2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Nissan Kicks is the MSRP gap, with the Maverick priced at $28,145 compared to the Kicks' $22,430, a $5,715 premium. This price difference is largely justified by the Maverick's superior powertrain, delivering 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque against the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Maverick achieves a superior combined fuel economy rating of 38 MPG versus the Kicks' 31 MPG, although the Kicks offers superior city mileage (28 MPG vs. 42 MPG for the Maverick in city driving is an error based on the prompt data; correcting to use the provided 42/35 for Maverick and 28/35 for Kicks). Despite the efficiency gap, the Maverick is substantially larger, measuring 199.8 inches in length compared to the Kicks' 171.9 inches, suggesting greater overall utility and passenger volume, even without stated cargo figures for the Maverick.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick wins due to its significantly better combined fuel economy rating of 38 MPG, leading to lower operational costs over daily travel.
2026 Ford Maverick
The Maverick offers a substantially larger physical footprint, with a length of 199.8 inches versus the Kicks' 171.9 inches, suggesting more interior space for passengers and cargo.
2026 Ford Maverick
The Maverick provides 50 more horsepower (191 hp vs. 141 hp) and a higher torque rating (155 lb-ft vs. 140 lb-ft), ensuring superior acceleration capabilities.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers substantially lower entry cost at $22,430, representing a $5,715 savings over the Maverick.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- You prioritize raw power, as the Maverick offers 191 hp, which is 50 hp more than the Kicks.
- You seek greater operational efficiency over the long term, evidenced by its 38 MPG combined rating.
- Your needs dictate a larger vehicle structure, reflected in its 199.8-inch length.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Budget is the primary concern, as the Kicks undercuts the Maverick's MSRP by $5,715.
- You prioritize low-speed urban fuel economy, where the Kicks achieves 28 MPG city.
- You require usable cargo space, confirmed by the Kicks' 30 cu ft capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 171.9" |
| Width | 72.6" | 70.9" |
| Height | 68.8" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 155 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 |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 42/35 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 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 | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | 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 | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Maverick and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
What is the exact MPG advantage of the 2026 Ford Maverick over the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
The 2026 Ford Maverick has a stated combined fuel economy of 38 MPG, which is a 7 MPG advantage over the 2026 Nissan Kicks' combined rating of 31 MPG. However, note that the Kicks has slightly lower highway efficiency at 35 MPG compared to the Maverick's 35 MPG highway rating, while the Maverick excels in city driving at 42 MPG.
How does the cost difference ($5,715) correlate with power output between these two crossovers?
The $5,715 higher MSRP for the Maverick grants the buyer 50 additional horsepower (191 hp vs. 141 hp) and 15 additional lb-ft of torque (155 lb-ft vs. 140 lb-ft). This higher cost directly buys measurable performance gains for enthusiasts.
Are both vehicles equipped with traditional automatic transmissions?
No, specifications indicate different transmission types; the 2026 Ford Maverick uses an electrically variable-speed automatic, while the 2026 Nissan Kicks utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT). Both utilize regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle provides more utility based on provided dimensions?
Based on exterior dimensions, the Maverick is considerably larger, measuring 199.8 inches long and 68.8 inches high, compared to the Kicks' 171.9-inch length and 64.2-inch height. The Kicks does explicitly list a 30 cu ft cargo capacity, though the Maverick's capacity is unlisted.
Do the drive types or fuel types differ between the Maverick and the Kicks?
No, both the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Nissan Kicks are specified as front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles. Additionally, both recommend and run on regular unleaded fuel.
For budget-conscious buyers, what specific benefits does the lower-priced Kicks offer over the Maverick?
The Kicks costs $22,430 versus the Maverick’s $28,145, making it the superior value proposition purely on initial purchase price. It also confirms a 30 cu ft cargo capacity, indicating defined storage utility at that lower price point.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool