2026 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross ($24,935 MSRP) pulls ahead of the 2026 Nissan Kicks ($22,430 MSRP) by offering a significant 28 horsepower advantage, boasting 169 hp compared to the Kicks' 141 hp, alongside a 10 lb-ft higher torque rating of 151 lb-ft. This power boost comes with slightly superior efficiency; the Corolla Cross achieves 32 MPG combined, marginally beating the Kicks' 31 MPG combined, although the Kicks offers better highway cruising at 35 MPG versus 33 MPG. Dimensionally, the Corolla Cross is larger, measuring 176.1 inches long compared to the Kicks' 171.9 inches. However, the Kicks counters with superior utility, offering 30 cubic feet of cargo space, dwarfing the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft, making it the clear utility winner despite being the lower-priced vehicle.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its marginally better 32 MPG combined efficiency compared to the Kicks' 31 MPG.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is preferred for families because it provides 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is the choice for enthusiasts, delivering 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Kicks' 141 hp.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers better monetary value with a $2,505 lower MSRP ($22,430 vs $24,935) for a vehicle that still delivers a respectable 31 MPG combined.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Cargo volume is paramount, as the 2026 Nissan Kicks offers 30 cu ft versus 24 cu ft in the Corolla Cross.
- Keeping the initial purchase price lower is a priority, with an MSRP of $22,430.
- Maximizing highway fuel economy is desired, as the Kicks achieves 35 MPG highway against the Corolla Cross's 33 MPG highway.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Greater performance is required, thanks to the Corolla Cross's 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.
- Slightly better overall fuel efficiency is sought, evidenced by its 32 MPG combined rating.
- A physically larger vehicle footprint is preferred, as the Corolla Cross is 176.1 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 176.1" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 64.2" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 104.6" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/35 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.9 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 52.6 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | P215/65R17 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Nissan Kicks and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Corolla Cross than the 2026 Kicks?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross has a substantial 28 horsepower advantage, generating 169 hp compared to the 2026 Nissan Kicks' 141 hp. Furthermore, the Corolla Cross produces 151 lb-ft of torque, slightly surpassing the Kicks' 140 lb-ft.
Which vehicle offers more usable storage space?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the definitive winner for cargo capacity, providing 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross offers only 24 cubic feet in this configuration.
What is the price difference between the two models?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross has a higher starting MSRP of $24,935, making it $2,505 more expensive than the 2026 Nissan Kicks, which begins at $22,430.
Are there significant differences in fuel economy?
The fuel economy figures are very close; the Corolla Cross achieves 32 MPG combined, while the Kicks manages 31 MPG combined. However, the Kicks has a 2 MPG advantage on the highway (35 MPG vs. 33 MPG).
Do these vehicles offer different transmission or drivetrain options?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2026 Nissan Kicks and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and come standard with front-wheel drive.
Which crossover is dimensionally larger overall?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is slightly larger in length and height, measuring 176.1 inches long and 64.9 inches high. The Kicks measures 171.9 inches long and 64.2 inches high.
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