Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Nissan Kicks

The 2025 Nissan Kicks was designed with young consumers and first-time car buyers in mind, drawing inspiration from sneaker culture. This design concept aimed to convey comfort, agility, and style, much like a pair of sneakers. The Kicks featured a tougher appearance than most small crossovers, without pretending to be sporty. Built on the new CMF-B platform, it was slightly larger and had increased ground clearance, distinguishing it from its competitors. 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 for its price point.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained its attractive design, with subtle updates like a frameless grille and aerodynamic wheel arch cladding. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian models came with black leather upholstery, and the cabin included thoughtful touches like chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, creating a comfortable and airy atmosphere.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks addressed previous performance issues with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. This marked a significant improvement over the previous generation's powertrain. The Kicks offered optional all-wheel drive (AWD) with torque vectoring and a multi-link suspension for a more direct feel. The ride was steady and balanced, with minimal body roll and improved noise control in the cabin. However, acceleration could be sluggish at times, especially at high elevations. Fuel economy was rated at 8.1 L/100 km city, 6.6 highway, and 7.4 combined for front-wheel drive (FWD) models, with slightly higher figures for AWD versions.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre engine and an 118 hp traction motor, producing a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid system used two motor-generators for engine start/stop and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The Crosstrek's AWD system, combined with Subaru's X-Mode traction management, provided excellent off-road capability. The steering was light but precise, and the revised dual-pinion steering rack reduced body lean.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks offered a good view of the road, though the seating position was low and required manual adjustment. The interior was spacious, with more room allocated to passengers, especially in the second row. The panoramic moonroof added to the airy feel. The Kicks excelled in cargo space, accommodating a 65-inch TV with the rear seats folded. Cargo capacity was 849 litres with FWD or 676 litres with AWD, expanding to 1,699 litres with FWD and 1,418 litres with AWD when the rear seats were folded. However, wind buffeting was an issue with only the driver's side window down.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations by offering more cargo space without compromising on horsepower. The cargo volume behind the rear seats was 527 litres, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, allowing for long-distance travel. Rear-seat space was ample, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, but the Crosstrek included a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base S model had a four-speaker stereo and two USB-C ports, while higher trims added a wireless charging pad and extra speakers. The SR trim boasted dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless connectivity, and a Bose audio system with headrest speakers, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and prone to fingerprints. Many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and physical buttons were available for essential functions. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though it couldn't display Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks came with a rearview camera and the Safety Shield 360 package, including features like automatic emergency braking 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, though NHTSA ratings were pending.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to "Marginal" and "Acceptable" crash test scores. However, it earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It also had a surround-view camera and the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system.