2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2026 Nissan Kicks is the powertrain output, with the Corolla Cross producing 169 hp versus the Kicks' 141 hp, a substantial 28 hp advantage. In terms of efficiency, the Corolla Cross edges out slightly in combined mileage at 32 MPG compared to the Kicks' 31 MPG, though the Kicks demonstrates superior highway efficiency at 35 MPG versus 33 MPG. The Kicks provides superior utility, offering 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft. Price is another key differentiator, as the Kicks starts at an MSRP of $22,430, undercutting the Corolla Cross's $2,405 higher entry price of $24,135. Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and are dimensionally similar, with the Corolla Cross being marginally longer at 176.1 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross offers better overall combined fuel economy at 32 MPG, which minimizes running costs for daily driving.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks provides substantially more utility with a maximum cargo capacity of 30 cu ft compared to the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
With 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, the Corolla Cross offers notably superior acceleration capabilities over the Kicks' 141 hp.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks secures the value verdict by having a lower MSRP of $22,430, saving $1,605 compared to the Corolla Cross.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- You prioritize stronger acceleration metrics, benefiting from 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the slightly higher combined fuel economy rating of 32 MPG.
- You prefer the marginally larger exterior footprint, measuring 176.1 inches in length.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Your primary concern is cargo hauling, as the Kicks offers a best-in-class 30 cu ft capacity.
- You seek the lowest initial purchase price, with an MSRP of $22,430.
- You value maximum highway cruising efficiency, achieving 35 MPG on the highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Corolla Cross | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.1" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.9" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 103.9" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height 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 | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 151 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 | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 31/33 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 32 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.4/409.2 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 2 |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 52.7 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.6 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 | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.0 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.0 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.4 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.8 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/65R17 | 215/60R16 |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
Which vehicle has the better fuel economy for city driving?
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is slightly better for consistent city driving, achieving 31 MPG in the city compared to the 2026 Nissan Kicks' 28 MPG city rating. While the Kicks wins on the highway (35 MPG vs 33 MPG), the Corolla Cross’s overall balance aids urban commuting.
How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?
The difference is significant, as the Corolla Cross boasts 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, while the Kicks manages only 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. This 28 hp gap means the Corolla Cross will feel noticeably quicker in passing maneuvers.
Is the Nissan Kicks truly more spacious inside?
Yes, the Kicks is notably more spacious for cargo, providing 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Corolla Cross only offers 24 cubic feet, a difference of 6 cubic feet, making the Kicks the preferred choice for hauling larger items.
What is the starting price difference between the two models?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks has a lower starting MSRP of $22,430. This makes it $1,605 cheaper than the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross, which starts at $24,135.
Are the dimensions of these two vehicles comparable?
They are relatively comparable, though the Corolla Cross is slightly larger overall, measuring 176.1 inches long compared to the Kicks' 171.9 inches. The Corolla Cross is also fractionally taller at 64.9 inches versus 64.2 inches.
Do either of these vehicles offer All-Wheel Drive?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2026 Nissan Kicks are listed with standard front-wheel drive configurations. Neither specification sheet suggests AWD availability for this comparison.
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