DecodedCarsNissan Kicks vs Toyota RAV4
2026 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota RAV4 is more fuel-efficient: 43 vs 31 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $600 a year less in fuel for the Toyota RAV4 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Toyota RAV4 is the bigger car, about 11 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Nissan Kicks has had fewer recall campaigns (10 vs 50).
The two cars
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,175 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,746 lb (Le 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2022 Kicks and the 2022 RAV4 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 Kicks and the 2019 RAV4.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Nissan Kicks if…
- You want something easier to park (11 in shorter)
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (10 vs 50 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (43 vs 31 MPG)
- You want more power (up to 186 vs 141 hp)
- You want more room (11 in longer)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2026 Nissan Kicks
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Modest powerUp to 141 hp, versus about 186 hp for similar 2026 models.
2026 Toyota RAV4
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 43 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Nissan Kicks specs →Full 2026 Toyota RAV4 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →