Which Subcompact SUV Offers the Most Value: The 2025 Chevy Trax or Nissan Kicks?

If you’re looking for a practical, affordable, and versatile vehicle, then you can’t go wrong with a subcompact SUV. This body style features an open cargo area that lets you easily switch between cargo space and passenger space so you can have the perfect setup for every drive you take, a small footprint that makes street parking a breeze, and solid fuel economy that lets you travel far without spending an arm and a leg on gas. Since it has so many benefits, there are many models available under this umbrella. Today, we’re going to take a look at two popular choices: the 2025 Chevy Trax vs 2025 Nissan Kicks.

These two models have a lot in common. They’re around the same size, offer about the same amount of power, and have an above-average combined fuel economy rating of around 30 MPG. But, of course, they aren’t identical. So what sets them apart, and which one should you choose? Let’s dive in and take a look so you can make an informed decision and end up with an SUV that’s perfect for your needs.

A Closer Look at Starting Prices

Price is a major concern for many drivers, so let’s start by taking a look at which of these SUVs is more affordable. Luckily, this isn’t a complicated factor: any way you slice it, the Trax is the more affordable of the two. The base LS model of the Chevy has a starting MSRP of $20,400, while the base S model of the Nissan has a starting MSRP of $21,830.^[a] Of course, neither model has only one trim on offer, but as you climb up to more luxurious trims, the price gap doesn’t get any smaller.

The Trax has five trim levels for you to choose from. This includes the 1RS ($22,300) adds sporty style inside and out, while the LT ($22,500) upgrades the tech and provides more comfort and convenience features.^[a] At the top, you can choose between two different models for the same starting price ($24,300).^[a] The 2RS has the athletic aesthetic of the 1RS plus the desirable features of the LT. The ACTIV is a unique trim that has a look all its own and enough standard features to keep you comfortable on the road no matter how far you’re traveling.

By contrast, the Kicks only has three trim levels, which means more jarring jumps in price from trim to trim, making it harder to find the right fit for your needs and budget. The SV starts at $23,680, which gets you an upgraded infotainment system, among other features. The SR has some impressive features (including ProPILOT Assist, Nissan’s version of hands-free cruise control) but has a steep starting MSRP of $26,180—almost $2k more than the top trims of the Trax and a high asking price for a subcompact SUV. 

Standard Features

Of course, you can’t determine a vehicle’s value by looking at its price tag alone. If you want to get enough bang for your buck, you need to know what that price is getting you. So, let’s take a look at the standard features that each of these models offers. What do you get if you opt for an entry-level trim? The Kicks S does offer a few features that the Trax LS doesn’t. For instance, the 2025 Kicks retains an auxiliary audio input for old-school music fans. It also does offer some more modern features not found on the entry-level Trax, like adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors. But look at many other features, and the Trax comes out on top.

While the Kicks comes standard with a 7-inch screen, the Trax comes standard with a larger 8-inch screen that makes it easier to read text and take in camera views quickly. The Chevy also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which make it easy to hook your phone up to the SUV’s interface whether you have a cord on hand or not. While the Nissan offers wireless Apple CarPlay on higher trims, it’s not an available feature on the base S. Neither base model comes standard with wireless charging, but the Trax gives you two USB ports to work with, while the Kicks only has one, which is sure to be a problem if you ever drive with a passenger and want to be able to charge two phones at the same time.

Like just about all Chevy models, the Trax also comes standard with Teen Driver technology. This feature comes in handy if you have kids who are starting to work toward their learner’s permit and beyond, letting you set up restrictions on volume and speed, keep certain safety features engaged while your teen is behind the wheel, and get an in-vehicle report card of their driving activity so you can give them personalized coaching. That’s something that the Kicks can’t offer.

If you want more features than what comes standard on the entry-level trim but don’t quite want to upgrade to the next level, the Trax gives you some options. The Driver Confidence Package lets you add Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert to the LS, while the LS Convenience Package bundles together Remote Start, heated front seats, and heated side view mirrors. There’s no way to get the features in the convenience package on the Kicks S—you’ll have to pay thousands more to upgrade to the SV, and even then, heated seats and mirrors and remote engine start can only be had as part of the optional Premium Package.

Which Model is the Most Reliable?

In the long run, getting a good value on a vehicle means more than just paying an affordable price for the features you want. You also want to know that your SUV will last for the long haul and not give you trouble a few miles down the road. So, who should you trust to build a reliable SUV: Chevrolet or Nissan? Well, you don’t have to take our word for it; you can take a look at the 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study conducted by J.D. Power.

Looking at over two dozen brands, the study ranked Chevrolet as the fourth most reliable, with an above-average score earned by having significantly fewer problems per 100 vehicles than the average automaker. Nissan, on the other hand, ranked sixteenth, coming in below the study average. Keeping in mind how expensive repairs can get when a vehicle isn’t reliable, it’s important to consider this difference when deciding whether the Trax or the Kicks will be the better overall value for you as a driver.

Which is the Better Buy?

While the Kicks is a cute little SUV that has a fairly affordable price tag and a decent array of features, it pales in comparison to the Trax, which is not only more affordable but comes with a more attractive lineup of standard features and can be depended on to keep running smoothly not just today or tomorrow but for years to come. When you buy a Trax, you can feel confident that you’re getting not just an affordable vehicle but a fantastic deal that offers you plenty of bang for your buck. If you want to see what the Trax has to offer for yourself, schedule a test drive today. We’re sure that once you see this model up close and in person, you’ll know that it’s the right choice for you.

^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.