2025 Nissan Kicks Play vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra

$21,520 · Hatchback

$22,625 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra is the power output, with the Elantra generating 147 hp compared to the Kicks Play’s 122 hp, a 25 hp advantage. The Elantra also offers higher torque at 132 lb-ft versus 114 lb-ft. Despite the power deficit, the Kicks Play excels in fuel economy, achieving 33 combined MPG, narrowly trailing the Elantra’s 35 combined MPG, though the Kicks has superior highway mileage at 36 MPG versus 40 MPG for the Elantra. Furthermore, the Kicks, being a hatchback, provides 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly outpacing the sedan’s 14.2 cubic feet. Pricewise, the Kicks is $1,105 cheaper with an MSRP of $21,520 against the Elantra's $22,625.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Elantra

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra wins for commuters due to its superior 40 MPG highway rating and slightly better overall combined MPG of 35.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is superior for families because its hatchback design yields 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, over 11 cu ft more than the Elantra.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Elantra

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra appeals more to enthusiasts with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Kicks' 122 hp and 114 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play offers better fundamental value, costing $1,105 less while delivering significantly greater utility through cargo space.

Choose the Nissan Kicks Play if...

Cargo hauling is a primary concern, as the Kicks offers 25.3 cu ft versus the Elantra's 14.2 cu ft.
The absolute lowest purchase price is required, with the Kicks starting at $21,520.
Optimizing city/highway split efficiency is important, as the Kicks achieves 36 MPG highway.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...

Maximum acceleration is desired, given the Elantra’s 147 hp output, which is 25 hp more than the Kicks.
A preference for a traditional sedan shape over a tall hatchback is present.
Higher highway fuel efficiency is prioritized, with the Elantra achieving 40 MPG on the highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Kicks Play	Hyundai Elantra
Length	169.1"	185.4"
Width	69.3"	71.9"
Height	63.3"	55.7"
Wheelbase	103.1"	107.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	31/36 MPG	31/40 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	334.8/388.8 mi.	384.4/496.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.8 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Air Conditioning	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.4 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	43.7 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	56.5 in.
Front Hip Room	50.9 in.	53.4 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
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.2 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.1 in.	50.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.0 in.	15 x 6.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R16	195/65R15
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and 2026 Hyundai Elantra.

How much more cargo space does the Nissan Kicks Play offer compared to the Hyundai Elantra?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play provides 25.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is substantially larger than the 14.2 cubic feet offered by the 2026 Hyundai Elantra sedan.

Which vehicle offers superior performance based on engine specifications?

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra delivers superior performance, boasting 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Kicks produces only 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque.

Is the price difference significant between these two models?

Yes, the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play has a lower MSRP of $21,520. The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is priced $1,105 higher at $22,625.

What are the differences in highway fuel economy?

The Hyundai Elantra holds the edge for pure highway driving, achieving 40 MPG. The Nissan Kicks is still very efficient, rated at 36 MPG on the highway.

Are the vehicle sizes comparable, given the different body styles?

No, the Elantra sedan is notably longer at 185.4 inches compared to the Kicks hatchback at 169.1 inches, and the Elantra is wider at 71.9 inches versus the Kicks' 69.3 inches.

Do either of these vehicles offer all-wheel drive?

Based on the provided specifications, neither the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play nor the 2026 Hyundai Elantra is available with an all-wheel drive system, as both are listed as front-wheel drive.