2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz explodes onto the scene as the adventurous lifestyle choice, boasting a punchy 191 hp and a more substantial footprint at 195.7 inches long. It promises utility and vigor, albeit at a premium starting MSRP of $28,750. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Kicks champions efficiency and affordability, drawing power from its modest 141 hp engine while sipping fuel to achieve an impressive 31 MPG combined. This compact contender undercuts the Santa Cruz by a significant $6,320. While the Santa Cruz offers superior muscle, the Kicks dominates the ledger with 6 MPG more efficiency and a notably smaller curb presence at 70.9 inches wide. This comparison pits raw, usable capability against lean, budget-conscious commuting.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy, translating to lower running costs.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is better suited for families needing more space, given its significantly larger 195.7-inch length compared to the Kicks.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will favor the Santa Cruz for its substantial 50 hp advantage, delivering 191 hp versus the Kicks' 141 hp.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks presents superior value, costing $6,320 less than the Santa Cruz while offering better efficiency.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize robust acceleration supported by 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
- You require a larger vehicle body, evidenced by its 195.7-inch length, for passengers or gear.
- You desire the convenience of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for varied driving conditions.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Keeping the purchase price low is crucial, as the Kicks starts at just $22,430.
- Maximizing fuel stops is essential, given its 35 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer a more nimble, smaller vehicle measuring only 70.9 inches in width.
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 | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
What is the primary difference in size between the 2025 Santa Cruz and the 2026 Kicks?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is considerably larger, measuring 195.7 inches in length and 75.0 inches in width. The 2026 Nissan Kicks is substantially smaller, coming in at 171.9 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, making it more manageable in tight city parking.
How significant is the horsepower gap when comparing these two crossovers?
There is a notable 50 horsepower difference; the Santa Cruz offers 191 hp while the Kicks produces 141 hp. This means the Santa Cruz will accelerate with far more urgency than the more economical Kicks.
Which vehicle offers better long-term running costs based on the provided data?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks will likely have lower running costs due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined rating.
Is the higher MSRP of the Santa Cruz justified by its features?
The Santa Cruz commands a $6,320 higher starting MSRP ($28,750 vs $22,430). This premium largely buys you increased power and overall larger dimensions suitable for more demanding utility.
Do both vehicles offer similar cargo solutions?
While cargo capacity figures are only listed for the Kicks (30 cu ft), the Santa Cruz's body style implies a small bed for open-air hauling, a feature the Kicks does not offer. However, the Kicks already offers a respectable 30 cu ft base capacity.
How do their respective transmissions affect the driving feel?
The Santa Cruz utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, often preferred for a more connected driving feel during spirited driving. The Kicks employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), optimized primarily for smooth, efficient performance.
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