2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2025 Subaru Crosstrek in Toronto, ON

Blog Jun 20th, 2025

2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2025 Subaru Crosstrek at Avenue Nissan

A compact crossover is the perfect middle ground between a car and a larger SUV. You get the height and versatility you want without the bulk or big fuel bills. If you’re in the market for a small SUV that’s fun to drive, two models likely on your radar are the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. The Crosstrek comes with that rugged, outdoorsy Subaru DNA, while the Nissan Kicks is a city-smart SUV that focuses on modern style and urban-friendly performance. If you’re trying to decide which one’s right for you, continue reading. Our team at Avenue Nissan is breaking it all down to help you figure out which one fits your life best.

2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

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Design

Exterior

The Kicks got a total glow-up for 2025, and it shows. First impression: its blacked-out rear pillar makes the roof appear to float above the sporty silhouette, which gives the Kicks a coupe-like profile. The front end is sharp, with sculpted lines and available signature tiered LED accent lights that give off high-end vibes. From the side, there’s an athletic feel, thanks to the textured trim that wraps around the front and sides. Around back, the low bumper with a built-in diffuser and clean hatch design flows right into the Kicks’ taillights, which gives it a sporty finish from every angle.

Now compare that to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, which brings a different kind of energy. It’s bold, rugged, and looks born for outdoor fun. With a sculpted body, frameless hexagonal grille, and standard LED headlights that turn with the steering, it’s built with function in mind. Moreover, the black wheel arch cladding and functional air outlets also give it that SUV toughness that Subaru fans love.

Interior

Slip into the 2025 Nissan Kicks and welcome up to five passengers with a spacious interior. The Kicks features standard Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seats for reduced fatigue on longer drives. Fold down the 60/40-split rear seats to open up to 1,699 litres of cargo space, plus a wider cargo opening that makes loading and unloading easier. Heated front seats come standard, which is something every Canadian driver can appreciate during winter months.

As for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, even though it’s classified as a subcompact SUV, it offers a cargo area that is surprisingly versatile. It features a low lift-over height, a wide liftgate opening, and 60/40 split flat-folding rear seats that make it easier to load larger items like bikes or camping gear. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also available, depending on the trim. However, the Crosstrek offers less overall cargo space than the Kicks, with a maximum of 1,549 litres.

Performance

Engine Specs

The 2025 Nissan Kicks is powered by a 2.0-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. It’s capable of generating 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Paired with Integrated Dynamics-Control Module, it lets you feel more smoother power.

The 2025 Crosstrek is available with the choice of two SUBARU BOXER engines. The standard engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, which produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims come with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque for added performance.

Fuel Economy

The 2025 Nissan Kicks helps you go farther on every litre of gas, thanks to its idle stop/start system, Eco Mode, and Active Grille Shutters. It offers an estimated 8.1 L /100 km in the city and 6.6 L /100 km on the highway, which are great numbers if you’re commuting around Toronto.

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is a bit thirstier, especially if you go for the more powerful engine. The standard 2.0L gets about 8.8 L /100 km in the city and 7.1 on the highway, and the 2.5L option comes in at around 9.4 in the city and 8.1 on the highway.

If you drive 10,000 kilometres a year and gas costs $1.50 per litre, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek with the 2.5L engine at 9.4 L /100 km would cost you around $1,410 in fuel. In comparison, the 2025 Nissan Kicks at 8.1 L /100 km would cost about $1,215. That’s a savings of 195 dollars per year just by choosing the more fuel-efficient Kicks, money that could go toward a lot of coffee runs.

Technology

The 2025 Nissan Kicks keeps things modern with dual 12.3-inch displays that give the cabin a high-tech vibe. It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, which makes it easy to connect your smartphone without the clutter of cords. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, on the other hand, offers either a dual 7-inch infotainment setup or a larger 11.6-inch screen on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available with the bigger screen, which means you might have to upgrade to get the same convenience the Kicks gives. In contrast, the Nissan Kicks delivers a more modern tech experience across the lineup, so you get features without having to climb the trim ladder.

Other tech features of the 2025 Nissan Kicks include:

Wireless Charging Pad
Bose Premium Audio System
Nissan Safety Shield 360
ProPILOT Assist
Intelligent Around View Monitor

Other tech features of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek include:

Available Harman Kardon Audio
Subaru STARLINK
Available Wireless Charging
EyeSight Driver Assist

Shop the 2025 Nissan Kicks at Avenue Nissan

In the end, the 2025 Nissan Kicks comes out on top with its new design, smart use of space, impressive fuel efficiency, and modern tech features that come standard, not as pricey upgrades. Think the Kicks might be your next ride? Stop by Avenue Nissan and check it out in person. Browse our Kicks inventory and book a test drive to see why the Kicks is made for your life in Toronto.