Compare the2026 Chevrolet TraxVS 2026 Nissan Kicks

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Chevrolet Trax achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Nissan Kicks has not been tested.

Both the Trax and the Kicks have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chevrolet Trax is safer than the Nissan Kicks:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chevrolet Trax is safer than the Nissan Kicks:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Trax is 2.4% to 4.3% less likely to roll over than the Kicks.

The Trax’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Kicks’ (6 vs. 5 years).

There are almost 3 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Nissan dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Trax’s warranty.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Trax has a standard 760-amp battery. The Kicks’ 510-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Nissan is rated below average.

The Trax’s 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder produces 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (162 vs. 140) than the Kicks’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Chevrolet Trax is faster than the Nissan Kicks:

The Trax has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Kicks’ standard fuel tank (13.2 vs. 11.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the Trax’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Kicks:

The Trax stops much shorter than the Kicks:

For better traction, the Trax has larger standard tires than the Kicks (225/60R17 vs. 215/65R16). The Trax RS’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Kicks (245/45R19 vs. 225/45R19).

The Trax LS/LT’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Kicks S’ standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Trax LS/LT has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Kicks S.

The Trax has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Kicks; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Trax’s wheelbase is 1.7 inches longer than on the Kicks (106.3 inches vs. 104.6 inches).

The Trax ACTIV handles at .81 G’s, while the Kicks SR pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Trax ACTIV executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Kicks SR (27.5 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

The front grille of the Trax offers available electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Kicks doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Trax uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Kicks doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Trax has 2.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Kicks (98 vs. 95.7).

The Trax has 1 inch more front shoulder room and 4.2 inches more rear legroom than the Kicks.

The Trax can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Trax can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Kicks can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Trax’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Kicks does not have an oil pressure gauge.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Trax’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Kicks doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

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

The Trax was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2025 and 2024. The Kicks has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

The Chevrolet Trax outsold the Nissan Kicks by almost two to one during 2025.