2026 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$22,430 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When facing the choice between the budget-friendly 2026 Nissan Kicks and the slightly more rugged 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, many buyers wonder where the extra $4,565 investment really takes them. The Kicks immediately shines with its sticker price of $22,430, making it the clear budget champion, and it offers a slight edge in fuel economy, achieving a combined 31 MPG versus the Crosstrek's 29 MPG. However, the Crosstrek fights back with genuine capability, boasting 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks' 141 hp. While the Crosstrek is longer at 176.4 inches, the Kicks surprises many with superior straight-line utility, offering 30 cu ft of cargo space against the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. Ultimately, deciding comes down to prioritizing affordability and efficiency (Kicks) versus power and standard all-wheel drive (Crosstrek).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy of 31 combined MPG and lower purchase price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the better family choice because its standard All-Wheel Drive provides superior traction security, despite having less cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek as it offers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Kicks' 141 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks provides substantially more utility per dollar, starting at $22,430 and offering 30 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

You want to keep your initial outlay low, as the Kicks starts at $22,430 compared to the Crosstrek's $26,995.
Maximizing cargo room is essential, given the Kicks' superior 30 cu ft capacity versus 19.9 cu ft.
Your driving is mostly local commuting where you prioritize the slightly better 31 combined MPG rating.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You need the security of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
You want notably stronger acceleration provided by the Crosstrek's 180 horsepower.
You prefer a slightly longer vehicle (176.4 inches) for perceived road presence or stability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Kicks	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	171.9"	176.4"
Width	70.9"	70.9"
Height	64.2"	62.8"
Wheelbase	104.6"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-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	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	141 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 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	Nissan	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.2/416.5 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.9 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.7 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	52.4 in.	55.1 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	Nissan	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.5 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.1 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R16	P225/60R17
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
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 Nissan Kicks and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

Which crossover is significantly cheaper to buy?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the clear winner on initial cost, with an MSRP of $22,430. This represents a $4,565 savings over the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek's starting price.

Does the Subaru Crosstrek offer better performance than the Kicks?

Yes, the Crosstrek has a significant advantage in power, putting out 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Kicks' 141 horsepower.

How do the cargo capacities compare between these two models?

The Nissan Kicks offers substantially more space for hauling gear, providing 30 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Subaru Crosstrek provides 19.9 cu ft of space.

Which vehicle gets better gas mileage?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks is more efficient for daily driving, achieving 31 combined MPG (28 city/35 highway). The Crosstrek manages 29 combined MPG (26 city/33 highway).