2025 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Nissan Kicks

$25,400 · Crossover

$22,430 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the freshly updated 2025 Honda HR-V and the new-look 2026 Nissan Kicks often boils down to prioritizing immediate savings versus long-term refinement. Buyers frequently wonder if spending a little more upfront is worth the improved packaging. The HR-V starts at a higher MSRP of $25,400 compared to the Kicks' attractive $22,430, making the Kicks the clear budget leader. However, the HR-V brings more oomph with 158 hp against the Kicks' 141 hp. Efficiency slightly favors the smaller Kicks, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the HR-V's 28 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the HR-V is longer at 179.8 inches, while the Kicks offers superior utility with 30 cu ft of cargo space compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft. Both use regular unleaded and CVTs, but the specification gap suggests different priorities in design.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Kicks

Families will appreciate the Kicks' larger 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, beating the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda HR-V

The 2025 Honda HR-V offers more energetic performance with its 158 hp engine.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the clear value leader with an MSRP $2,970 lower than the HR-V.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

You prefer having a bit more muscle on the highway, as the HR-V delivers 158 hp.
You value a slightly longer wheelbase providing a vehicle length of 179.8 inches.
You are loyal to the Honda brand reputation for refinement and interior layout.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Sticking strictly to budget is key, given the Kicks' lower MSRP of $22,430.
Maximizing cargo space is vital, as 30 cu ft beats the HR-V by nearly 6 cubic feet.
You prioritize maximizing fuel stops with a better 35 MPG highway rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda HR-V	Nissan Kicks
Length	179.8"	171.9"
Width	72.4"	70.9"
Height	63.4"	64.2"
Wheelbase	104.5"	104.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
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 Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	158 hp @ 6500 rpm	141 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/32 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/448.0 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	11.9 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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	42.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	54.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	52.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	50.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Wheel Material	Alloy	Steel
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R H	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.5 in

Suspension

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

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	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda HR-V and 2026 Nissan Kicks.

Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks has a clear advantage here, posting a combined 31 MPG compared to the 2025 Honda HR-V's 28 MPG combined. If your daily commute involves a lot of stop-and-go traffic, the Kicks' city rating of 28 MPG is also better than the HR-V's 26 MPG.

Is the Honda HR-V significantly larger or does the Nissan Kicks offer more practical space?

While the HR-V is physically longer at 179.8 inches, the Kicks is dimensionally smarter regarding cargo, boasting 30 cu ft versus the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft. For hauling gear, the Kicks provides notably more usable space.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Honda HR-V to purchase?

The starting price difference is substantial: the HR-V begins at $25,400, while the Kicks undercuts it significantly at $22,430. This means the HR-V costs $2,970 more right off the bat.

If I care about engine power, which crossover has the better output?

The 2025 Honda HR-V is the more potent option, generating 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Nissan Kicks trails slightly with 141 hp, although its torque output is slightly higher at 140 lb-ft.

Are there major differences in their powertrains or drive types?

No, both vehicles utilize a standard Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and come equipped with front-wheel drive as standard configurations. Both also run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline.

Which crossover is better suited for family road trips?

For hauling luggage, the Kicks is better due to its 30 cu ft cargo area. However, the HR-V’s higher horsepower rating might make highway passing feel easier, depending on how heavily loaded the vehicle is.