2026 Chevrolet Trax LS vs 2026 Nissan Kicks S

$2,330 less and 22 more lb-ft torque vs AWD. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $2,330 price gap, 137 vs 141 hp, 29 vs 30 MPG.

The short answer

The Trax LS leads on $2,330 less, 22 more lb-ft torque. The Kicks S leads on AWD. The spec table compares 8 specifications head to head.

$2,330
Price Gap
4 HP
HP Diff
1 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Chevrolet Trax LS
Starts at $21,600
VS
Higher price
2026 Nissan Kicks S
Starts at $23,930

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo
vs
2.0L I4
Horsepower
137 hp
vs
141 hp
Torque
162 lb-ft
vs
140 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
vs
AWD
Fuel Economy
29 MPG combined
vs
30 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 8 specifications.

MSRP
$21,600Trax LS
$23,930Kicks S
Engine
1.2L I3 flex-fuel TurboTrax LS
2.0L I4Kicks S
Horsepower
137 hpTrax LS
141 hpKicks S
Torque
162 lb-ftTrax LS
140 lb-ftKicks S
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automaticTrax LS
continuously variable-speed automaticKicks S
Drivetrain
FWDTrax LS
AWDKicks S
City MPG
28Trax LS
27Kicks S
Highway MPG
31Trax LS
34Kicks S
Combined MPG
29Trax LS
30Kicks S
Fuel Tank
13.2 galTrax LS
12.4 galKicks S
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)
$1,500/yrTrax LS
$1,450/yrKicks S
Curb Weight
2,983 lbsTrax LS
3,196 lbsKicks S
Wheelbase
106.0"Trax LS
104.9"Kicks S
Length
178.6"Trax LS
171.9"Kicks S
Width
71.8"Trax LS
70.9"Kicks S
Height
61.4"Trax LS
64.0"Kicks S
Corrosion
6yr/100kTrax LS
5yr/unlimitedKicks S
Roadside Assistance
5yr/60kTrax LS
3yr/36kKicks S

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2026 Chevrolet Trax LS2026 Nissan Kicks S
Pricing
MSRP$21,600$23,930
Powertrain
Engine1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo2.0L I4
Horsepower137 hp141 hp
Torque162 lb-ft140 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed shiftable automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
DrivetrainFWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2827
Highway MPG3134
Combined MPG2930
Fuel Tank13.2 gal12.4 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,500/yr$1,450/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight2,983 lbs3,196 lbs
Wheelbase106.0"104.9"
Length178.6"171.9"
Width71.8"70.9"
Height61.4"64.0"
Safety
NHTSA OverallNo published data4/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion6yr/100k5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS and 2026 Nissan Kicks S?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS starts at $21,600, $2,330 less than the 2026 Nissan Kicks S at $23,930. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $41/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,330 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS covers your needs.

Who should choose the 2026 Nissan Kicks S?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks S is the stronger pick when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS or 2026 Nissan Kicks S?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks S rates 30 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS or 2026 Nissan Kicks S?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks S produces 141 hp, 4 more than the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS at 137 hp. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS also leads in torque at 162 lb-ft vs 140 lb-ft. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS runs a 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo; the 2026 Nissan Kicks S uses a 2.0L I4. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS, AWD on the 2026 Nissan Kicks S.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS bigger than the 2026 Nissan Kicks S?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS is 6.7″ longer at 178.6″ vs 171.9″. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS has a 1.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS and 2026 Nissan Kicks S have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2026 Nissan Kicks S comes with AWD, while the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.

How do the warranties compare?

Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.

Explore more: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Trax trims, Nissan trims, Nissan Kicks trims

Official sources

The Trax–Kicks Decision

Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Trax and Kicks compare. The $2,330 gap is about $41/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

What Powers Each Vehicle

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS runs a 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo; the 2026 Nissan Kicks S uses a 2.0L I4. The 4 hp difference (141 vs 137) is marginal in daily driving. The 2026 Nissan Kicks S comes with AWD; the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.

The Ownership Math

Annual fuel costs are nearly identical, so running costs will not separate these two.

The Decision

Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS when you want to keep $2,330 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Nissan Kicks S when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted. At $41/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or Nissan or any dealership.

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