Compare the 2025 Nissan Kicks vs. the Hyundai Kona. See which subcompact SUV is best for your lifestyle, budget, daily drive, and safety and performance needs.
If you’re shopping for a vehicle that’s compact but big on personality, you’re not alone. The subcompact SUV has become the new entry-level vehicle for many new car buyers, and the market is booming. More than an estimated 1.3 million units were sold in the U.S. in 2023, and the numbers are climbing. Drivers crave vehicles that can do it all: navigate tight city streets, offer room for family or gear, and pack in modern tech without the bulky footprint of a full-size SUV.
Two standouts in this hot segment? The 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2025 Hyundai Kona. Both deliver efficiency, practicality, and comfort. But depending on your lifestyle and priorities, one might edge out the other.
Let’s break it down, comparing Hyundai Kona vs. Nissan Kicks feature for feature and stat for stat, so you can decide which deserves to be in your driveway. (Spoiler alert: If value, safety, and smart design are high on your list, the Kicks offers a whole lot to love.)
Anytime you compare vehicles, cost matters; this is where the Kicks starts strong. The Kicks comes in at a lower starting MSRP of $23,220 compared to the Kona’s starting MSRP of $24,550, making it a favorite among budget-savvy drivers who want more than just the basics.
Better yet, the Kicks delivers a stacked list of standard features across its well-equipped trim levels. We’re talking Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Nissan Safety Shield® 360, and even automatic emergency braking, all baked into the base model. In comparison, the 2025 Hyundai Kona reserves some of these perks for its mid-tier or premium trims.
Still wondering if the Kicks fits your lifestyle? Check out Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks Right for You?
Under the hood, the Kicks and Hyundai Kona both use smart 4-cylinder engines. But the Kicks pulls ahead in day-to-day drivability with its continuously variable transmission (CVT). That means smoother, more responsive acceleration—perfect for zipping through traffic or cruising down the expressway.
And while front-wheel drive is standard in both, the Kicks’ lightweight build and tight turning radius make it a dream in urban settings. Parking in downtown Corpus? No sweat.
Looking for thrills? The Kona’s available turbocharged engine might give you that kick. But if you’re after fuel-sipping reliability and city agility, the Kicks offers everything you need without the added cost of a turbocharged upgrade.
The Kicks vs. Kona matchup leans further in Nissan’s favor when it comes to gas mileage. At an estimated 28 city/35 highway, the 2025 Nissan Kicks boasts impressive MPG. It’s comparable to the Kona, which sits at an estimated 29 city/34 highway.
Don’t let the size fool you. Step inside the Kicks, and you’ll find a roomy, refined cabin with clever touches throughout. The rear seat design provides excellent legroom for passengers and an almost flat floor, making it a comfortable ride for kids and adults.
Fold the rear seats down, and you get up to 60 cubic feet of cargo space for grocery runs, camping gear, or luggage for a spontaneous weekend getaway. The Hyundai Kona offers slightly more space with 63.7 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.
This is where the Nissan Kicks really shines compared to the Hyundai Kona. Although both compact SUVs offer a healthy dose of tech, Kicks provides a lot more standard features without pushing you into a premium trim package.
The Kicks keeps you connected, from its intuitive touchscreen to USB ports and smartphone integration. But it’s the driver assistance and safety tech that’s especially impressive:
These aren’t extras; they come standard. You’ll find similar features in the 2025 Hyundai Kona—but only if you climb the trim ladder.
Safety matters whether you’re a first-time buyer, a new parent, or someone who values peace of mind. Both SUVs we compared have performed well in crash tests. But the 2025 Nissan Kicks gives you more protective tech out of the gate.
Thanks to Nissan Safety Shield® 360, driver assistance like lane departure warning, high beam assist, and more are always along for the ride.
If you’re:
… the 2025 Nissan Kicks offers exactly what you need. It’s confidence on wheels without the premium price tag.
The Hyundai Kona also makes a strong case, especially if you’re exploring used options or want optional AWD. But if you’re looking for value that punches above its weight, the Kicks is calling your name.
If you’re looking for a subcompact SUV that checks all the right boxes—affordability, fuel efficiency, tech-savvy features, and everyday practicality—the Nissan Kicks deserves a closer look. Whether you want it for your daily commutes around Corpus or as a versatile ride for weekend errands and trips, it stands out as a smart, stylish choice.Visit Ed Hicks Nissan in Corpus Christi today and browse our available inventory of the Nissan Kicks. Whether you’re comparing trims, checking out color options, or ready to take a test drive, our team is here to help. You’ll see why the Kicks is one of the fastest-growing favorites in its class.
