Compare the2026 Nissan KicksVS 2026 Mazda CX-5

The Kicks SR offers an optional front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The CX-5 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

Both the Kicks and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

There are almost 2 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Kicks’ warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 56 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 26th, below the industry average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Nissan vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Nissan 8 places higher in reliability than Mazda.

On the EPA test cycle the Kicks gets better mileage than the CX-5:

The Kicks has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Kicks has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Kicks SR’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-5 Preferred/Premium’s 55 series tires.

The Kicks has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The CX-5 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For better maneuverability, the Kicks’ turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the CX-5’s (34.8 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Kicks has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-5 S/Select (8.4 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Kicks to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Kicks’ minimum ground clearance is .2 inch higher than on the CX-5 Preferred/Premium (8.4 vs. 8.2 inches).

The Nissan Kicks may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 850 pounds less than the Mazda CX-5.

The Kicks is 1 foot shorter than the CX-5, making the Kicks easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The power windows standard on both the Kicks and the CX-5 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Kicks is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-5 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

Compared to traditional radio, the Nissan Kicks’ 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. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-5 Premium.

The Kicks is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Nissan Kicks retains 60.97% of its original value after 5 years, more than the 57.6% resale value of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 after five years, which can save the Nissan’s owner up to $3678 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Nissan Kicks, based on reliability, safety and performance.