Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona

A red Nissan Kicks in profile driving down the road

New Nissan Kicks For Sale Near Pico Rivera

Find Your Ideal SUV at Our Nissan Dealer Near Pico Rivera, CA

If you’re on the hunt for a compact, crossover SUV, two models that exemplify the merits of their segment include the 2026 Nissan Kicks and 2026 Hyundai Kona. At Downey Nissan, our expert team can help you explore each model’s features, helping you determine which one is the best fit for your lifestyle. Visit our Nissan dealership near Pico Rivera, CA to learn more about each vehicle and get an in-person look.

What are the Differences Between the 2026 Nissan Kicks and 2026 Hyundai Kona?

Despite their many similarities, the two SUVs have a few key differences between their models, providing different  horsepower, varied fuel economy ratings, and cargo capacity. 

Feature

Nissan Kicks

Hyundai Kona

Performance

141 hp

147 hp

Torque

140 lb-ft at 4000 RPM

132 lb-ft at 4500 RPM

Fuel Economy (MPG)

35 on the highway / 28 in the city / 31 combined

34 on the highway / 29 in the city / 31 combined

Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Front-Wheel Drive

Cargo Space

30 cu. ft.

25.5 cu. ft.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Standard

Standard

Fuel Capacity

11.8 gallons

12.4 gallons

Overall Width Without Mirrors

70.9 in.

71.9 in.

Height

64.2 in.

62.2 in.

Length

171.9 in.

171.3 in.

Wheelbase

104.6 in.

104.7 in.

Seating Capacity

5

5

MSRP

$24,275

$27,100

*The following information was provided by TrueCar and Car and Driver.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Kona has marginally higher horsepower with lower torque when compared to the Kicks. Both models still possess comparable handling on the road thanks to equivalent drivetrains and adaptive cruise control. They also rank closely in terms of fuel economy, with the Kona having a better estimated city rating while the Kicks has a better estimated fuel rating on the highway. However, the Kicks maintains this with an overall lower maximum fuel capacity.

Cargo and Cabin Capacity

While interior space and dimensions are similar between both SUVs for cabin comfort, the Kicks is the clear winner in terms of cargo capacity. The Kicks has almost five more cubic feet of space behind the second row for storage, making it the superior option for your next family vacation.

Safety and Driver Awareness

The Kicks and Kona match pretty closely in terms of safety features, aiding in keeping you and your passengers safe. The Kona is the only one of the two with an active lane-keep assist feature, while the Kicks only has a warning system. However, the Kicks has rear parking sensors (which are not standard in the Kona), additional knee airbags and side airbags in the rear (the latter of which are only in the front of the Kona), and pedestrian detection. Both models also possess:

  • Automatic braking systems
  • Backup camera
  • Forward collision warning systems
  • Rear-cross traffic alert
  • Alarm
  • Traction control
  • Stability control

Which SUV is Right For Me?

These models provide many of the same benefits, but while the 2026 Kona provides somewhat better performance through its higher horsepower, the Kicks possesses comparatively better fuel economy, a larger storage space, and more safety features to ensure your peace of mind on the road.

Learn More About Nissan Leasing and Financing Near Me

If you’ve decided the Kicks is the best option for you, contact our Nissan finance center for help with creating a payment plan. If leasing is your preference for vehicle ownership, take advantage of our NMAC SignatureFLEX Lease for convenient, flexible terms on your next Nissan model. You can also take advantage of our rotating Nissan specials to get an even better deal while shopping at our dealership. Browse through what we have available to find deals applicable to leasing and financing.

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Frequently Asked Questions on the 2026 Nissan Kicks

Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona More Expensive than the Nissan Kicks?


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Yes, the Kona has a higher starting MSRP at $27,100 compared to the Kicks’ $24,275.

Does the 2026 Nissan Kicks or the 2026 Hyundai Kona Have Better Gas Mileage?


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Both models have identical combined gas mileage at an EPA-estimated 31 MPG, but the Kona has marginally better fuel economy at 29 in the city compared to the Kicks’ 28. However, the Kicks is better on the highway with a fuel economy of 35 to 34.

What Features Does the 2026 Kicks Have that the Kona Does Not?


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In addition to the features enumerated above, the Kicks also has access to the Nissan ProPILOT Assist system, combining Intelligent Cruise Control with steering assist technologies..

How Does the 2026 Kicks and Kona’s Engine Response Compare


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While the Kona has an easier time with acceleration, the Kicks provides a more steady and efficient drive thanks to its combination of great fuel economy, torque, and systems for better handling.

Does the 2026 Kicks and 2026 Kona Have All-Wheel Drive?


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The Kicks has an available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system that knows when to send power to the rear wheels, boosting fuel economy while still allowing for greater traversal options and a superior grip on the road, even in inclement weather. The Kona also has HTRAC AWD available, but it lacks the same versatility and efficiency as the Kicks.

Test Drive a New 2026 Nissan Kicks Near Pico Rivera, CA

If you want a more personal experience with a new Kicks, schedule a test drive at our Nissan dealership near Pico Rivera, CA, also serving the Downey, Norwalk, and South Gate areas. If you have any other questions about this model or how it compares to the competition, please contact us online at Downey Nissan.

New Nissan Kicks For Sale Near Pico Rivera