2025 Nissan Kicks Play vs 2026 Hyundai Venue
Comparison Overview
Get ready to ignite your daily drive! The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play brings a spirited efficiency to the compact segment, boasting 122 hp and an excellent 33 combined MPG. Contrast that with the sharp, city-focused 2026 Hyundai Venue, which undercuts the Kicks with an MSRP of just $20,550, offering 121 hp in a slightly smaller footprint. The Kicks clearly prioritizes usable space, featuring a generous 25.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Venue’s 18.7 cu ft. While both FWD hatchbacks use CVTs, the Kicks stretches further on a tank, achieving 36 highway MPG versus the Venue's 33. Dimensionally, the Kicks is also slightly longer at 169.1 inches, providing a more substantial presence on the road, though the Venue is marginally wider at 69.7 inches. This comparison pits Nissan’s cargo mastery against Hyundai’s sharper entry price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 33 combined MPG versus the Venue's 31.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
The Kicks offers substantially more room for gear and luggage, providing 25.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Venue's 18.7 cubic feet.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
While horsepower is nearly identical, the Kicks' extra 1 lb-ft of torque might translate to a slightly perkier feel, making it the marginal winner here.
2026 Hyundai Venue
The 2026 Hyundai Venue offers a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $20,550, making it $970 cheaper than the Kicks Play.
Choose the Nissan Kicks Play if...
- You frequently carry significant cargo, as the Kicks provides 25.3 cu ft versus the Venue's 18.7 cu ft.
- Maximum fuel efficiency is paramount, given the Kicks' 33 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a slightly longer vehicle (169.1 inches) that may offer a more composed highway ride.
Choose the Hyundai Venue if...
- Your primary goal is achieving the lowest possible initial purchase price, with an MSRP of $20,550.
- You prioritize maximizing maneuverability, as the Venue is nearly 10 inches shorter in length.
- You don't mind slightly lower EPA estimates, accepting 31 combined MPG for the lower price tag.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks Play | Hyundai Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 169.1" | 159.1" |
| Width | 69.3" | 69.7" |
| Height | 63.3" | 61.6" |
| Wheelbase | 103.1" | 99.2" |
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 Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 122 hp @ 6300 rpm | 121 hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 113 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | 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 | 29/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 334.8/388.8 mi. | 345.1/392.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.8 gal. | 11.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.4 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.7 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 50.9 in. | 52.1 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 | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.4 in. | 34.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.2 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.1 in. | 43.5 in. |
| Split-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 | 185/65R15 |
| 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 Venue.
How do the performance figures truly compare between the Kicks and the Venue?
The difference is negligible on paper; the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play edges out the 2026 Hyundai Venue by just 1 horsepower (122 hp vs. 121 hp) and 1 lb-ft of torque (114 lb-ft vs. 113 lb-ft). Both utilize front-wheel drive and continuously variable transmissions.
Is the extra cost of the Kicks justified by its fuel economy?
The Kicks is slightly more economical, achieving 33 combined MPG (31 city/36 highway) compared to the Venue’s 31 combined MPG (29 city/33 highway). This small advantage could save money over the long run, offsetting its slightly higher MSRP of $21,520.
Which hatchback is better suited for hauling gear?
The Nissan Kicks Play is significantly better for cargo, offering a substantial 25.3 cubic feet of storage space. The Hyundai Venue trails noticeably in this area, offering only 18.7 cubic feet.
Which vehicle is the smaller, more maneuverable option for tight city streets?
The 2026 Hyundai Venue is the more compact choice, measuring 159.1 inches long, making it exactly 10 inches shorter than the Kicks Play's 169.1-inch length.
Are there significant differences in required fuel type between these two models?
No, both the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the 2026 Hyundai Venue are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying ownership costs.
How do the transmission types affect the driving experience in these two models?
Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). This suggests a smooth, if potentially less engaging, acceleration experience geared toward maximizing the efficiency of their smaller engines.
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