The 2025 Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona are both back with updates for 2025, but they’re not playing the same game. The Kicks sticks to its affordable roots with a new engine, fresh styling, and more features for the money. The Kona, on the other hand, pushes into pricier territory with flashier tech and more power under the hood if you're willing to pay for it. Let’s break down what you’re really getting from each!
Key Takeaways
- The Nissan Kicks offers better value and fuel economy.
- Nissan’s upgrades for 2025 add comfort and capability, including available all-wheel drive and new Zero Gravity seats front and back.
- The Kona feels more upscale inside, but you'll pay for it, especially if you want the turbo engine.
Upgrades to the Kicks and Kona for 2025
This year's Kicks is larger inside and out, with higher ground clearance (now 8.4 inches) and available all-wheel drive for the first time. A new 2.0-liter engine bumps up the horsepower and torque. Nissan also added Zero Gravity seats in both rows and now includes up to two years of oil changes with purchase.
The Kona, fresh off a 2024 redesign, gets a smaller update this year. Hyundai added a new N Line S trim. Nissan changed the name of the SEL trim (with the Convenience package) to SEL Convenience.
Kicks and Kona Trims and Pricing
The 2025 Nissan Kicks starts at $23,220, keeping it firmly in budget-friendly territory. Three trims are available:
- S: $23,220
- SV: $25,070
- SR: $27,570
The 2025 Hyundai Kona has a broader trim range and a steeper starting point:
- SE: $26,000
- SEL: $27,350
- SEL Convenience: $29,550
- N Line S: $31,000
- N Line: $32,550
- Limited: $33,550
Prices are effective June 11, 2025.
Engines and Performance in the Kicks and Kona Trims
The Kicks finally moves past its underpowered past. The new 2.0-liter four-cylinder now generates 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. It mates with a CVT, and all-wheel drive is now available.
Hyundai gives you two engine choices. The base 2.0-liter engine delivers 147 horsepower and uses a CVT, while the optional 1.6-liter turbo makes 190 horses and pairs with an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available across the lineup, but you’ll need to climb trims to get the turbo engine.
Kicks and Kona Fuel Economy
Here’s where the Kicks pulls ahead. The front-wheel drive Kicks returns 28 mpg city, 35 highway, and 31 combined. Even with all-wheel drive, the drop is minimal.
The Kona’s best-case scenario is 29 city/34 highway, and opting for the turbo and all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 24 city/29 highway. In real-world driving, that’s a noticeable hit at the pump.
Interior and Infotainment in the Kicks and Kona
The Kicks isn’t flashy, but the layout is very user-friendly. The base S comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, while the SV and SR upgrade to a 12.3-inch unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR trim also includes rear USB-C ports and offers an optional Bose sound system with speakers in the front-seat headrests.
Hyundai’s Kona has a more tech-forward look. All trims get dual 12.3-inch displays under a single glass panel, one for gauges and one for infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. However, there is a catch—you’re paying for it, especially on lower trims, where Hyundai locks some features behind pricier upgrades.
Which Subcompact SUV Is the Best For Daily Driving in 2025?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks makes a stronger case for value. It’s more efficient, lower-priced, and finally offers all-wheel drive. It may not be the fastest SUV on the block, but it’s finally one of the smartest picks in the segment. See it in our showroom today!