2025 Hyundai Elantra vs 2025 Nissan Kicks Play

$22,125 · Sedan

$21,520 · Hatchback

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra hits the pavement with a spirited 147 hp, offering a traditionally sleek sedan profile for efficiency-focused drivers, achieving an excellent 32/41 MPG split. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play embraces utility, though its 122 hp output is noticeably lower; however, its tall, compact footprint offers a commanding view of the road. The Elantra boasts superior on-paper performance, while the Kicks Play immediately wins on raw practicality, hauling a massive 25.3 cu ft of cargo compared to the Elantra's 14.2 cu ft. Priced similarly, with the Kicks at $21,520 and the Elantra at $22,125, the choice boils down to dynamic engagement versus sheer space. The 25-horsepower advantage held by the Elantra provides a tangible edge in spirited driving, something the Kicks, despite its hatchback versatility, cannot match in sheer velocity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra delivers superior fuel economy, netting 36 combined MPG versus the Kicks Play's 33 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The Nissan Kicks Play offers substantially more utility with 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Elantra's 14.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra provides a clear performance advantage with 147 horsepower against the Kicks Play's 122 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The Nissan Kicks Play is $605 cheaper and offers greater utility, giving it a slight edge in the value equation.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...

You prioritize highway efficiency, where the Elantra hits 41 MPG.
You enjoy a more responsive driving feel thanks to its 147 hp engine.
You prefer the streamlined look and smaller exterior dimensions (185.4 inches long) of a traditional sedan.

Choose the Nissan Kicks Play if...

You absolutely need maximum storage, leveraging its massive 25.3 cu ft cargo area.
You prefer the higher seating position provided by its 63.3-inch height.
You want the lower initial outlay, as the Kicks Play starts at $21,520.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Elantra	Nissan Kicks Play
Length	185.4"	169.1"
Width	71.9"	69.3"
Height	55.7"	63.3"
Wheelbase	107.1"	103.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Drum Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	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	Hyundai	Nissan
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	40.4 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	43.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	53.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.4 in.	50.9 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	Hyundai	Nissan
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	33.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	53.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.5 in.	49.1 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Wheel Material	Alloy	Steel
Wheel Size	15 x 6.0 in	16 x 6.0 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	195/65R15	P205/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and 2025 Nissan Kicks Play.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Hyundai Elantra than the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play?

The Elantra holds a significant 25-horsepower lead, producing 147 hp compared to the Kicks Play’s 122 hp. This power difference translates directly into quicker acceleration and responsiveness on the road.

Which vehicle is better for carrying cargo for family trips?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is the clear winner for cargo, boasting 25.3 cubic feet of storage. This nearly doubles the Elantra's 14.2 cubic feet capacity, making the Kicks much more versatile for hauling gear.

Comparing fuel economy, which car offers better mileage?

The Elantra excels in fuel efficiency, achieving 41 MPG on the highway and a combined 36 MPG rating. While the Kicks Play is still frugal, its 31/36 MPG split is lower overall.

Are the handling characteristics very different between these two FWD models?

Yes, due to design intent; the Elantra’s lower 55.7-inch height and sedan form factor suggest a more planted feel, while the taller Kicks (63.3 inches high) prioritizes visibility over aggressive cornering, despite both using FWD and a CVT transmission.

Is the price difference between the 2025 Elantra and Kicks Play substantial?

The pricing is very close, with the Kicks Play starting at $21,520 and the Elantra at $22,125. This $605 gap is minor, especially considering the significant cargo volume advantage the Kicks offers for that price.

Both cars use a CVT; how does the Elantra's torque compare?

The Elantra transmits more grunt to the wheels, offering 132 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks Play’s 114 lb-ft. This extra torque helps compensate for the lower horsepower and keeps the sedan feeling capable.