2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Kicks

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 agility, athleticism, and style. The Kicks designers aimed for a tougher look without veering into sporty territory, utilizing the new CMF-B platform to offer a slightly larger size and increased ground clearance. This design choice helped the Kicks stand out among small crossovers. The vehicle was available in nine colors, with two-tone configurations on mid and top trims, and featured thoughtful details like the Kicks logo on side-mirror supports and sneaker-tread-like rocker panel trim. These elements contributed to a premium feel despite the vehicle's affordable price. Inside, the Kicks offered a mix of textures, with some cost-saving measures evident but not intrusive. The Zero Gravity seats provided comfort and support, though they were only manually adjustable.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations, with subtle design updates like a frameless grille and aerodynamic wheel arch cladding. The Hybrid was available in Sport and Limited trims, offering a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort inside. The cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, with StarTex seats accented by orange stitching. The Limited Hybrid added upscale touches like a heated steering wheel and optional power moonroof. The Crosstrek Hybrid's design focused on practicality, with a consistent material quality and thoughtful layout that prioritized function over flash.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks addressed previous criticisms of noise and harshness with a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT, delivering 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous generation's 1.6-liter engine. The Kicks now offered all-wheel drive, enhancing its SUV-like feel and making it more competitive in winter conditions. The AWD system used torque vectoring to optimize traction, while a multi-link suspension and retuned steering improved handling. The Kicks provided a balanced driving experience with minimal body roll and improved noise control, though acceleration could be sluggish at high elevations. Fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined for FWD, with slightly lower numbers for AWD.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. 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, contributing to its efficiency. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system provided better terrain capability compared to competitors, with X-Mode traction management offering specific settings for different conditions. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, with reduced body lean compared to older models.

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, particularly in the second row, with a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The Kicks boasted best-in-class cargo space, accommodating up to 30 cubic feet with AWD, or 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, wind buffeting was an issue with only one window down, requiring additional windows or the moonroof to be opened for relief.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations with more horsepower and cargo space. The trunk floor was lower, providing 18.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with them folded. The gas tank remained large, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refueling. Rear-seat space was generous, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited but included a wireless charging pad and cupholders.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks offered a basic infotainment system on the base trim, with significant upgrades available. The SV trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, while the SR trim added dual 12.3-inch screens and a Bose audio system with headrest speakers. The SR's setup was praised for its crisp displays and fun audio experience, though the upgrades were relatively expensive.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and prone to fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Limited Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a configurable digital gauge cluster, though it lacked integration with Google Maps.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks included Safety Shield 360 as standard, with features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was standard on the SV trim, offering advanced driver-assistance features. A 360-degree monitor system was available, providing a detailed view of the vehicle's surroundings. The Kicks had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA for 2026, but the 2025 model received mixed results. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS was standard, including adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking. However, Subaru lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to competitors.