2026 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
When trying to choose between the budget-friendly 2026 Nissan Kicks and the more rugged 2026 Subaru Forester, many buyers struggle with balancing upfront cost against capability. The Kicks starts impressively low at $22,430, significantly undercutting the Forester's $29,995 MSRP—a difference of $7,565. For city driving, the Kicks offers better fuel economy, netting 31 combined MPG compared to the Forester's 29 MPG, which aids long-term running costs. However, the Forester pulls ahead in performance, boasting 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, handily beating the Kicks' 141 hp. While the Kicks is slightly shorter at 171.9 inches, the Forester is larger overall and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a major advantage for adverse weather, whereas the Kicks is FWD only. Ultimately, your choice depends heavily on whether you prioritize a lower entry price or enhanced standard capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy and lower starting price of $22,430.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester is better equipped for families needing security and space, offering standard AWD and a taller 68.1-inch height.
2026 Subaru Forester
Enthusiasts will prefer the Forester's significantly higher output of 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks delivers excellent baseline transportation at the best possible price point, saving $7,565 upfront.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Your budget is firm, as the Kicks starts $7,565 cheaper than the Forester.
- You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency for your daily 28 MPG city driving.
- You only need FWD because you rarely face severe weather conditions.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You require the stability of standard All-Wheel Drive for snow or rough roads.
- You need the extra power provided by 180 hp for highway merging.
- You appreciate the slightly larger interior space provided by its 183.3-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 183.3" |
| Width | 70.9" | 72.0" |
| Height | 64.2" | 68.1" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate 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 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 54.7 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H |
| 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 Forester.
Is the 2026 Nissan Kicks powerful enough for highway driving?
The Kicks offers 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, which is adequate for most highway maneuvers. However, it is notably less powerful than the 2026 Forester, which produces 180 hp.
What is the main benefit of the 2026 Subaru Forester's Drive Type?
The Forester comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving it superior traction and stability compared to the Kicks' standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) setup.
How much more expensive is the Forester than the Kicks?
The Forester has an MSRP of $29,995, which is exactly $7,565 more expensive than the Kicks starting price of $22,430.
Which crossover has better fuel economy for the daily commute?
The Kicks wins this category with a combined 31 MPG (28 city/35 highway), slightly edging out the Forester's 29 MPG combined rating.
Do these crossovers have similar cargo capacities?
They are quite close, but the Kicks technically holds slightly more volume at 30 cubic feet, compared to the Forester's 29.6 cubic feet.
Is the 2026 Forester significantly larger than the 2026 Kicks?
Yes, the Forester is noticeably larger, being 11.4 inches longer (183.3 inches vs 171.9 inches) and 3.9 inches taller (68.1 inches vs 64.2 inches).
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