2025 Nissan Kicks Play vs 2026 Honda Civic

$21,520 · Hatchback

$24,595 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play bursts onto the scene as a zippy, elevated hatchback ready for urban exploration, distinguished by its commanding 63.3-inch height and $21,520 entry price. Conversely, the 2026 Honda Civic sedan offers a more grounded, potent driving demeanor, bragging a spirited 150 horsepower compared to the Kicks' 122 hp. While the Kicks maximizes utility with 25.3 cu ft of cargo space, the Civic pulls ahead on the highway, achieving an impressive 41 MPG on the highway versus the Kicks' 36 MPG. This showdown pits the Kicks’ accessible height and cargo volume against the Civic’s $3,075 higher MSRP but superior fuel economy and performance metrics. Buyers must weigh the Civic's extra 28 horsepower and sleeker 55.7-inch height against the Kicks' more affordable entry point and practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda Civic

The 2026 Honda Civic wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 41 highway MPG compared to the Kicks' 36 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play offers significantly more utility with 25.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Civic's 14.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Civic

The 2026 Honda Civic delivers a more exciting drive with 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play provides a much lower barrier to entry at $21,520, saving buyers $3,075 instantly.

Choose the Nissan Kicks Play if...

You prioritize maximizing storage, as the Kicks offers a huge 25.3 cu ft of cargo space.
You need the easiest possible entry price, starting at just $21,520.
You prefer the easier ingress and egress offered by the Kicks' greater height of 63.3 inches.

Choose the Honda Civic if...

You demand higher performance, benefiting from the Civic's 150 horsepower.
Saving fuel is critical, evidenced by the Civic's class-leading 41 highway MPG.
You prefer a traditional, lower-slung sedan profile with a width of 70.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Kicks Play	Honda Civic
Length	169.1"	184.8"
Width	69.3"	70.9"
Height	63.3"	55.7"
Wheelbase	103.1"	107.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic 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 Drum Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	122 hp @ 6300 rpm	150 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	133 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	Nissan	Honda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	31/36 MPG	32/41 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	334.8/388.8 mi.	396.8/508.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.8 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Honda
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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	160W
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Front Head Room	40.4 in.	39.3 in.
Front Leg Room	43.7 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	57.0 in.
Front Hip Room	50.9 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.4 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.2 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.1 in.	48.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Wheel Material	Steel	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	Full	Full
Wheel Size	16 x 6.0 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R16	215/55R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	16 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and 2026 Honda Civic.

What is the primary difference in performance between the Kicks Play and the Civic?

The 2026 Honda Civic boasts substantially more power with 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play trails behind with 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, making the Civic the quicker machine.

Which vehicle is better for hauling gear or groceries?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is the superior hauler, offering 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the 14.8 cubic feet found in the 2026 Honda Civic sedan.

How significant is the fuel economy gap between these two FWD vehicles?

The 2026 Honda Civic offers superior efficiency, achieving a combined 36 MPG versus the Kicks' 33 MPG combined. This translates to 41 highway MPG for the Civic against 36 MPG for the Kicks.

Is the $3,075 price difference between the two models worth it?

That price difference covers the Civic's extra 28 horsepower and better MPG ratings. If budget is paramount, the Kicks' $21,520 MSRP offers considerable savings right off the lot.

Are either of these cars available with All-Wheel Drive?

Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the 2026 Honda Civic are listed only with a front-wheel drive configuration.

How do the physical dimensions compare for city parking?

The Kicks is notably taller at 63.3 inches, offering a commanding view, but the Civic is longer at 184.8 inches overall, though both feature similar widths around 70 inches.