2025 Kia Sportage vs 2025 Nissan Kicks

$27,390 · Crossover

$21,830 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage bursts onto the scene with a commanding 187 hp, offering enthusiastic acceleration perfect for dynamic driving. In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Kicks thrills with its exceptional efficiency, sipping fuel to achieve a combined 31 MPG. While the Sportage boasts a substantial 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it physically larger at 183.5 inches long, the Kicks is more city-friendly and wallet-pleasing with an entry MSRP of just $21,830—a significant $5,560 less than the Kia’s starting price. The power gap is evident, as the Sportage delivers 46 more horsepower than the Kicks' 141 hp. Both FWD crossovers utilize automatic transmissions, but the Sportage’s 8-speed conventional unit promises a crisper feel compared to the Kicks' CVT, catering to different driving preferences across the spectrum.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks wins for daily commuting due to its superior 31 combined MPG efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is better equipped for families, offering significantly more storage space with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage

The Sportage is the enthusiast's choice, pulling ahead clearly with 187 hp compared to the Kicks' 141 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks provides superior entry value with an MSRP of $21,830, saving buyers $5,560 upfront.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You require maximum utility, as the Kia Sportage provides 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You value responsive performance and need the extra punch from 187 hp.
You prefer the feel of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Strict budget adherence is critical, given the $5,560 lower starting MSRP of $21,830.
Maximizing fuel economy is the top priority, boasting 35 highway MPG.
You prefer a smaller footprint, as the Kicks is substantially shorter at 171.9 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage	Nissan Kicks
Length	183.5"	171.9"
Width	73.4"	70.9"
Height	65.4"	64.2"
Wheelbase	108.5"	104.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	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	Kia	Nissan
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/32 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/457.6 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	11.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Nissan
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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	54.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 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	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	50.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	215/60R16
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage and 2025 Nissan Kicks.

What is the most significant difference in driving dynamics between these two crossovers?

The power output creates the biggest difference; the Sportage offers 187 hp, ensuring faster highway merging and more spirited acceleration. Conversely, the Kicks produces only 141 hp, focusing its engineering on excellent fuel efficiency rather than raw power.

Is the higher price of the Kia Sportage justified by its features?

The $5,560 premium for the Sportage buys you 46 more horsepower and substantially more room, specifically 39.6 cu ft versus the Kicks' 30 cu ft of cargo space. It is an investment in space and muscle.

How does the fuel economy compare for daily city driving?

The Nissan Kicks edges out the Sportage in city driving, achieving 28 MPG compared to the Kia's 25 MPG. This minor difference accumulates over a year of stop-and-go commuting.

Are both vehicles similar in size for parking maneuvers?

No, the Kicks is noticeably more compact; it is over a foot shorter in length (171.9 inches vs. 183.5 inches) and narrower. This makes the Kicks potentially easier to squeeze into tight urban parking spots.

Which transmission setup should a driver prefer?

Enthusiasts might lean towards the Sportage's 8-speed shiftable automatic, which typically offers defined shift points. Those prioritizing smooth, seamless efficiency will find the Kicks' continuously variable-speed automatic suitable for relaxed cruising.

Can the Kicks still handle moderate hauling tasks?

While the Kicks is efficient, its 30 cu ft of cargo capacity is limited compared to the Sportage’s 39.6 cu ft. Buyers needing to haul larger gear or luggage frequently should prioritize the Kia.