Choosing the right SUV in 2025 means knowing exactly what fits your lifestyle—and your driveway. If you're deciding between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks, you're already looking at two of the most versatile options in the Nissan lineup. But what sets them apart?
In this Pathfinder vs Kicks comparison, we’ll break down everything from size and performance to features and fuel economy, helping drivers in Cumming, Georgia understand the real-world benefits of each SUV. Whether you're eyeing the full-size capability of the Pathfinder or the compact efficiency of the Kicks, this guide will help you navigate the large vs small Nissan SUV debate with clarity.
Still unsure which Nissan is right for you? Regal Nissan is just around the corner and ready to help you take a closer look. Stop by or give us a call to schedule your test drive today.
Which Nissan SUV Fits Your Lifestyle in Cumming, GA?
The right SUV should match your daily life. In Cumming, Georgia, that could mean school runs, highway drives, or weekend trips to Lake Lanier. No two drivers are the same, which is why Nissan offers a range of options—like the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2025 Nissan Kicks.
Both are strong picks. But they’re made for different needs.
The Pathfinder: Built for Space and Power
The Pathfinder is a full-size SUV made for big tasks. It can seat up to eight people. It can tow up to 6,000 pounds. It’s ideal for:
- Large families
- Road trips with gear or trailers
- Drivers who need strong power for hills and highways
- Anyone who wants all-wheel drive with real off-road strength
If you need room and strength, the Pathfinder may be the one.
The Kicks: Designed for Smart, Urban Living
The Kicks is a smaller SUV that offers more than meets the eye. It’s great on gas. It’s easy to park. And it now offers all-wheel drive for added grip. It fits well if you:
- Drive mostly in town or short trips
- Want high mpg and lower gas costs
- Prefer a lower price with modern tech
- Need space for five and flexible storage
If you value ease and value, the Kicks delivers.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs Kicks: Quick Fit Guide
| Category | 2025 Pathfinder | 2025 Kicks |
| Best Use | Long trips, family hauling | Daily drives, city use |
| Starting Price | $36,400 | $21,830 |
| MPG (City / Hwy) | 21 / 27 mpg | 28 / 35 mpg |
| AWD Available | No | Yes (new for 2025) |
| Towing | Up to 6,000 lbs | Not rated for towing |
When you look at the Pathfinder vs Kicks difference, it becomes clear: one is built for space and strength, the other for ease and fuel savings. Both are part of a strong Nissan lineup, each with its own style and perks.
If you’re near Cumming, GA and want to see them in person, visit Regal Nissan. We’re here to help you find your fit.
Design and Size: Large vs Small Nissan SUV Breakdown
The Pathfinder vs Kicks difference is easy to see before you even start the engine. These two SUVs are built with very different goals in mind. One is large and bold. The other is sleek and smart.
The Pathfinder Makes a Big First Impression
The Pathfinder has a strong look and wide stance. It’s longer, taller, and built to carry more. Its bold front end and large wheels give it a more rugged, capable feel. It looks at home on the highway or at a trailhead.
Key size and design features:
- Fits up to 8 people
- Available with roof rails, LED lights, and 20-inch wheels
- Strong lines and wide frame for road presence
- Large cargo area with fold-flat rear seats
The Kicks Stays Compact and Stylish
The Kicks has been redesigned for 2025, and it’s bigger than before. But it still keeps its compact roots. It’s easy to park, smooth in traffic, and shaped for drivers who value style with smart space.
Key size and design highlights:
- Seats up to 5 people
- Fresh, bold look with sharper angles
- Smaller footprint, perfect for tight spots
- Fold-down rear seats for flexible cargo use
Side-by-Side: Size and Style Comparison
| Feature | 2025 Pathfinder | 2025 Kicks |
| Vehicle Class | Large SUV | Compact SUV |
| Passenger Capacity | 7 to 8 | Up to 5 |
| Overall Length | 197.7 inches | About 172 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 7.1 inches | 8.4 inches |
| Max Cargo Volume | Up to 80.5 cu. ft. | Up to 60 cu. ft. |
| Exterior Style | Rugged and bold | Sleek and modern |
This side-by-side view makes the Pathfinder vs Kicks difference easy to spot. The Pathfinder is the better fit if you need more room, more seats, or more gear space. The Kicks is the smart choice for drivers who want ease, style, and a smaller footprint.
No matter which one fits your life, both options offer the signature look and feel drivers expect from Nissan.
