An ever-improving segment, the subcompact SUV class is packed with models that aren’t just affordably priced but that are also attractive, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and bristling with advanced technology. More than entry-level SUVs, most in this group are overachieving competitors.
Here we look at two such worthy rivals: the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross. While the Kicks is redesigned for 2025, the Corolla Cross was originally launched in 2022 and is awaiting a mid-cycle freshening due next year.
Let’s see how these two crossovers stack up.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks enjoys a full redesign for 2025, adding more interior space and available all-wheel drive (AWD) in the process. If luggage capacity is a box to check, the Kicks has better than average cargo room for its class with the second-row in place (30 cubic feet) or folded (60 cubic feet). Moreover, Nissan infused a healthy dollop of pizazz into its exterior styling, too.
The Kicks is a true entry-level vehicle, with pricing starting below $25,000. A value proposition, you get plenty of bang for your buck with Nissan’s most affordable SUV. It comes standard with plenty of advanced safety and convenience tech that buyers in this segment crave but can’t always get — a big bonus for the Kicks. Nissan offers the Kicks in three sensibly priced trim levels.
Nissan Kicks Highlights
Technology: Nissan’s ProPilot Assist — available on the top-of-the-line SR trim — highlights the push to make the latest safety and convenience technology available. It takes advantage of other SR-standard advanced systems like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot intervention, and Intersection Assist, which kicks in when making a left turn across oncoming traffic.
Fewer fuel stops: One of the reasons buyers shop in this segment is fuel economy. This is a nice perk regardless of the price of gas. Delivering 31 mpg in combined city-and-highway driving is above average for the segment and hard to ignore.
Available 12.3-inch touchscreen: Although the base S trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, the upper two trims get a generous 12.3-inch digital infotainment touchscreen display — quite a bit bigger than the 8-inch unit in the Corolla Cross. It makes finding and controlling systems much easier.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Kicks models for sale near you.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Launched for the 2022 model year, the Corolla Cross is a popular choice in the subcompact segment as it borrows exterior styling from not only the Corolla compact car but also the RAV4 SUV. Powered by a 169-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the Corolla Cross gets good fuel economy and can be had with all-wheel drive. It is also available as a hybrid, aptly named the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
Inside, you’ll find a simple, uncluttered cabin with enough electronics to satisfy drivers of any age. The Corolla Cross also offers a higher driver’s seating position than its Corolla sedan and hatchback counterparts.
Toyota Corolla Cross Highlights
Hybrid option: Toyota offers a Corolla Cross hybrid option, something not available in the Kicks. The hybrid model provides both more power, better fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive. Win-win-win!
Safety standard suite: All 2025 Corolla Cross models come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety systems. The system includes Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and much more.
Power liftgate: Optional on the top trims, we love the convenience of a power opening and closing tailgate, which you won’t find in the Kicks. Furthermore, this package also includes a moonroof.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Corolla Cross models near you.
Similarities
Both of these subcompact SUVs are well styled, provide loads of advanced technology, offer all-wheel drive, and are easy on fuel.
Pricing
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Nissan Kicks vehicles and New 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Nissan Kicks | 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm | N/A |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | N/A |
| Transmission | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | N/A |
| Fuel Economy | 28 city/35 highway/31 combined mpg | 31 city/33 highway/32 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 0 years/0 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | N/A |
| Wheelbase | 104.6 inches | N/A |
| Overall Length | 171.9 inches | 175.6 inches |
| Width | 70.9 inches | N/A |
| Height | N/A | 64.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | N/A | 35.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.5 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.7 inches | 42.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 34.5 inches | 32.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 54.7 inches | 52.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 54.7 inches | 52.4 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 60.0 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Nissan Kicks has a notable price advantage and provides more passenger and cargo space. It’s also three years fresher. On the other hand, the Toyota Corolla Cross has a tad more power, Toyota’s reputation for reliability, and a hybrid if you have the budget for it. We should take the easy way out and say it’s too close to call; however, that’s not why we’re here. If price is a deal breaker and you like the idea of more interior space, we say, a slight advantage goes to the Kicks.
