2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

$21,830 · Crossover

$25,350 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the brand-new 2026 Hyundai Kona and the established 2025 Nissan Kicks often boils down to budget versus marginally better performance specs. The Kicks starts strong with an MSRP of $21,830, immediately undercutting the Kona's $25,350 price tag by a significant $3,520. While both crossovers achieve an identical 31 MPG combined, the Kicks offers slightly better highway cruising at 35 MPG compared to the Kona's 34 MPG. Performance is close; the Kona squeaks ahead with 147 hp versus the Kicks' 141 hp, though the Kicks compensates with slightly higher torque at 140 lb-ft against the Kona's 132 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Kicks is notably taller at 64.2 inches, which translates to better interior headroom, whereas the Kona provides less cargo space at 25.5 cu ft compared to the Kicks' 30 cu ft. For practicality and affordability, the Kicks presents a compelling argument right off the bat.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its significantly lower starting MSRP of $21,830, saving money on a daily driver.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks offers superior practicality with 30 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins slightly for enthusiasts by offering 147 hp, just edging out the Kicks' 141 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks

With a $3,520 lower starting price and identical 31 MPG combined efficiency, the Kicks delivers significantly better value.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

You need maximum utility, as the Kicks provides 30 cu ft of cargo space.
Sticking to a strict budget is paramount; the Kicks starts at $21,830.
You prefer the extra height for ingress/egress, as the Kicks stands 64.2 inches tall.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You want the highest peak horsepower, as the Kona offers 147 hp.
A slightly wider stance (71.9 inches) appeals to your styling preference.
You prioritize slightly better city fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG versus the Kicks' 28 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Kicks	Hyundai Kona
Length	171.9"	171.3"
Width	70.9"	71.9"
Height	64.2"	62.2"
Wheelbase	104.6"	104.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	141 hp @ 6000 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	140 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
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	29/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.2/416.5 mi.	359.6/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.9 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	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	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	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	42.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	52.4 in.	54.3 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	—

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.5 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.1 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R16	215/60R17
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 and 2026 Hyundai Kona.

Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona much faster than the 2025 Nissan Kicks?

The Kona holds a slight performance edge with 147 horsepower compared to the Kicks' 141 hp. However, the Kicks counters this with slightly higher torque at 140 lb-ft versus the Kona's 132 lb-ft, meaning real-world acceleration differences will be minimal for daily driving.

Which car is better for road trips regarding fuel stops?

Both vehicles share an excellent 31 MPG combined rating, so they are virtually tied for fuel efficiency. The Kicks offers a slight edge on the highway at 35 MPG versus the Kona's 34 MPG.

How big is the price difference between these two crossovers?

There is a noticeable $3,520 price gap between the two starting models. The 2025 Nissan Kicks begins at $21,830, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Kona starts at $25,350.

If I haul a lot of gear, which crossover has more space?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering a generous 30 cubic feet. The 2026 Hyundai Kona trails behind with 25.5 cubic feet of storage.

Are these vehicles large or small for city driving?

Both are compact crossovers, with the Kicks measuring 171.9 inches long and the Kona slightly shorter at 171.3 inches long, making both easy to maneuver and park in urban environments.