Nissan Kicks vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Nissan Kicks was designed with young consumers and first-time car buyers in mind, drawing inspiration from sneaker culture to create a vehicle that exuded comfort, agility, and style. The Kicks featured a tougher appearance than most small crossovers, without crossing into sporty territory. Built on the new CMF-B platform, it was slightly larger with increased ground clearance, setting it apart from its peers. The Kicks offered eight colour options, with two-tone configurations available on higher trims, and small details like the Kicks logo on side-mirror supports added a unique touch. The interior boasted a variety of textures, with some cost-saving measures evident, but overall, it provided a premium feel with comfortable Zero Gravity seats.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid introduced a more cohesive design for its sixth-generation model, though it lost some distinctiveness in the process. Its blockier shape and rugged appearance, enhanced by black plastic elements, gave it a more substantial look. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard and a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the front seats offering ample comfort and support. The hybrid model included heated outboard rear seats and a digital instrument panel, adding to its modern appeal. While some felt the Forester lost personality, it gained broader appeal.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks addressed previous criticisms by introducing a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a new CVT, delivering 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous generation's 1.6-litre engine. The Kicks offered AWD with torque vectoring and a multi-link suspension, providing a balanced driving experience with minimal body roll. Noise control was improved, though acceleration could be sluggish at times. Fuel economy was rated at 8.1 L/100 km city and 6.6 highway for FWD, and 8.4 city and 6.9 highway for AWD.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine with a parallel hybrid system, producing 194 horsepower. The AWD system used a traditional driveshaft for better traction. Acceleration was adequate, though the hybrid transmission could make it feel slower. The hybrid system functioned smoothly, with consistent braking and predictable handling. The ride was firmer than expected, but off-roading capabilities were impressive, thanks to X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control. The Forester Hybrid offered a balance between off-road prowess and on-road comfort.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks provided a good view of the road, though the seating position was low. The interior was spacious, with more room allocated to passengers, especially in the second row. The panoramic moonroof added to the airy feel. Cargo space was generous, with 849 litres available with FWD and 676 litres with AWD, expanding to 1,699 litres and 1,418 litres, respectively, with the rear seats folded. However, wind buffeting was an issue with the driver's window down.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid offered excellent forward visibility, with thin roof pillars and an open cockpit. The rear seats provided ample space, enhanced by the standard panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets. The Forester Hybrid could hold up to 779 litres of cargo, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience. The upright tail allowed for bulkier items, making it practical for various needs.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a four-speaker stereo system. Higher trims added features like a wireless charging pad, additional USB-C ports, and a Bose audio system with headrest speakers. The SR trim offered dual 12.3-inch screens for an enhanced experience, with crisp displays and easy-to-use controls.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with large buttons and intuitive menus. The X-Mode off-road drive menu and external camera views were useful for off-roading. The Forester Hybrid also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks included a rearview camera and Safety Shield 360 package, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was standard on the SR trim, offering advanced driver-assistance features. The Kicks also had a 360-degree monitor system, a rare feature in its class. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like rear automatic braking and a driver attention monitor. The systems performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and customizable alerts.