2026 Buick Envista vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2026 Buick Envista and the 2026 Nissan Kicks lies in cargo volume, where the Kicks offers a substantial 30.0 cubic feet compared to the Envista's 20.7 cu ft. Conversely, the Envista compensates with greater exterior length at 182.6 inches versus the Kicks' 171.9 inches. Performance figures show the Kicks leads slightly in horsepower with 141 hp against the Envista's 137 hp, although the Envista achieves higher torque at 162 lb-ft versus 140 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the Kicks marginally, achieving 31 MPG combined against the Envista's 30 MPG combined. With an MSRP of $24,600, the Envista is $2,170 more expensive than the Kicks' starting price of $22,430, reinforcing the Kicks' value proposition despite the Envista’s advantage in low-end grunt.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 31 MPG and a lower entry price of $22,430.
2026 Nissan Kicks
Families will benefit from the significantly larger 30.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity offered by the Kicks compared to the Envista's 20.7 cu ft.
2026 Buick Envista
The 2026 Buick Envista appeals more to driving enthusiasts by delivering higher peak torque (162 lb-ft) and utilizing a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks offers better overall value, starting $2,170 lower while providing slightly better fuel efficiency (31 MPG combined) and superior cargo space.
Choose the Buick Envista if...
- You prioritize accessible low-end pulling power, as indicated by the Envista's 162 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the predictable shifting behavior of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You require the slightly longer overall body length of 182.6 inches for road presence or preferred cabin dimensions.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Maximum utility is essential, benefiting from the Kicks' 30.0 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You need the most economical purchase price, with the Kicks starting at $22,430.
- You seek the highest highway range potential with its 35 MPG highway rating using regular unleaded fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Envista | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.5" | 70.9" |
| Height | 61.2" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/32 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.3 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/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 |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Buick Envista and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
How does the powertrain technology differ between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Buick Envista uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic paired with a flex-fuel engine, producing 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Nissan Kicks employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) with a regular unleaded engine making 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque.
Is the 2026 Nissan Kicks significantly smaller than the Envista?
Yes, the Kicks is notably shorter and taller; its length is 171.9 inches, which is over 10 inches shorter than the Envista's 182.6 inches. However, the Kicks is 3.0 inches taller at 64.2 inches, potentially offering a different seating position.
Which vehicle is projected to be cheaper to fuel?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks has a slight edge with a combined 31 MPG rating using regular unleaded, while the 2026 Buick Envista manages 30 MPG combined and is listed as flex-fuel capable.
What is the exact MSRP difference between the Envista and the Kicks?
The 2026 Buick Envista has a higher Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,600. This makes it $2,170 more expensive than the 2026 Nissan Kicks, which starts at $22,430.
Which car has better cargo hauling capability for road trips?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering 30.0 cubic feet of storage volume. The 2026 Buick Envista provides substantially less usable space at only 20.7 cubic feet.
Does the torque difference affect city driving feel?
While the Envista produces higher torque (162 lb-ft vs. 140 lb-ft), the Kicks has higher peak horsepower (141 hp vs. 137 hp); performance feel in city driving, however, is largely dependent on the transmission tuning, with the Envista's geared automatic contrasting with the Kicks' CVT.
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