Nissan
Kicks
Owner report available
Toyota
Yaris
Owner report available
Nissan Kicks vs Toyota Yaris
The short answer
Based on available data, the Toyota Yaris comes out ahead of the Nissan Kicks on 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
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.
Yaris
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding reliability, low running costs, and practicality. The Yaris is consistently praised as a "bulletproof," economical, and easy-to-maintain vehicle, particularly in its older iterations (circa 2009-2014). Long-term owner reports highlight minimal repair costs outside of standard maintenance, with many examples reaching high mileages (over 200,000 km / 124,000 miles) without major issues.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to specify a single best trim or version. Feedback is generalized across the model line, with manual transmissions often implicitly favored over automated manuals (MMT) due to simplicity, and the 1.33L engine noted as a good balance of power and economy.
Known issues
- Intermittent starting/cranking issues (non-specific): Engine cranks but does not start, potentially related to fuel delivery, spark, or immobilizer/key. Frequency: recurrent.
- Clutch wear/failure: Particularly in higher-mileage manual examples; includes vague biting point and complete failure. Frequency: recurrent.
- Oil consumption: Linked to neglected oil changes in the 1.33L engine; can be remedied with maintenance. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Toyota Yaris is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Nissan Kicks, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Toyota Yaris are a dealbreaker, the Nissan Kicks 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 Nissan Kicks or the Toyota Yaris?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Toyota Yaris than the Nissan Kicks. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Nissan Kicks or the Toyota Yaris?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Nissan Kicks is classed as a SUV, the Toyota Yaris as a Hatchback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Nissan Kicks or the Toyota Yaris?
The EPA rates the 2027 Nissan Kicks at 30–31 mpg combined and the 2020 Toyota Yaris at 34–35 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Nissan Kicks or the Toyota Yaris?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.