2026 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the zippy, budget-friendly 2026 Nissan Kicks and the capable, all-weather 2026 Subaru Impreza can be tough. If saving cash upfront is your main goal, the Kicks starts significantly lower at $22,430 compared to the Impreza's $26,595, a difference of $4,165. However, that extra cost nets the Impreza standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly more punch with 152 hp versus the Kicks' 141 hp. Fuel efficiency also plays a role; the Kicks leads with 31 MPG combined (28/35), while the Impreza manages 29 MPG combined (27/33). Furthermore, the Kicks offers superior vertical space for cargo, boasting 30 cubic feet compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet, despite the Impreza being slightly longer overall at 176.2 inches.
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 of 31 MPG.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks offers substantially more usable cargo space at 30 cubic feet, which is better for hauling gear than the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly higher output of 152 horsepower.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks provides better immediate value, starting $4,165 cheaper than the Impreza while still offering decent efficiency.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- You prioritize saving money upfront, as the MSRP is $4,165 lower than the Impreza.
- Maximizing cargo volume is essential, given its 30 cu ft capacity versus 20.4 cu ft.
- You want the slightly better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You live where snow or slick roads are common and need the security of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a bit more power on tap, as the Impreza delivers 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- You value a slightly longer vehicle (176.2 inches) that still offers a capable, low-slung wagon shape.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 176.2" |
| Width | 70.9" | 70.1" |
| Height | 64.2" | 58.3" |
| 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 Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 145 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 | — | ✓ |
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 | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | 225/40R18 |
| 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 Impreza.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Subaru Impreza than the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
The Impreza has an MSRP of $26,595, making it $4,165 more expensive than the Kicks' starting price of $22,430. This price difference often reflects the Impreza's standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Which vehicle is better for city driving efficiency?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is slightly better for city driving, rated at 28 MPG in the city compared to the Impreza's 27 MPG. Both use a CVT transmission and regular unleaded fuel.
Does the crossover body of the Kicks offer more usable storage than the Impreza wagon?
Surprisingly, yes, the Kicks offers significantly more cargo space at 30 cubic feet compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. This means the Kicks' taller profile aids utility despite the Impreza being longer overall.
What is the main performance difference between these two models?
The Impreza provides a modest advantage in power, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, slightly outpacing the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Crucially, the Impreza includes standard AWD.
Are either of these vehicles considered high-performance options?
Neither vehicle is focused on high performance, as indicated by their modest horsepower figures (141 hp for the Kicks, 152 hp for the Impreza) and their primary focus on efficiency and practicality. The Impreza leans more toward handling capability due to AWD.
How do the exterior dimensions compare?
The Impreza is longer at 176.2 inches versus the Kicks' 171.9 inches, but the Kicks is noticeably taller at 64.2 inches compared to the Impreza's 58.3 inches, which contributes to its larger cargo capacity.
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