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Starting at
Starting at
| 162 lb-ft | Torque | 140 lb-ft |
| 5 | Trims | 3 |
| 8 in | Standard Screen Size | 7 in |
Driving an award-winning SUV doesn't have to come at a premium, which often seems too good to be true. Fortunately, slating the 2025 Chevy Trax vs 2025 Nissan Kicks proves otherwise. Where the 2025 Kicks touts an affordable price tag, the 2025 Trax ups the ante by offering more value at a significantly lower starting price. More importantly, Chevrolet doesn't ask you to lower your standards or compromise.
The 2025 Kicks starts at $21,830, with its price climbing north of $26,000 across its three-trim lineup. Alternatively, the 2025 Trax maintains its appeal and solidifies its fate as one of, if not the, most affordable SUVs on the market. It starts at $20,400 and offers a diverse five-trim family, each with a distinct design and undeniable value.[a] Most notably, the top-tier Trax ACTIV doesn't fetch a mile-high starting price and is more affordable than its rival at $24,300 for the more athletic subcompact SUV.[a]
This pricing reflects Chevrolet's century-old commitment to building reliable, value-packed vehicles. This isn't to say that Nissan doesn't attempt the same, but comparing the 2025 Trax with the 2025 Kicks proves Chevrolet is far more successful and keenly aware of drivers' needs. The result is a subcompact SUV that's earned widespread acclaim for its value, practicality, and overall appeal.
How do these characteristics affect your experience behind the wheel? Moreover, how does the 2025 Trax outshine and outperform the 2025 Kicks? It's time to discover why your search for the perfect, value-rich subcompact SUV will likely end with a warm welcome into the American-born and bred Chevrolet family.
Nissan takes a simplified approach to the Kicks lineup in 2025, with the SUV available in three trims. The Kicks S starts the lineup at $21,830 and sets the benchmark for the rest of the family. As a base trim, it's what you'd expect and offers minimal features, technologies, and conveniences. For example, it has a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display and a simplified suite of driver-assist features that includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent Cruise Control, and Rear Automatic Braking.
Drivers looking for more tech-related features and conveniences must spend more on trims like the Kicks SV or Kicks SR. The Kicks SV is a mid-tier trim that adds wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, and approach-sensitive door locks. The top-tier Kicks SR, which starts at $26,180, is the best-equipped in the family and includes Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, LED lighting, and advanced technologies like an Intelligent Around View Monitor.
The Kicks' appeal fades when you look at rivals like the 2025 Trax. With a starting price of $20,400, the Trax leads the segment as the most affordable and value-oriented.[a] The entry-level Trax LS starts the lineup and features more standard technologies than its Nissan rival. The LS rolls off Chevy's factory floor on 17-inch steel wheels with integrated Active Noise Cancellation that delivers a serene environment throughout the cabin. It's also equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite of driver-assist tools and boasts an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Climbing the Trax's family tree means more design details and features without a significant price increase. For example, the Trax 1RS is sporty with its exclusive grille, red interior accents, 18-inch two-tone wheels, and black badging. The LT blends capability and comfort with an expansive 11-inch center touchscreen, 8-inch Driver Information Center, automatic climate control, and remote vehicle start. From there, the 2RS is instantly recognizable by its larger 19-inch two-tone wheels and flat-bottom steering wheel. The ACTIV sits at the top of the lineup with its head-turning monochromatic exterior complementing its exclusive interior details and Titanium-colored chrome accents, all at a modest price of $24,300.[a]
As subcompact SUVs, the 2025 Trax and 2025 Kicks are agile and easy to maneuver because of their smaller footprints. This agility makes them excellent options for drivers who want the handling and responsiveness of a sedan with a higher driving position and a larger capacity for passengers and cargo. Nissan and Chevrolet deliver the best of both worlds, but the 2025 Trax still manages to outshine the 2025 Kicks.