Power and Performance: Under the Hood of the Pathfinder and Kicks
When it comes to driving power, there’s a clear difference between a large vs small Nissan SUV. If you want strength and speed, one model pulls ahead. If you care more about smooth rides and fuel savings, the other might be your pick.
| Feature | 2025 Pathfinder | 2025 Kicks |
| Engine Type | 3.5L V6 | 2.0L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 284 hp | 141 hp |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | CVT |
| 0–60 MPH Time | 6.6–6.7 seconds | About 9.0 seconds |
| Drivetrain | FWD or 4x4 | FWD or AWD |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 6,000 lbs | Not rated for towing |
- 2025 Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder is made for drivers who need more muscle. Whether you’re towing a trailer or passing on the highway, it has the power to keep up. It also comes with up to seven drive modes, which help when roads get slick or rough.
- 2025 Nissan Kicks: The Kicks is not built for towing or racing. But it gives you solid daily power with better gas use. For a compact SUV, it offers strong updates in the 2025 model year. This makes the Kicks a great pick for drivers who want a calm, quiet ride in town or on the freeway.
If you need more strength, go with the Pathfinder. If you want better mileage and easy city driving, the Kicks may be just right.
From bold to efficient, this large vs small Nissan SUV matchup helps you see what works best for your drive.
Technology and Infotainment: Keeping Drivers Connected
When you look at a Nissan lineup comparison, tech plays a big part. The 2025 Pathfinder and Kicks both bring smart, easy-to-use tools that help you stay linked on the road.
| Feature | 2025 Pathfinder | 2025 Kicks |
| Standard Screen Size | 8.0 inches | 7.0 inches |
| Max Screen Size | 9.0 inches | 12.3 inches |
| Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes | Available on SV and SR |
| Sound System |
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| ProPilot Assist | SV trim and up | SR trim only |
- 2025 Pathfinder: The Pathfinder brings top tech to help with long drives, work trips, and big family days. Its screens are crisp, and its tools are fast. Each tool works with you to make driving feel safe and smooth.
- 2025 Kicks: The Kicks keeps tech fun and light. It may be a small SUV, but it doesn’t cut corners when it comes to features. For 2025, upgrades make it feel fresh and more like a higher trim SUV. Whether you’re heading to work or out for fun, the Kicks helps you stay in touch with your world.
This Nissan lineup comparison shows how both models serve different needs. The Pathfinder gives full tech for busy drivers and families. The Kicks keeps things simple, sharp, and ready to go. Both help you stay in sync, no matter how far you roam.
Comfort and Interior Features for Everyday Georgia Driving
Daily life in Georgia means lots of time behind the wheel. Whether you're heading down GA-400 or making the school run, comfort matters. In the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs Kicks debate, both bring smart features that make each ride a bit easier.
Pathfinder: Room to Relax
The Pathfinder is built for long drives and full days. Its cabin is wide, and the seats are soft.
Interior highlights:
- Large center bin for bags or gear
- Heated and cooled front seats on higher trims
- Rear A/C vents for warm summer days
- Optional leather seats with soft touch trim
- Refined finish with quiet ride tech
It’s a strong choice for those who need more space and upscale touches.
Kicks: Cozy Comfort in a Compact Space
The Kicks keeps things snug and smart. For 2025, it adds new comfort features that make city drives and errands smoother.
Comfort features include:
- New Zero Gravity seats in front and back
- Smart layout with roomy rear leg space
- Auto climate control on higher trims
- Power windows and cruise control standard
- Soft fabric finishes with clean design lines
Its compact feel makes it ideal for narrow roads and tight parking spots.
From road trips to daily commutes, both SUVs bring comfort where it counts. In the Pathfinder vs Kicks difference, it’s all about how much room you want—and how you like to ride.
Safety Comes Standard: Comparing Driver Assistance Features
Whether you're on the highway or a back road in Georgia, peace of mind should never be extra. Both the Pathfinder and Kicks are built to help keep drivers and riders safe. But there are key differences worth noting when comparing the Pathfinder vs Kicks difference in safety tech.
Shared Safety Features
No matter which model you pick, you’ll find a strong list of built-in driver aids. These tools help reduce risk and support quick action.
Standard on both models:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot warning
- Rear cross traffic alert
- High beam assist
These features are part of Nissan’s standard safety system. They work behind the scenes to support the driver.
Pathfinder: More Support When You Need It
The Pathfinder steps it up with more high-end options, especially on mid and top trims. These help with longer drives or rougher roads.
Extra safety options include:
- ProPILOT Assist with lane keeping
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Parking sensors and surround-view cameras
- Hill start assist and hill descent control
- Traffic sign recognition
With these tools, the Pathfinder is ready for more than just the daily commute.
