2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Nissan Kicks

$25,350 · Crossover

$22,430 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Nissan Kicks is cargo capacity, where the Kicks offers 30.0 cu ft compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. While both vehicles share an identical 31 MPG combined rating, the Kicks edges out the Kona in highway efficiency by achieving 35 MPG versus 34 MPG, despite the Kona having slightly more power (147 hp vs. 141 hp). The MSRP shows a notable $2,920 difference, with the Kona starting at $25,350 and the Kicks at $22,430. Dimensionally, the Kicks is notably taller at 64.2 inches compared to the Kona’s 62.2 inches, though the Kona is marginally longer at 171.3 inches. Torque figures are close, with the Kicks delivering 140 lb-ft against the Kona's 132 lb-ft, suggesting a subtle low-end responsiveness advantage for the Nissan.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its significantly lower MSRP of $22,430 and superior highway fuel economy of 35 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the better choice for families because it provides substantially more maximum cargo capacity at 30.0 cu ft compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona appeals more to performance-minded drivers with its higher output of 147 horsepower versus the Kicks' 141 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks offers superior value, starting $2,920 less than the Kona while providing superior cargo volume.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You prioritize a slightly more powerful engine, achieving 147 horsepower.
You prefer a marginally longer exterior length of 171.3 inches.
You are willing to pay a premium for a higher base MSRP of $25,350 for perceived feature upgrades.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Budget is a primary concern, as the MSRP is $22,430, saving $2,920 over Car 1.
Maximum utility is required, given the 30.0 cu ft of cargo space.
You seek the absolute best highway fuel economy, rated at 35 MPG.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	141 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	29/34 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.6/421.6 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	11.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Nissan Kicks.

Which crossover is more affordable, the 2026 Kona or the 2026 Kicks?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks holds a significant cost advantage, starting at an MSRP of $22,430, which is $2,920 less than the 2026 Hyundai Kona's base price of $25,350.

How do the powertrain specifications compare between the two vehicles?

The Hyundai Kona offers 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, slightly edging out the Nissan Kicks which produces 141 hp but achieves marginally better torque at 140 lb-ft.

Is there a difference in fuel efficiency ratings?

Both vehicles share the same 31 MPG combined rating; however, the Kicks is slightly more efficient on the highway at 35 MPG compared to the Kona's 34 MPG, though both use regular unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle offers more storage space for passengers?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks is significantly better equipped for cargo needs, boasting 30.0 cu ft of capacity, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Kona maxes out at 25.5 cu ft.

What are the main dimensional differences regarding height?

The Nissan Kicks is the taller vehicle in this comparison, measuring 64.2 inches in height, which is exactly 2.0 inches taller than the Hyundai Kona's 62.2-inch measurement.