Compare the2025 Toyota Corolla CrossVS 2025 Nissan Kicks

The Corolla Cross has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Kicks doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Corolla Cross and Kicks have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Corolla Cross XLE has Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Kicks’ Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Corolla Cross and the Kicks have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems and rear parking sensors.

There are over 14 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Nissan dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Corolla Cross’ warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota second in reliability, above the industry average. With 52 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 17th.

The Corolla Cross’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 28 more horsepower (169 vs. 141) and 11 lbs.-ft. more torque (151 vs. 140) than the Kicks’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Corolla Cross FWD gets better fuel mileage than the Kicks FWD (31 city/33 hwy vs. 28 city/35 hwy).

For better stopping power the Corolla Cross’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Kicks:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Corolla Cross L/LE has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Kicks S.

The Corolla Cross has .2 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more front hip room and .5 inches more rear headroom than the Kicks.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Corolla Cross XLE offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Kicks doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

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

If the windows are left open on the Corolla Cross the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Kicks can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Corolla Cross XLE offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Kicks doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Corolla Cross’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan charges extra for heated mirrors on the Kicks.

The Corolla Cross XLE’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 doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Corolla Cross and the Kicks offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Corolla Cross has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Kicks doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to the Nissan Kicks, the Toyota Corolla Cross XLE eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its standard integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

The Toyota Corolla comes in sedan, four door hatchback and four door bodystyles; the Nissan Kicks isn’t available as a sedan or four door hatchback.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Toyota Corolla Cross, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Corolla Cross outsold the Nissan Kicks by 6% during 2023.