2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Nissan Kicks

$24,550 · Crossover

$22,430 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2026 Nissan Kicks and the 2025 Hyundai Kona lies in cargo utility, where the Kicks offers a substantial 30.0 cu ft compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft, a difference of 4.5 cubic feet. Pricing is also a key differentiator, with the Kicks starting at $22,430 versus the Kona's $24,550 MSRP, a $2,120 initial saving for the Nissan. Power figures show the Kona delivering 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, slightly outpacing the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft, a marginal performance gap. Both vehicles achieve an identical 31 MPG combined, although the Kona optimizes slightly better on the highway at 34 MPG versus the Kicks' 35 MPG. Dimensionally, the Kicks is taller by exactly 2.0 inches (64.2 vs 62.2 inches), contributing to its superior interior volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers better fuel economy on the highway (35 MPG vs 34 MPG) and a lower entry price of $22,430.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks provides significantly more utility with 30.0 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona leads marginally in power output with 147 horsepower compared to the Kicks' 141 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks secures the value win due to its $2,120 lower MSRP ($22,430 vs $24,550) while matching the Kona's combined 31 MPG.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You prioritize slightly better peak horsepower (147 hp) for acceleration feel.
You prefer a higher highway fuel economy rating of 34 MPG.
You desire the marginally wider stance at 71.9 inches for perceived stability.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Maximizing cargo space is critical, as it offers 30.0 cu ft.
A lower initial purchase price is necessary, with an MSRP of $22,430.
You prefer the taller ride height, measuring 64.2 inches overall.

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	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Nissan Kicks.

Which crossover offers better raw cargo volume?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks clearly leads in cargo capacity, providing 30.0 cu ft. This is substantially more than the 2025 Hyundai Kona, which is rated at 25.5 cu ft, making the Kicks superior for hauling gear.

What is the price difference between the base models?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks starts at an MSRP of $22,430, making it $2,120 cheaper than the 2025 Hyundai Kona, which begins at $24,550.

How do the engine performances compare in terms of output?

The Hyundai Kona produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Nissan Kicks delivers 141 hp but slightly more torque at 140 lb-ft, suggesting different power delivery characteristics.

Are the fuel economy ratings significantly different?

No, both vehicles achieve an identical 31 MPG combined rating on regular unleaded fuel. Minor differences exist in the city/highway splits, with the Kicks slightly edging out the Kona on the highway (35 MPG vs 34 MPG).

Which car is physically taller or longer?

The Nissan Kicks is noticeably taller, standing 64.2 inches high compared to the Kona's 62.2 inches. In terms of length, the Kicks is marginally longer at 171.9 inches versus the Kona's 171.3 inches.

Do either of these models offer an All-Wheel Drive option?

Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Nissan Kicks are configured with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) for this comparison.