Kicks: Smart and Simple
The Kicks keeps safety simple, but still packs the basics you want. It’s a smart choice for those who stay close to town.
Kicks also offers:
- Driver alertness warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Optional adaptive cruise control
- Easy-to-use drive mode selector (on AWD)
While it has fewer extras, it covers what most drivers need.
In this Pathfinder vs Kicks difference, the key is how much help you want behind the wheel. The Pathfinder offers more options for longer trips and big loads. The Kicks keeps it light and smart for daily needs.
Price Point and Value: Which SUV Gives You More for Your Budget?
When picking the right ride, price matters. Both the Kicks and the Pathfinder give you great value. But they serve very different needs. That’s where the large vs small Nissan SUV debate comes in.
Starting Prices
Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll pay to drive each one home:
| Model | Starting MSRP | Top Trim MSRP |
| Kicks | $21,830 | $27,680 |
| Pathfinder | $36,400 | $50,640 |
The Kicks is clearly the lower-cost option. It’s built for drivers who want strong fuel savings, simple tech, and a smart size for town.
The Pathfinder comes at a higher price, but offers more room, power, and premium features. It’s a strong pick for families or drivers who need to tow or travel long.
The Smart Buy
If your daily drive is short or in-town, the Kicks might be all you need. It’s a great deal for the price. But if you need a vehicle that hauls, holds more people, or takes on longer drives, the Pathfinder may be worth the cost.
Both models deliver real value. It just depends on what fits your life best—and how much you're ready to spend.
Which Nissan SUV Should You Drive in Cumming?
Choosing between the Pathfinder and Kicks comes down to how you live and drive in Cumming, Georgia. Both are strong parts of the Nissan lineup, but they serve different roles.
Need to haul more? Drive far? Carry your whole crew? The Pathfinder checks those boxes. Want to save gas, slide into tight spots, and keep things simple? The Kicks may be your best bet.
Here’s a quick look at who each SUV fits best:
Choose the Pathfinder if you:
- Take road trips or need space for gear
- Have a large family or often drive with passengers
- Tow trailers or boats
- Want strong V6 power with all-wheel drive options
- Prefer high-end options like leather, sunroof, or Bose sound
Choose the Kicks if you:
- Drive mostly in town or short trips
- Want a great price and better gas savings
- Need a small SUV that’s easy to park
- Like smart tech in a compact package
- Are looking for a fun first SUV or a second car
This Nissan lineup comparison is not about which model is “better”—it’s about which one fits you. In the end, it’s all about what makes your drive easier and more fun in Cumming.
Still unsure? Come visit Regal Nissan. We’ll help you test both models and choose the one that’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drivers often ask how these two Nissan SUVs compare in real-world use. Here are some quick answers to help you make the right pick.
How does the larger Pathfinder stack up against the smaller Kicks in terms of practicality?
The Pathfinder offers more cargo space and towing strength, while the Kicks is easier to park and uses less fuel.
Are there big differences in engine performance and drivetrain availability?
Yes. The Pathfinder has a 284-hp V6 engine and optional AWD with seven drive modes. The Kicks offers a 141-hp 4-cylinder and is now available with AWD for the first time.
Which model is better for families that need extra seating capacity?
The Pathfinder is the better choice, offering seating for up to eight people depending on the trim. The Kicks seats five.
Does the Kicks provide any advantage in city maneuverability or fuel consumption?
Yes. The Kicks is smaller, more nimble in traffic, and delivers up to 36 mpg on the highway, making it ideal for city use.
These answers are meant to guide your SUV choice based on how and where you drive. For more help, stop by Regal Nissan to see both models up close.
Discover Your Next SUV at Regal Nissan
Ready to find the right SUV for your lifestyle in Cumming? Whether you’re drawn to the rugged strength of the Pathfinder or the smooth, smart design of the Kicks, Regal Nissan is here to help. Our team is proud to serve drivers across Georgia with a wide range of new Nissan models and expert advice.
Explore our full lineup online or stop by our showroom. We’ll help you compare trim levels, test drive your top picks, and explore all your options. If you’re just starting your car search, take a moment to see why Kicks fits first-timers. Or learn more about Pathfinder Rock Creek features if you’re looking for off-road style and power.
Want to plan ahead for peace of mind? You can also read up on Nissan Maintenance Care Program and what it includes.
No matter what you drive home, we’ll help you enjoy it for years to come. Contact us today or keep exploring to find the Nissan that fits you best.
