Shopping for an affordable SUV that won’t leave you feeling shortchanged? The 2026 Chevrolet Trax and 2026 Nissan Kicks are two of the least expensive new vehicles you can buy today, each priced under $24,000. While both offer solid value, fuel efficiency, and surprising amounts of space, they take different approaches to winning over budget-conscious buyers. The Trax brings a peppy turbocharged engine and sporty handling, while the Kicks counters with available all-wheel drive and excellent fuel economy. Which one deserves a spot in your driveway?
- The Chevy Trax starts at $23,495 including destination, making it $430 cheaper than the Nissan Kicks at $23,925.
- In performance testing, the Trax accelerated from 0-60 mph in 9.1 seconds while the all-wheel-drive Kicks needed 10.3 seconds.
- The Trax doesn’t offer all-wheel drive, while Nissan provides front- or all-wheel drive on all Kicks trim levels.
Price and Trim Options
When you walk into a Chevy dealership in Toledo or any other showroom, price is usually the first thing on your mind. Chevy sells the Trax in five trims: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS and Activ, with the LS starting at $23,495 including a $1,795 destination fee. Nissan keeps things simpler with just three trims, S, SV and SR, with the least expensive Kicks coming in at $23,925 factoring in its $1,495 destination charge.
If you want the least expensive new vehicle, the Trax is your choice at $23,495. But look at the bigger picture. All five 2026 Chevrolet Trax trims are priced lower than the most expensive Nissan Kicks trim, which has an MSRP of $27,265. That gives Chevy buyers more flexibility to step up to better-equipped models without breaking the bank.
Performance and Driving Experience
Pop the hood and you’ll find two very different philosophies. The turbocharged Trax develops more torque, and its peak figure is actually available lower in the rev range (2,500 rpm versus 4,000 rpm in the Kicks). This makes a real difference when you’re merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic.
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax features an ECOTEC 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine generating up to 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Nissan Kicks has nearly identical horsepower at 141 horsepower but only generates up to 140 lb-ft of torque. That 22 lb-ft torque advantage helps the Trax feel livelier around town.
The test team found the Nissan slow to respond to throttle inputs. The Kicks uses a CVT transmission that some drivers find droning and unresponsive, while the Trax’s conventional six-speed automatic delivers more predictable shifts.
Space, Comfort, and Technology
There’s 38.7 inches of rear legroom in the 2026 Chevy Trax, as opposed to just 34.5 inches in the 2026 Nissan Kicks, giving rear passengers an extra four inches to stretch out. If you regularly haul adults in the back seat, that difference is noticeable.
On the tech front, both vehicles deliver solid standard equipment. The 2026 Chevy Trax LS includes an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. For 2026, the Kicks S adds a standard 12.3-inch infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto and two front USB-C ports. The Nissan wins the screen size battle in base trim, though Chevy offers an available 11-inch display on higher trims.
Trax or Kicks: Your Best Pick
The Chevy is the pick for driving enjoyment, with its superior powertrain and more planted chassis. If you want an SUV that feels eager and fun to drive, the Trax delivers. If you absolutely must have all-wheel drive, head to the Nissan store. All-wheel drive adds at least $1,500 to the Kicks’ price, depending on the trim.
Both vehicles offer strong safety features as standard equipment. Every Kicks model comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment display featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Nissan Safety Shield 360. The Trax counters with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and other driver aids.
Fuel economy is competitive between the two. The Kicks achieves up to 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, or 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. The Trax delivers EPA-estimated 28 city/32 highway/30 combined mpg, so you’ll make similar trips to the gas station with either one.
Your choice comes down to priorities. The Trax offers better performance, more rear legroom, and a lower starting price. The Kicks brings available all-wheel drive, a larger base touchscreen, and slightly better highway fuel economy. Both represent good value in an affordable package, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable, well-equipped SUV.
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