Chevrolet
Trax
Owner report available
Nissan
Kicks
Owner report available
Chevrolet Trax vs Nissan Kicks
The short answer
Based on available data, the Nissan Kicks comes out ahead of the Chevrolet Trax on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Trax
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the first-generation models (approximately 2014-2022), owner feedback is overwhelmingly negative, characterized by very frequent and severe mechanical failures leading to high repair costs and widespread distrust. Common catastrophic issues include turbocharger failures, timing chain problems, and complete engine failures, often occurring before 100,000 miles.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to identify a "best" version. For the new generation, an owner notes the LT trim offers a good balance of features.
Known issues
- **First Generation (2014-2022 w/ 1.4L Turbo Engine):** Turbocharger failure: Requires replacement, often linked to other engine damage. Cost reports range from $2,100 to $6,000. Frequency: very frequent.
- Engine failure: Catastrophic failures including melted cylinders, holes in engine blocks, and complete replacements. Often occurs under 100,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent.
- Timing chain issues: Causes persistent check engine lights (P0016, P0017 codes) and requires expensive replacement. Frequency: very frequent.
Kicks
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide. The 2025-2026 model year redesign receives praise for its modern styling, improved interior technology, comfortable ride, good fuel economy (20-40 MPG reported), and competitive pricing, especially with discounts. However, the vehicle's reputation is heavily burdened by widespread and severe criticism of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in models from approximately 2019-2024.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. For the 2025+ models, the SR trim with the Premium Package is mentioned positively for its styling and features.
Known issues
- CVT transmission failures: Catastrophic failure requiring full replacement, often between 60,000-120,000 km (37,000-75,000 miles) on 2019-2024 models. Includes reports of complete failure on a brand-new 2025 model at 500 miles.
- CVT transmission juddering/behavior: "Rubber band" effect during acceleration, sluggish response, shuddering, involuntary shifting to neutral, and poor rolling acceleration. Frequency: very frequent.
- General reliability and quality issues: Multiple reports of various components failing (mass air flow sensor, throttle body, EGR system cracks spewing coolant, brake problems, rear liftgate strut failure) well under 100,000 miles.
The verdict
The Nissan Kicks is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Chevrolet Trax, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Chevrolet Trax is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Trax or the Nissan Kicks?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chevrolet Trax and the Nissan Kicks. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Trax or the Nissan Kicks?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Trax or the Nissan Kicks?
The EPA rates the 2026 Chevrolet Trax at 29–30 mpg combined and the 2027 Nissan Kicks at 30–31 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Trax or the Nissan Kicks?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Chevrolet Trax than the Nissan Kicks. See the known issues comparison above.