2025 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2025 Nissan Kicks Comparison

Combing through the options in the compact SUV market can keep you busy for a while. However, during such a study session, one thing that stands out is that there are many good options, even at the less-expensive end of the new vehicle market.

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2025 Nissan Kicks represent two ends of the spectrum, but both are viable options for many buyers. Let’s take a closer look at these competing SUVs.

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is an athletic standout in the subcompact SUV group. It’s stylish, offers excellent performance and capability, and has a tech-laden interior.

In testing, our drivers echoed that in the areas of handling, steering response and acceleration, the CX-30 excels. It’s powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, providing ample power; however, there is an even more powerful turbo option. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) ensures you can get just about anywhere you want to go while having some fun doing it. Moreover, there aren’t many complaints about the CX-30 pricing either. It starts at $26,415, including the destination charge.

Mazda CX-30 Highlights

Big power: The CX-30’s base powerplant is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 191 hp. If you want a little more thrust from the go-pedal, the turbocharged version of that engine is available, pushing the ponies up to 250. This noticeable difference brings an element of performance to the CX-30 that the subcompact competition doesn’t match.

Options, options, options: The CX-30 can be outfitted with various grades that move it from a starting price of just over $26,000 to around $38,000. The most significant upgrade as you move through the trim levels is for the turbo engine; however, there are also varying levels of safety and comfort technologies, as well as appearance packages, allowing you to get the vehicle you want.

Safety first: A subcompact SUV is one of the smaller guys on the road; consequently, that 5-Star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) offers plenty of peace of mind.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 models for sale near you.

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks enjoys a full redesign for 2025, adding more interior space and available all-wheel drive in the process. The upper two trims also come with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Nissan really infused a bit of pizazz to its exterior styling, too.

Unlike the CX-30, the Kicks is a true entry-level vehicle, with pricing starting at $23,220, including destination charge. But you get a fair bit for your money with Nissan’s most affordable SUV. First and foremost, it’s just about the largest vehicle in the segment. It also comes standard with a lot of safety and convenience tech that buyers in this segment crave but can’t always get — a big bonus for the Kicks.

Nissan Kicks Highlights

Affordability: The Kicks starts around $23,000 and comes in just three trim levels: the S, SV, and SR. The top trim starts at just $27,570, providing a lot of bang for the buck.

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.

Plenty of room: You’re unlikely to use the Kicks on your family vacation if there are more than four of you, but compared to the competition in this group, it’s bigger than most. It’s definitely bigger inside than the CX-30.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Kicks models for sale near you.

Similarities

Both the Nissan Kicks and Mazda CX-30 compete in the subcompact SUV class. They have good fuel economy, reasonable roominess, and appealing exterior styling.

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 vehicles and New 2025 Nissan Kicks 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 Mazda CX-30	2025 Nissan Kicks
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.0-liter 4-cylinder	2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6,000 rpm	141 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	140 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed automatic/AWD	CVT/FWD
Fuel Economy	26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg	28 city/35 highway/31 combined
Also Available	250 hp turbo 4-cylinder	AWD
Specs
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating	5-Star	N/R
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	104.4 inches	104.6 inches
Overall Length	173.0 inches	171.9 inches
Width	70.7 inches	70.9 inches
Height	61.7 inches	64.2 inches
Turning Diameter	37.3 feet	34.8 feet
Headroom, Front	38.1 inches	39.7 inches
Headroom, Rear	38.3 inches	38.5 inches
Legroom, Front	41.7 inches	42.7 inches
Legroom, Rear	36.3 inches	34.5 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	55.6 inches	54.7 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	53.6 inches	54.7 inches
Cargo Volume	20.2/45.2 cubic feet	30.0/60.0 cubic feet

Conclusion

While they’re in the same segment, the CX-30 and Kicks are far from the same. The Kicks rings the register at roughly $3,000 less. It’s roomier and delivers better fuel economy. On the other hand, the CX-30 offers a more athletic, spirited drive and standard all-wheel drive.

Our take is that if you need to tame a household budget and require passenger and cargo space, the logical pick is the Nissan Kicks. However, if space isn’t quite as important but lots of thrust under your right foot is, it’s the Mazda CX-30.