2025 Nissan Kicks Play vs 2026 Kia K5
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the 2026 Kia K5 is the MSRP, with the Kicks Play priced $5,870 lower at $21,520 compared to the K5's $27,390. This cost difference is accompanied by a substantial power gap, as the K5 delivers 191 hp, significantly outperforming the Kicks Play's 122 hp, a difference of 69 horsepower. Fuel efficiency leans toward the Kicks Play, achieving a combined 33 MPG versus the K5's 30 MPG, though the K5 posts better highway mileage at 37 MPG to the Kicks Play's 36 MPG. Size differences are pronounced: the K5 sedan is 193.1 inches long, dwarfing the Kicks Play hatchback's 169.1 inches. Conversely, the Kicks maximizes utility, offering 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity against the K5's 15.6 cu ft. The Kicks uses a CVT, while the K5 employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
The Kicks Play is the superior choice for commuters due to its better city fuel economy (31 MPG) and lower initial cost ($21,520).
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
The Kicks Play wins for families by offering 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, considerably more than the K5's 15.6 cu ft.
2026 Kia K5
The Kia K5 is the clear winner for driving engagement, producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks Play's 122 hp.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
The Kicks Play offers superior overall value by providing higher combined fuel economy (33 MPG) at a significantly lower MSRP.
Choose the Nissan Kicks Play if...
- Budget is the primary concern, as the Kicks Play has a $5,870 lower MSRP.
- Maximum storage is required, benefiting from 25.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the K5's sedan footprint.
- Prioritizing efficiency is key, given the Kicks Play’s superior combined rating of 33 MPG.
Choose the Kia K5 if...
- Performance is paramount, highlighted by the K5's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
- A traditional sedan design with greater length (193.1 inches) and width (73.2 inches) is preferred.
- A more advanced 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is desired over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks Play | Kia K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 169.1" | 193.1" |
| Width | 69.3" | 73.2" |
| Height | 63.3" | 56.9" |
| Wheelbase | 103.1" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 122 hp @ 6300 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 181 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 31/36 MPG | 26/37 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 334.8/388.8 mi. | 410.8/584.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.8 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 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 | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.4 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.7 in. | 46.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 50.9 in. | 56.6 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.4 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.2 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.1 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.0 in. | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/60R16 | 205/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and 2026 Kia K5.
What is the horsepower difference between the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the 2026 Kia K5?
The 2026 Kia K5 has significantly more power, generating 191 hp, whereas the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play produces only 122 hp. This results in a 69 hp advantage for the K5, impacting acceleration and driving dynamics.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is generally more efficient, achieving 33 MPG combined versus the Kia K5's 30 MPG combined. However, the K5 has a better highway rating at 37 MPG compared to the Kicks' 36 MPG.
How does the cargo capacity compare between the hatchback Kicks and the K5 sedan?
The Kicks Play utilizes its hatchback body style to offer substantially more utility, providing 25.3 cu ft of cargo volume. In contrast, the K5 sedan provides only 15.6 cu ft, which is almost 10 cu ft less space.
What is the price gap between these two models?
There is a notable $5,870 price difference, with the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play starting at $21,520 while the 2026 Kia K5 has an MSRP of $27,390.
Are both vehicles equipped with front-wheel drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the 2026 Kia K5 are equipped exclusively with front-wheel drive (FWD). The Kicks uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, while the K5 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Which vehicle is physically larger in terms of exterior dimensions?
The 2026 Kia K5 is the larger vehicle overall; it is 24 inches longer (193.1 inches vs. 169.1 inches for the Kicks) and 3.9 inches wider (73.2 inches vs. 69.3 inches).
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