2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2025 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2025 Nissan Kicks is the MSRP, separating them by $8,165, with the Hornet starting at $29,995 against the Kicks' $21,830. This cost difference directly correlates with performance metrics, as the Hornet delivers 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, vastly outpacing the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Fuel economy, however, favors the Kicks significantly, achieving a combined 31 MPG compared to the Hornet's 24 MPG. The Kicks also requires less expensive regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Hornet recommends premium. In terms of utility, the Kicks offers 30 cu ft of cargo space, slightly exceeding the Hornet's 27 cu ft, despite the Hornet being 6.1 inches longer overall. The standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on the Hornet also contrasts with the Kicks' Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is the superior choice for commuting due to its higher combined fuel economy of 31 MPG and lower ownership cost at $21,830 MSRP.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks wins marginally on utility, offering 30 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Hornet's 27 cu ft, alongside substantial fuel savings.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet dominates performance metrics, delivering 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, much higher than the Kicks' output.
2025 Nissan Kicks
With an MSRP $8,165 lower and better fuel efficiency (31 MPG vs 24 MPG), the Kicks provides substantially better basic transportation value.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- If maximum acceleration and horsepower (268 hp) are prioritized over economy.
- If an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is mandatory for driving conditions.
- If the driver prefers a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- If minimizing initial purchase price is critical, as the MSRP is $21,830.
- If maximizing fuel range is a priority, evidenced by 31 combined MPG and regular unleaded compatibility.
- If slightly more maximum cargo volume (30 cu ft) is needed over the Hornet's 27 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 171.9" |
| Width | - | 70.9" |
| Height | 63.8" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | — | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material: Cloth/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Room | — | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 52.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 50.1 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 215/60R16 |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2025 Nissan Kicks.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Hornet and the 2025 Kicks?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet produces significantly more power, offering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is rated at only 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 127 hp power gap favoring the Hornet.
How does the fuel cost and efficiency compare between these two crossovers?
The Nissan Kicks offers superior efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG while using regular unleaded fuel. The Dodge Hornet returns 24 combined MPG and requires premium unleaded fuel, leading to higher operational costs.
Is the extra cost of the Dodge Hornet justified by better utility space?
No, the Hornet is $8,165 more expensive but offers less usable space. The Kicks provides 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the Hornet maxes out at 27 cubic feet.
Do both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
No, the 2025 Dodge Hornet features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2025 Nissan Kicks comes exclusively in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration for this comparison.
How close in physical size are the 2025 Hornet and Kicks?
The Hornet is physically larger overall, measuring 178.0 inches in length compared to the Kicks' 171.9 inches. However, the Kicks is slightly taller by 0.4 inches (64.2 inches vs 63.8 inches).
What is the MSRP difference and what does that $8,165 account for?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet has an MSRP of $29,995, which is $8,165 more than the Kicks at $21,830. This price premium largely covers the substantial increases in horsepower, standard AWD, and more advanced automatic transmission.
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