2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The battle for compact crossover supremacy pits the striking 2025 Hyundai Kona against the hyper-efficient 2025 Nissan Kicks. The Kona excites with a slightly punchier engine, delivering 147 hp versus the Kicks' 141 hp, although both share the same excellent 31 MPG combined rating. Design-wise, the Kona measures 171.3 inches long, providing a modern aesthetic, while the Kicks maximizes utility, boasting a cavernous 30 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. Interestingly, the Kicks achieves slightly better highway efficiency at 35 MPG, beating the Kona's 34 MPG highway rating. While the Kona starts at a higher MSRP of $24,550, the Kicks undercuts it significantly at $21,830, making initial budget considerations heavily favor the Nissan. Both use FWD and a CVT, but the Kona ekes out a small advantage in torque with 132 lb-ft versus the Kicks' 140 lb-ft (Correction: Kicks has 140 lb-ft, Kona has 132 lb-ft - reviewing specs, Kicks wins on torque despite lower HP).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior highway fuel economy of 35 MPG, offering slight long-term savings.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks clearly supports families better by offering a substantial 30 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona appeals more to driving enthusiasts by delivering a marginally higher 147 hp output compared to the Kicks' 141 hp.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks offers superior value with an MSRP of only $21,830, significantly undercutting the Kona's $24,550 starting price.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize slightly higher peak horsepower (147 hp) for your daily drive.
- You prefer the sharper, more aggressive exterior styling of the 2025 Kona.
- You are willing to pay the higher starting MSRP of $24,550 for its specific design package.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Maximizing utility is critical, thanks to its segment-leading 30 cu ft of cargo space.
- You demand the absolute lowest entry price, starting at just $21,830.
- You value highway fuel economy slightly more, achieving 35 MPG on the highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 62.2" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 104.6" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Kona and 2025 Nissan Kicks.
Which crossover is more affordable, the 2025 Kona or the 2025 Kicks?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is the clear budget champion, starting at an MSRP of $21,830. The 2025 Hyundai Kona commands a higher starting price of $24,550, making the Kicks a more accessible entry point.
Is there a significant difference in power between the two CVTs?
The difference is minimal; the Hyundai Kona offers 147 hp, slightly edging out the Nissan Kicks' 141 hp. However, the Kicks does have slightly higher torque at 140 lb-ft compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?
The Nissan Kicks wins easily in cargo hauling due to its generous 30 cu ft capacity. The Hyundai Kona provides 25.5 cu ft, which is respectable but 4.5 cu ft less than its competitor.
How do their fuel economy ratings compare for long commutes?
Both achieve an identical 31 MPG combined rating, showing efficiency parity overall. For highway drivers, the Kicks has a slight edge, rated at 35 MPG versus the Kona's 34 MPG.
Do either of these crossovers offer All-Wheel Drive?
Based on the provided specifications, neither the 2025 Hyundai Kona nor the 2025 Nissan Kicks is offered with All-Wheel Drive, as both are listed as Front Wheel Drive (FWD) only.
How do the exterior dimensions stack up between the two models?
The crossovers are similar in length (Kicks 171.9 inches vs. Kona 171.3 inches), but the Kicks is taller at 64.2 inches compared to the Kona's 62.2 inches, which may translate to a slightly roomier cabin feel.
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