2025 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Nissan Kicks

$28,705 · Crossover

$22,430 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and the 2026 Nissan Kicks lies in the initial purchase price, with the Kicks establishing a substantial $6,275 advantage at an MSRP of $22,430 compared to the Tucson’s $28,705. This price difference correlates directly with performance metrics; the Tucson offers 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Kicks’ 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the smaller Nissan, achieving 31 combined MPG against the Tucson’s 28 combined MPG, which translates to 28/35 MPG versus 25/33 MPG city/highway respectively. Dimensionally, the Tucson is larger, measuring 182.7 inches long versus the Kicks' 171.9 inches, resulting in greater utility where the Tucson boasts 38.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to 30 cu ft in the Kicks.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the Tucson's 28.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Tucson

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is better suited for families due to its notably larger cargo capacity of 38.7 cu ft compared to 30 cu ft in the Kicks.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering a 46 hp advantage with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks provides superior initial value, costing $6,275 less than the Tucson while still offering an FWD crossover format.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...

Maximum power output is required, benefiting from 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Interior space is a priority, as indicated by the larger 38.7 cu ft maximum cargo capacity.
The driver prefers the responsive nature of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Minimizing the initial outlay is critical, given the $22,430 MSRP.
Optimizing fuel savings is paramount, with an efficiency rating of 31 combined MPG.
A more compact exterior footprint (171.9 inches long) is preferred for urban maneuverability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson	Nissan Kicks
Length	182.7"	171.9"
Width	73.4"	70.9"
Height	65.6"	64.2"
Wheelbase	108.5"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	187 hp @ 6100 rpm	141 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	178 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)	25/33 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/471.9 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

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	40.1 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 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	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 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	235/65R17	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent

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 Tucson and 2026 Nissan Kicks.

What is the primary difference in powertrain output between the Tucson and the Kicks?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is significantly more powerful, producing 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque from its engine. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Kicks generates 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, representing a 46 hp deficit.

How does the cost difference ($6,275) affect long-term running costs?

While the Kicks has a lower initial cost, the Tucson's slightly lower MPG (28 combined vs. 31 combined) means the Kicks will generally accrue lower annual fuel expenses over distance.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling items?

The Tucson clearly leads in utility, offering 38.7 cu ft of cargo volume. The Kicks provides 30 cu ft, which may be restrictive for larger items given its smaller overall vehicle dimensions.

Are the transmissions significantly different in operation?

Yes, the Tucson uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, providing distinct gear steps. The Kicks utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which prioritizes smooth, gearless acceleration.

Do both crossovers offer All-Wheel Drive?

Based on the provided specifications, both models are listed with a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration as standard.

How do the exterior sizes compare for parking?

The Tucson is substantially larger, measuring 182.7 inches in length and 73.4 inches in width. The Kicks is narrower at 70.9 inches and shorter at 171.9 inches, potentially making it easier to fit into tighter spaces.