2025 Honda Civic vs 2025 Nissan Kicks Play

$24,250 · Sedan

$21,520 · Hatchback

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Honda Civic brings spirited efficiency to the compact sedan segment, starting at $24,250 with a punchy 150 horsepower engine, aiming for highway efficiency with 41 MPG. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play captivates with its crossover utility, boasting a significantly larger 25.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Civic’s 14.8 cu ft, all while undercutting the price at $21,520. While the Civic maintains a measurable 28 horsepower advantage (150 hp vs. 122 hp) and superior combined MPG of 36, the Kicks counters with a taller stance (63.3 inches high) and a much lower entry point. This comparison pits the traditionally engaging compact sedan drive against the practicality and slightly better maneuverability of the shorter, subcompact crossover footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda Civic

The 2025 Honda Civic wins for commuters due to its superior highway fuel economy of 41 MPG compared to the Kicks Play's 36 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is the better family hauler, offering significantly more usable space with 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 14.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Civic

The Civic appeals more to driving enthusiasts thanks to its 28 horsepower advantage, producing 150 hp versus the Kicks Play’s 122 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The Nissan Kicks Play offers better perceived value by starting at a lower MSRP of $21,520, saving $2,730 over the Civic.

Choose the Honda Civic if...

You prioritize dynamic driving with 150 horsepower and better road-holding metrics.
Maximum fuel efficiency on the highway (41 MPG) is critical for your daily routine.
You prefer the traditional, lower-slung profile and dimensions of a sedan (184.8 inches long).

Choose the Nissan Kicks Play if...

Hauling capability is essential, given the massive 25.3 cu ft cargo area.
You want the lowest starting price, with an MSRP of only $21,520.
You prefer the taller ride height associated with its 63.3-inch overall height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Civic	Nissan Kicks Play
Length	184.8"	169.1"
Width	70.9"	69.3"
Height	55.7"	63.3"
Wheelbase	107.7"	103.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Drum Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	150 hp @ 6400 rpm	122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque	133 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	32/41 MPG	31/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	36 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.8/508.4 mi.	334.8/388.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	10.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.3 in.	40.4 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	43.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	53.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	50.9 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Rear Head Room	37.1 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	33.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	53.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	48.9 in.	49.1 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Wheel Material	Steel	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	Full	Full
Wheel Diameter	16 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	P205/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.0 in.

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Civic and 2025 Nissan Kicks Play.

Which vehicle is quicker in acceleration based on these specs?

The 2025 Honda Civic is expected to be quicker, packing 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Kicks Play is down by 28 horsepower, producing only 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque.

Is the extra cost of the Civic justified by its efficiency?

For many, yes; the Civic achieves a combined 36 MPG compared to the Kicks Play’s 33 MPG combined. This efficiency difference could offset some of the $2,730 higher MSRP over the vehicle's lifetime.

Which car is physically smaller and easier to park?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is significantly shorter in length at 169.1 inches, making it easier to maneuver and slot into tight parking spaces compared to the Civic's 184.8-inch length.

How significant is the difference in cargo space?

The difference is substantial; the Kicks Play offers 25.3 cu ft, which is nearly 71% more storage volume than the Civic’s 14.8 cu ft, making it far superior for large grocery runs or luggage.

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both vehicles run happily on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable for both the Civic and the Kicks Play.

What are the primary implications of the difference in height?

The Kicks Play stands 63.3 inches tall, providing easier ingress/egress and a commanding view of the road, whereas the Civic sits lower at 55.7 inches, which generally aids in aerodynamic efficiency and stability.