2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Nissan Kicks

$29,900 · Crossover

$22,430 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary financial distinction between the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Nissan Kicks is a substantial $7,470 MSRP difference, with the Kicks starting at $22,430 compared to the CX-50's $29,900. This price gap reflects significant performance divergence, as the CX-50 offers 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Conversely, the Kicks demonstrates superior economy, achieving a combined 31 MPG versus the CX-50's 26 MPG, a 5 MPG advantage. Size also differs, with the CX-50 measuring 185.8 inches in length, whereas the Kicks is shorter at 171.9 inches. Despite the size difference, cargo capacities are close, with the CX-50 offering 31.4 cu ft compared to the Kicks' 30 cu ft. The CX-50 also mandates AWD, while the Kicks is primarily FWD, impacting traction capabilities.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for daily commuting due to its superior 31 combined MPG fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is preferred for families due to its slightly larger 31.4 cu ft of cargo space and standard All-Wheel Drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 is the choice for enthusiasts, delivering 46 more horsepower (187 hp vs. 141 hp) and standard AWD.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks presents superior upfront value with a $7,470 lower MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You require 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque for better acceleration.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is a necessary feature for your driving conditions.
You value the longer 185.8-inch body and superior power output despite the $29,900 MSRP.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency with a 31 combined MPG rating is the top priority.
Keeping the purchase price low, as its MSRP is $7,470 less than the competition.
Front-Wheel Drive operation combined with a smaller 171.9-inch footprint is suitable for your needs.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Nissan Kicks
Length	185.8"	171.9"
Width	75.6"	70.9"
Height	63.5"	64.2"
Wheelbase	110.8"	104.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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 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	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	141 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	185 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	✓	—
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/30 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/477.0 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	11.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
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	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	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	Mazda	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	54.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	52.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
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	Mazda	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	50.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	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	P225/65R17	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	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 2026 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Nissan Kicks.

What is the main difference in fuel efficiency between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers a distinct advantage in fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 trails slightly with a combined rating of 26 MPG.

Which vehicle has a higher starting price, and by how much?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 has the higher starting price at $29,900. This is $7,470 more expensive than the 2026 Nissan Kicks, which begins at $22,430.

How much more horsepower does the CX-50 produce compared to the Kicks?

The Mazda CX-50 produces significantly more power, generating 187 horsepower from its engine, whereas the Nissan Kicks is rated at 141 horsepower, a difference of 46 hp.

Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive standard?

No, the drivetrain specifications differ; the 2026 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2026 Nissan Kicks comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive.

Is there a significant difference in cargo volume for hauling items?

The difference in cargo space is minimal, with the larger CX-50 providing 31.4 cubic feet. The Kicks offers 30 cubic feet, which is nearly comparable for general storage needs.