Compare the2025 Subaru CrosstrekVS 2025 Nissan Kicks Play

Safety
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Crosstrek are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Crosstrek has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Crosstrek has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Crosstrek’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The Subaru Crosstrek has Daytime Running Lights to help keep it more visible under all conditions. Canadian government studies show that driving with lights during the day reduces accidents by 11% by making vehicles more conspicuous. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer Daytime Running Lights.

The Crosstrek offers available parking sensors to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

The Crosstrek Premium/Sport/Limited/Wilderness has standard STARLINK Safety and Security, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer a GPS response system, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Crosstrek and the Kicks Play have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The Subaru Crosstrek weighs 526 to 684 pounds more than the Nissan Kicks Play. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek is safer than the Nissan Kicks Play:

	Crosstrek	Kicks Play
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	22.4%	32%
Neck Stress	267 lbs.	374 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	265/291 lbs.	343/312 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	170	326
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	28.8%	79%
Neck Stress	158 lbs.	392 lbs.
Neck Compression	51 lbs.	138 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	291/273 lbs.	370/209 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek is safer than the Nissan Kicks Play:

	Crosstrek	Kicks Play
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	113	139
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	148 lbs.	172 lbs.
Hip Force	297 lbs.	347 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	116	318

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Crosstrek’s reliability 21 points higher than the Kicks Play.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Nissan With 1 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Nissan.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 12th.

Engine

The Crosstrek’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 30 more horsepower (152 vs. 122) and 31 lbs.-ft. more torque (145 vs. 114) than the Kicks Play’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Crosstrek Premium/Sport/Limited/Wilderness’ standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 60 more horsepower (182 vs. 122) and 64 lbs.-ft. more torque (178 vs. 114) than the Kicks Play’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Subaru Crosstrek is faster than the Nissan Kicks Play:

	Crosstrek 2.0	Crosstrek Premium/Sport/Limited/Wilderness	Kicks Play
Zero to 30 MPH	3.5 sec	n/a	3.7 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	9.1 sec	7.9 sec	10.5 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	15.1 sec	n/a	19.3 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	4.3 sec	n/a	5.8 sec
Quarter Mile	17 sec	16.1 sec	18 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	84.8 MPH	88.6 MPH	77.5 MPH

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Crosstrek lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Crosstrek’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Crosstrek has 5.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Kicks Play (16.6 vs. 10.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Crosstrek’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Kicks Play:

	Crosstrek	Kicks Play
Front Rotors	12.4 inches	11 inches
Rear Rotors	11.2 inches	8” drums
Opt Rear Rotors		11 inches

The Crosstrek’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the Kicks Play S are solid, not vented.

The Subaru Crosstrek has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Rear drums are standard on the Kicks Play. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes that work much harder than conventional brakes.

The Crosstrek stops much shorter than the Kicks Play:

	Crosstrek	Kicks Play
70 to 0 MPH	172 feet	190 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	121 feet	133 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	138 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Crosstrek has larger tires than the Kicks Play (225/60R17 vs. 205/60R16).

The Crosstrek Sport/Limited’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Kicks Play’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Crosstrek has standard 17-inch wheels. Only 16-inch wheels are available on the Kicks Play. The Crosstrek Sport/Limited has standard 18-inch wheels.

The Subaru Crosstrek’s wheels have 5 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Nissan Kicks Play only has 4 wheel lugs per wheel.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Subaru Crosstrek has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Nissan Kicks Play has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Crosstrek has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Crosstrek flat and controlled during cornering. The Kicks Play’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Crosstrek’s wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer than on the Kicks Play (104.9 inches vs. 103.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Crosstrek is 1.3 inches wider in the front and .6 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Kicks Play.

The Crosstrek handles at .81 G’s, while the Kicks Play pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Crosstrek Limited executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the Kicks Play (27.3 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 29.2 seconds @ .55 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek has a 1.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Kicks Play (8.7 vs. 7 inches), allowing the Crosstrek to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Crosstrek Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 2.3 inches higher than on the Kicks Play (9.3 vs. 7 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the Crosstrek uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The Crosstrek has 7.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Kicks Play (100.5 vs. 92.6).

The Crosstrek has 4.2 inches more front hip room, 3.8 inches more front shoulder room, 3 inches more rear legroom, 6.1 inches more rear hip room and 2.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Kicks Play.

Cargo Capacity

The Crosstrek has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Kicks Play with its rear seat folded (54.7 vs. 32.3 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Crosstrek. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The Crosstrek has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Kicks Play has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Crosstrek is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Kicks Play. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Nissan. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Nissan is ranked 10th.

Ergonomics

The Crosstrek’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Kicks Play has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The power windows standard on both the Crosstrek and the Kicks Play have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Crosstrek is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Kicks Play prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Crosstrek’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Kicks Play’s power window (except driver window) and power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Crosstrek’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Kicks Play’s halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Crosstrek has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Crosstrek has standard extendable sun visors. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Crosstrek’s available outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer heated side mirrors.

The Crosstrek’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Kicks Play offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Crosstrek (except Base) offers optional heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Kicks Play.

The Crosstrek Premium/Sport/Limited/Wilderness has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The Crosstrek’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The Crosstrek’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the Crosstrek has standard rear heat vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer rear vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Crosstrek has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To direct the driver from any location to a given street address, a GPS navigation system is available on the Crosstrek Limited. The Crosstrek’s navigation system also has a real-time traffic update feature that offers alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service not available in all areas.) The Kicks Play doesn’t offer a navigation system.

With standard voice command, the Crosstrek offers the driver hands free control of the radio, climate controls and the navigation computer by simply speaking. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer a voice control system.

Compared to the Nissan Kicks Play’s traditional radio, the Subaru Crosstrek equipped with standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Subaru Crosstrek offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Kicks Play doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Crosstrek as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Crosstrek outsold the Nissan Kicks Play by over two to one during 2024.

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