For the 2023 model year, there are just a handful of cars available with price tags under $25,000. The inexpensive new vehicle is a rarity. But there are still a few available that will serve you well for many years without breaking the bank. They’re mostly subcompact SUVs.
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 may be the most fun-to-drive option of that group. But the Nissan Kicks has impressive cargo space and a dose of personality that might appeal in a different way. Let’s compare them.
2023 Mazda CX-30
Among mainstream car brands, Mazda
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is the critical darling. Automotive journalists who drive dozens of cars a year tend to love Mazda’s taut-handling cars with interiors that feel upscale for the price. The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is its least-expensive SUV. If you want to love driving and not spend much, this could be the right vehicle for you. Pricing starts at $22,950.
Mazda CX-30 highlights
Standard all-wheel drive (AWD): Mazda
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makes grippy, winter-friendly all-wheel drive standard on every one of its SUVs for 2023. Nissan
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doesn’t even offer it on the Kicks. If you live where it routinely snows, that factor alone might make this decision for you.
Those Mazda road manners: The secret ingredient in Mazda sauce is torque vectoring. A technology usually reserved for luxury cars, it brakes each wheel individually to help point the car into corners without much body roll. It’s standard on the CX-30, and frankly, it’s shocking to find it at this price.
Read the full review: The 2023 Mazda CX-30 review: Mazda adds a little more zip to its subcompact crossover
More power in every form: Nissan
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skimped on power to get the Kicks’ price down. Our test driver described its 122-horsepower engine as “lackluster.” Mazda sells the CX-30 with either a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder or a turbocharged model with 250 horses (with premium fuel — 227 with regular).
Also check out: The 2023 Ford Escape: What’s new, pricing, and more for this restyled compact SUV
2023 Nissan Kicks
Nissan answers with spunk and space. The 2023 Nissan Kicks lacks an AWD option but saves you money with a low up-front price and great fuel economy, and brings more cargo space than most subcompacts and great (available) two-tone styling in its place. The Kicks starts at just $20,440.
Nissan Kicks highlights
Lots of car for the money: The Kicks almost slips under the $20,000 line – a real rarity in the 2023 model year. For that low price, you get a new car under warranty, smartphone integration, advanced safety features, and a fun attitude.
Roomy cabin: Buying a car this small might worry you, but the Kicks has you covered. It has more cargo space behind the rear seats than the CX-30, and it beats the CX-30 in headspace, too — a consideration for taller shoppers.
Fuel economy: Nissan gave the Kicks a small engine, front-wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission. That combination is good at one thing – fuel economy. The EPA estimates that Kicks drivers could spend as little as $1,650 in annual fuel costs. CX-30 drivers can expect to spend $1,850 or $2,150, depending on which engine they choose.
Also see: Need a fuel efficient, run-about-town compact SUV? Check out the 2023 Hyundai Kona.
Similarities
The CX-30 and the Kicks both carry sticker prices under $25,000 and identical warranties.
Conclusion
Neither the Mazda CX-30 nor the Nissan Kicks will leave your wallet hurting. But, beyond price, they have very different virtues.
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The CX-30 is fun to drive, more powerful, and includes standard AWD. That makes it a budget choice for driving enthusiasts and a great choice for those who contend with snowy roads. The Nissan Kicks is cheaper and adds fun styling and more space at a lower starting price.
Specifications
| 2023 Mazda CX-30 | 2023 Nissan Kicks | |
| Starting Price | $22,950 | $20,440 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 122 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 114 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg | 31 city/36 highway/33 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 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 | TBD | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 103.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.0 inches | 169.1 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 69.3 inches |
| Height | 61.7 inches | 63.3 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 34.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.1 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 43.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.3 inches | 33.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.6 inches | 53.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 53.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2/45.2 cubic feet | 25.3/53.1 cubic feet |
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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