2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the efficient, city-friendly 2025 Nissan Kicks and the larger, more powerful 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz can feel like picking between economy and utility. A major sticking point is the $7,670 difference in starting MSRP, positioning the Kicks ($21,830) as the clear budget champion. Daily drivers will appreciate the Kicks' superior fuel economy, delivering 31 combined MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG. However, if power is paramount, the Santa Cruz offers 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Santa Cruz is significantly larger, measuring 195.7 inches long, whereas the Kicks clocks in at a more compact 171.9 inches. Ultimately, budget-conscious buyers prioritizing mileage lean toward the Kicks, while those needing more muscle and space will find the Santa Cruz worth the added expense.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is the winner for commuters due to its excellent 31 combined MPG rating, saving money over the long haul.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The larger 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, being nearly 24 inches longer, likely offers better passenger and cargo room for family hauling.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz appeals more to enthusiasts with its substantial 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks’ 141 hp.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks offers better overall value by being $7,670 cheaper upfront while still providing very respectable fuel economy.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- You want to spend the least amount possible upfront, with an MSRP starting at only $21,830.
- Fuel efficiency is your top priority, as the Kicks achieves 35 MPG on the highway.
- You frequently navigate tight city streets, benefiting from the Kicks' smaller 171.9-inch length.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You need significantly more power, as the Santa Cruz offers 191 hp versus the Kicks' 141 hp.
- You require more interior and exterior bulk, as the Santa Cruz is 195.7 inches long and wider.
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 195.7" |
| Width | 70.9" | 75.0" |
| Height | 64.2" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 104.6" | 118.3" |
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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 140 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable 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 | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.9 gal. | 17.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
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. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 54.5 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | 245/60R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
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 Santa Cruz.
How much more does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost compared to the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries a significant price hike, with an MSRP of $29,500 compared to the Kicks' $21,830. This results in a $7,670 price difference between the two vehicles.
Is the difference in fuel economy noticeable between these two crossovers?
Yes, the fuel economy difference is substantial for daily driving. The Kicks achieves 31 combined MPG, while the larger Santa Cruz is rated for only 25 combined MPG, meaning the Kicks requires less frequent stops at the pump.
Which vehicle has better performance figures for acceleration?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz will undoubtedly feel quicker, boasting 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This is notably higher than the 2025 Nissan Kicks, which generates 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque.
How does cargo capacity compare if I need to haul a lot?
While the Kicks offers a respectable 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Santa Cruz's greater overall length suggests it might offer more usable space, although the exact cargo volume was not provided in the specs.
Are either of these vehicles significantly larger than the other?
Absolutely; the 2026 Santa Cruz is physically larger across the board, measuring 195.7 inches long and 75.0 inches wide. The 2025 Kicks is much more compact at 171.9 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, making it easier to park.
Do the fuel types differ between the Kicks and the Santa Cruz?
No, both the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz conveniently run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the need for premium gasoline.
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