2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the practical utility of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the budget efficiency of the 2025 Nissan Kicks presents a classic dilemma: power and size versus economy. If you are navigating tight city streets daily, the Kicks, being shorter at 171.9 inches, might seem easier to handle, but the Santa Cruz offers significantly more capability. The price gap is substantial, with the Santa Cruz starting at $28,750, which is $6,920 more than the Kicks’ $21,830 entry price. Performance-wise, the Santa Cruz boasts 191 hp, giving it a 50 hp advantage over the Kicks' 141 hp. However, this extra muscle comes at an efficiency cost; the Kicks achieves a combined 31 MPG compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG. Ultimately, the choice rests on whether you prioritize hauling capability or saving over six thousand dollars upfront while maximizing fuel stops.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz offers a larger physical footprint (195.7 inches long) which typically translates to better passenger and storage flexibility.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is clearly the choice for driving excitement, offering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque versus the Kicks' 141 hp.
2025 Nissan Kicks
With an MSRP difference of $6,920, the Nissan Kicks provides substantially lower entry cost for comparable crossover utility.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You need noticeably more power, as the Santa Cruz delivers 191 hp compared to 141 hp.
- You prefer the responsive feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You require a larger vehicle overall, being 195.7 inches long.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is paramount, given the $21,830 MSRP.
- Maximizing miles per gallon is a top priority, offering 31 MPG combined.
- You need dedicated cargo space, as the Kicks explicitly lists 30 cu ft of capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 171.9" |
| Width | 75.0" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.7" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 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 |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable 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) | 22/30 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| 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 | 40.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 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 | 39.6 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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 Santa Cruz and 2025 Nissan Kicks.
What is the primary difference in fuel economy between these two crossovers?
The Nissan Kicks holds a noticeable advantage here, achieving 31 MPG combined (28 city/35 highway). The Hyundai Santa Cruz is rated lower at 25 MPG combined (22 city/30 highway).
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a truck or a standard crossover?
While classified as a crossover, the Santa Cruz has a unique body style incorporating a short bed, offering more utility than the traditional Kicks crossover body.
How significant is the performance difference when driving?
The Santa Cruz is significantly punchier, producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The Kicks offers 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, which is adequate but less responsive.
Which vehicle has a smaller footprint for city parking?
The Nissan Kicks is the smaller vehicle overall, measuring 171.9 inches long compared to the Santa Cruz's length of 195.7 inches.
Are both vehicles designed to use standard fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2025 Nissan Kicks specify the use of regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep running costs predictable.
What is the approximate dollar savings if I choose the Kicks over the Santa Cruz?
Choosing the Kicks saves you $6,920 at the starting line, as its MSRP is $21,830 versus the Santa Cruz's $28,750.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool