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Compare Nissan Kicks Vs. Hyundai Kona: Specs, Features & Performance
When it comes to subcompact SUV options on the market, it's only natural to want to see a Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona comparison. These two highly accessible crossovers offer fantastic all-gas MPG ratings, high-value features that provide safety and comfort on the road, and enough space to get groceries, luggage, and more to their destination.
However, once you check out how the Nissan Kicks has better MPG ratings with its available AWD, extra passenger room, and incredible standard safety options, you'll see the winner is clear. We at Don Williamson Nissan know how the Kicks satisfies drivers nationwide. Compare the stats to the Hyundai sport-ute to learn for yourself before scheduling your test drive.
2025 Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona Performance & Specs
Let's first check out how the standard engines for the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona prioritize efficiency and customizability.
Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona: Standard Engines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | 2025 Nissan Kicks S | 2025 Hyundai Kona SE |
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl | 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Transmission | CVT | IVT |
| Horsepower | 141 | 147 |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) |
|
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The Kicks and Kona engines are essentially tied for horsepower, torque, and efficient EPA-estimated MPG ratings. If you want more power, the Kona does offer an alternative engine: a 190-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder powertrain with more horsepower and torque than the Kicks offers. This is only on its three highest-level trims, though, meaning you'll need to fork over more to access this increase in performance.
Compare the Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona MPG
However, start digging a bit deeper, and you'll see where the Hyundai powertrains falter. If you climb into an AWD Kicks model, you'll lose one EPA-estimated MPG rating in all categories.2 Try the same with a Kona, and you'll lose up to four combined MPG and six highway MPG.3
The MPG ratings plummet even further with the Kona turbo engine selection – the best EPA estimate for the 1.6-liter option is 26/32/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)3 for the FWD variants. Not only will this powertrain choice cost you more at the time of purchasing, the dollars will add up as the miles on your odometer do.
2025 Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona Trim Levels
We already mentioned how the model can impact your Kona engine, so let's shift our focus to the available trims for both SUVs. First up, the Kona has six trims:
- SE
- SEL
- SEL Convenience
- N Line S
- N Line
- Limited
The N Line S, N Line, and Limited models have the 1.6-liter turbo engine. As you climb, you'll get more standard features, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel or a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. However, if you want a more efficient engine and a sunroof, you're better off looking toward the Kicks.
When you go to purchase a 2025 Nissan Kicks for sale, you'll have a much more streamlined and carefully curated menu of three trims:
- Kicks S
- Kicks SV
- Kicks SR
These options are all available in standard FWD and available AWD. As you ascend tiers, you'll get access to more and more impressive features, like the NissanConnect 12.3-inch touchscreen display in the SV and ProPILOT Assist functionality in the SR.
Compare the Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona Dimensions & Size
Both vehicles have sturdy dimensions, but ultimately the Kicks offers you more space. See how their entry-level options compare below.
Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona: Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | 2025 Nissan Kicks S | 2025 Hyundai Kona SE |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 171.9 in | 171.3 in |
| Width | 70.9 in | 71.9 in |
| Height | 64.2 in |
|
| Headroom (Front / Rear) | 39.7 / 38.5 in | 39.9 / 38.3 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 42.7 / 34.5 in | 41.7 / 38.2 in |
| Cargo Volume (Standard / Maximum) | 30 / 60 cu ft | 25.5 / 63.7 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 125.6 cu ft | 101.2 cu ft |
| Ground Clearance | 8.4 in |
|
Just like in our Nissan Kicks vs. Kia Soul comparison, the Kicks overcomes the competition with an impressively spacious cabin. With an extra inch of front legroom, five more cubic feet of standard cargo space, and a whopping increase of 24 cubic feet of total passenger volume, the Kicks provides the vast space you need to enjoy your daily commute, go grocery shopping, or drive to the airport.
That's not even talking about ground clearance. If you need to tackle light off-roading, the Kicks FWD model has nearly two extra inches of wheelbase height compared to an FWD Kona variant.
Hyundai Kona vs. Nissan Kicks Comparison: Interior Features
A spacious cabin is handy, but how does the Kicks improve that interior? You'll have access to a leather steering wheel and Leatherette seating material at the SR trim – otherwise, you'll have an easy-to-clean cloth covering your upholstery. The SV comes with a 12.3-inch NissanConnect touchscreen that's intuitive and easy to customize. Bluetooth® functionality is the standard, but upgrading by one trim lets you access Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Go up two trims for a ten-speaker Bose® Personal Plus Audio System.
The Hyundai model keeps up well, but some obstacles prevent an even experience. Cloth seats cover your upholstery until its fourth trim – leatherette material isn't unlocked until the final model. You can also get Bose® audio for your Kona, though it's only an eight-speaker system. While the Kona scores a win for standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ functionality, the Kicks ensures that every dollar you invest into it returns with comfort, convenience, and surprising tech functionality, surpassing the competition overall.
Step Into the Nissan Kicks at Don Williamson Nissan
Do you see how the Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona comparison ends in the Nissan model's favor? Then, you'll love how it feels behind the wheel. Stop by our showroom, and we'll set you up with a test drive. Once you've decided on a trim, you can view our Nissan Kicks deals to see if there's an option that catches your eye.
Contact our finance department for more information on warranty extensions, financing rates, or lease details. We're happy to help you take one of these high-value SUVs home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hyundai Kona more expensive than the Nissan Kicks?
Yes, the Hyundai Kona SE starts at a higher MSRP than the Kicks S trim. It's a similar story for the final levels of the subcompact crossovers – the Kicks SR has a much lower starting price than the Kona Limited. If you're wondering how each variant compares, contact our dealership today! We'll walk you through all three Kicks trims and their optional features with you.
How do the 2025 Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona compare in terms of gas mileage?
While the Hyundai Kona has comparable fuel economy to the Nissan Kicks on the base model with FWD, the AWD Kicks is slightly better than the AWD Kona at 30 MPG (Combined)2 and 27 MPG (Combined)3, respectively. The more powerful Hyundai engine lowers the EPA-estimated MPG even further, to 28 MPG (Combined) for FWD3 and 26 MPG (Combined) for AWD.3
What features set the Nissan Kicks apart from the Hyundai Kona?
One of the most critical feature considerations that elevates the Nissan Kicks over the Hyundai Kona is a higher level of safety. For example, Adaptive Cruise Control comes standard on the Kicks, while the Kona requires you to opt for a high-level trim. The Kicks also has standard Rear Parking Sensors and available Nissan ProPILOT Assist Hands-On driver-assistance programs.
12025 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 28 City MPG / 35 Highway MPG / 31 Combined MPG for Nissan Kicks FWD. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
22025 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 27 City MPG / 34 Highway MPG / 30 Combined MPG for Nissan Kicks AWD. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
3All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.