2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Dodge Hornet and the 2026 Nissan Kicks is the $7,565 difference in MSRP, with the Hornet starting at $29,995 against the Kicks' $22,430. This price gap is justified by a substantial 127 horsepower advantage; the Hornet delivers 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Fuel economy represents another major divergence, as the Kicks achieves 31 combined MPG utilizing regular unleaded fuel, while the AWD Hornet manages only 24 combined MPG on premium fuel. Despite the Hornet's superior power, the Kicks offers marginally more utility, boasting 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Hornet's 27 cubic feet. The difference in physical footprint is minor, with the Kicks being 7.1 inches shorter in length at 171.9 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the superior commuter due to its 31 combined MPG efficiency and use of regular unleaded fuel, offering lower running costs.
2026 Nissan Kicks
Families prioritizing utility will favor the Kicks for its 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the Hornet's 27 cu ft, while maintaining a significantly lower entry price.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is the clear choice for enthusiasts, offering 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque alongside standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Nissan Kicks
With a starting MSRP $7,565 lower and 7 MPG better fuel economy, the Kicks provides significantly better baseline value proposition.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- Performance is paramount, evidenced by its 268 hp engine and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is a requirement for traction, as the Hornet includes AWD standard.
- A driver prefers a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the MSRP is $22,430, saving $7,565 over the competitor.
- Maximum fuel efficiency is needed, achieving 35 MPG highway versus the Hornet's 29 MPG highway.
- The driver requires the most versatile rear storage space, offering 30 cu ft of cargo capacity.
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 | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
What is the main trade-off when selecting the 2025 Dodge Hornet over the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
The primary trade-off involves cost versus performance; the Hornet provides 127 more horsepower and AWD capability but costs $7,565 more upfront and yields 7 fewer combined MPG (24 vs 31 MPG).
Does the Nissan Kicks or the Dodge Hornet offer better fuel economy?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers significantly better fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel, compared to the 2025 Dodge Hornet's 24 combined MPG on recommended premium fuel.
Which vehicle is physically larger, and does it translate to more space?
The Dodge Hornet is 7.1 inches longer (178.0 inches vs 171.9 inches), but surprisingly, the shorter Nissan Kicks offers more usable storage at 30 cu ft versus the Hornet's 27 cu ft.
Which vehicle requires more expensive fuel for operation?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet specifically recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Nissan Kicks operates efficiently on regular unleaded, impacting long-term running costs.
How much more horsepower does the Dodge Hornet produce?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet produces 268 hp, which is substantially more than the 141 hp generated by the 2026 Nissan Kicks, marking a 127 hp difference.
What are the differences in drivetrain configuration?
The Dodge Hornet is equipped with standard All-Wheel Drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the Nissan Kicks uses Front Wheel Drive paired with a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic Transmission.
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