182 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive capability compared to the Kicks' 141 horsepower and FWD standard configuration.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks provides superior overall value, presenting a starting MSRP that is $7,565 less than the Subaru Outback.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You require the added traction and security of standard all-wheel drive for varied weather conditions.
- Your usage profile necessitates higher engine output, specifically the 182 horsepower rating.
- You need the marginally increased physical size, reflected in its 191.1-inch length and 32.6 cu ft cargo space.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Minimizing fuel expenditure is paramount, thanks to its 31 MPG combined rating.
- Budget constraints mandate a lower initial investment, as its MSRP is $22,430.
- Your driving primarily occurs in dry, urban environments where front-wheel drive is sufficient.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 171.9" |
| Width | 73.0" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.1" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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) | 26/32 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 40.1 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
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 | 225/65R 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 Outback and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Outback and the 2026 Kicks?
The primary difference is power output and drivetrain. The Outback offers 182 hp paired with standard all-wheel drive, while the Kicks produces 141 hp and comes standard with front-wheel drive.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Nissan Kicks compared to the Subaru Outback?
The Kicks is rated at 31 MPG combined, while the Outback achieves 28 MPG combined. This 3 MPG difference translates to the Kicks gaining 3 MPG in city driving (28 vs 26) and 3 MPG on the highway (35 vs 32).
Is the Subaru Outback significantly larger than the Nissan Kicks?
Yes, the Outback is notably larger in key dimensions. It is nearly 20 inches longer (191.1 inches vs 171.9 inches) and offers 2.6 cubic feet more cargo capacity, measuring 32.6 cu ft.
Does the lower MSRP of the Kicks reflect inferior fuel requirements?
No, both vehicles operate on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline to achieve their respective EPA ratings.
Which vehicle is better for buyers prioritizing a lower initial cost?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers, starting at $22,430 compared to the Outback's $29,995 entry price, creating a $7,565 gap.
Do either of these crossovers use a traditional geared automatic transmission?
No, both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Nissan Kicks utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) as their standard and only listed transmission type.
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