The 2025 Kicks is powered by a 2.0L inline-four engine and the latest generation of Nissan's continuously variable Xtronic transmission. The engine makes 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, with the transmission prioritizing efficiency in every situation. This focus makes the Kicks incredibly efficient but forces drivers to compromise on performance. The Kicks is criticized for its lagging powertrain, which says a lot considering the engine is new for 2025.
Fortunately, Chevrolet answers the need for a more engaging driving demeanor with the 2025 Trax. While it isn't destined for the track, the 2025 Trax is a solid and steady performer. It's powered by Chevrolet's proven 1.2L turbocharged inline-three EcoTec, which produces 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The EcoTec's higher torque output makes the 2025 Trax far more engaging and guarantees better off-the-line acceleration.
Another notable difference between the 2025 Trax and 2025 Kicks is transmission. The 2025 Kicks relies on a continuously variable transmission, while the 2025 Trax features a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission. Why is this significant? While a continuously variable transmission is praised for heightening efficiency, this type of transmission isn't as cost-effective as many assume. The CVT is more complex, making it more prone to performance issues and more costly to repair. Alternatively, the Trax's six-speed automatic transmission is more reliable and easier to fix, a combination that pairs well with the 2025 Trax's EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
Technology is another pivotal area where the 2025 Kicks and 2025 Trax differ. Modern vehicles rely heavily on technologies, and the Kicks and Trax are no exceptions. However, Nissan requires drivers to pay more for technologies that are considered a standard part of the 2025 Trax. Because of this, the 2025 Trax offers more value with its tech-savvy design that delivers a transformative and engaging driving experience without requiring you to pay a premium.
This experience starts in the driver's seat, where the 2025 Kicks features a standard 7-inch display. The display is lower for 2025, with Nissan updating the Kicks' interior to make it seem roomier. Unfortunately, the touchscreen is positioned too low, and accessibility is hindered, especially with the less-intuitive touch controls. Additionally, Nissan forces drivers to upgrade to a mid- or top-tier trim to enjoy wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Fortunately, Chevrolet doesn't make that demand of customers. The 2025 Trax features an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is home to the Chevrolet infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As you climb the lineup, Chevrolet swaps the standard 8-inch display for an 11-inch center touchscreen and adds more features, like a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that keeps you connected wherever the road leads.
This tech-centric focus continues when you compare safety and driver-assist features. The Nissan Safety Shield is standard across the Kicks' lineup in 2025, much like the standard Chevy Safety Assist suite for the 2025 Trax. The suites offer comparable features, like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping tools, and high-beam headlights. The 2025 Trax gains an advantage because it includes additional features like Front Pedestrian Braking and a Following Distance Indicator.
Aside from the standard technologies, the 2025 Trax and 2025 Kicks offer many other advanced features. For example, Nissan makes its ProPILOT Assist available on the Kicks for the first time in 2025. The Trax's available upgrades are far more extensive and driver-focused. Depending on the trim and package, the 2025 Trax comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. These tools provide comprehensive coverage around the vehicle to proactively heighten your situational awareness and mitigate the potential for collisions.
Did you initially search for a subcompact SUV, thinking the 2025 Kicks was the best choice? As veterans in the industry, the team at DePaula Chevrolet knows the value of exploring and comparing your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident purchase, and we're excited and honored to help.
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax offers far more value for your money than rivals like the 2025 Kicks. As one of the most affordable SUVs on the road today, the Trax showcases Chevrolet's ongoing commitment to exceeding customers' expectations while answering their needs. The combination is remarkable, with the 2025 Trax offering more features, conveniences, technologies, and overall appeal at an outstanding price.
Models like the 2025 Trax make our jobs more exciting because they embody the Chevrolet legacy. Our goal is to match Chevrolet's dedication by delivering a world-class dealership experience that makes buying and owning an SUV like the 2025 Trax rewarding and enjoyable. As a full-service automotive center, we're here to help you find the perfect 2025 Trax and get the most from your subcompact road warrior every mile and adventure ahead.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.