In the SUV segment for 2024, there are endless options for drivers. Two top contenders for people wanting to spend less money to get into subcompact models are the 2024 Hyundai Kona and the 2024 Nissan Kicks, both excellent choices for anyone wanting a five-seater SUV for under $25,000.
Comparing the Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona, you have the Hyundai Kona boasting an electric or gas-powered offering and a top-rated safety pick for the year. The 2024 Nissan Kicks is a fuel-efficient SUV with great MPGs and a starting price close to $21,000. This is the cheaper model, though you can expect less from it than the Kona. However, we have plenty more to cover, so stick around as we compare the 2024 Hyundai Kona vs. Nissan Kicks below!
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 Hyundai Kona vs. Nissan Kicks: At a Glance
When comparing the Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona for this year, you will find both SUVs are smaller, comfortable, modern, and ready to hit the road for fewer MPGs on cities and highways. The Nissan Kicks is less popular than the Hyundai Kona but also cheaper.Â
The Kona continues to be a top gas and electric choice for drivers, as it boasts a recent redesign and endless perks inside and out. Both vehicles are strong contenders, so let's get into them further by spec.
Interior Comparison
Comparing the interiors of the 2024 Hyundai Kona vs. Nissan Kicks, you see modern finishes for both vehicles. The Kona is better equipped with technology and comfort features. Because you spend a little more money to get into a brand-new Hyundai Kona for the year, there will be nicer features standard. That may be reason enough for many shoppers to splurge.
2024 Hyundai Kona
Here is what you can expect the inside of a 2024 Hyundai Kona to offer:
- Cloth upholstery
- 60/40-split rear seat
- Remote engine start
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker audio system
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 2024 Nissan Kicks
These are some stand-out offerings inside the 2024 Nissan Kicks SUV:
- Standard cloth seating
- Intelligent Cruise Control
- Seven-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display
- Remote engine start
- NissanConnect® with an eight-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Exterior Comparison
Comparing the exteriors of the Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona, you have two equally fun nameplates to choose from. Between them, the Hyundai Kona will have a more striking front grille, which has been recently redone to make it feel luxurious and forward-forward. The Nissan Kicks has a rounder, more petite exterior framing, wrapping to the back with signature Nissan styling. Both are nicely made, although the Hyundai Kona has a luxurious edge that the Kicks does not.
2024 Hyundai Kona
Looking outside a 2024 Hyundai Kona, you notice the sharp LED front lighting and equally dramatic grille. This model has wrap-around glass windows from front to rear, focusing on sharp lines. From base to top-tier trims, this subcompact SUV feels upscale for what you're paying and is virtually identical to its electric counterpart.
2024 Nissan Kicks
Moving to the Nissan Kicks in 2024, we see a pretty safe design by Nissan. With this four-door SUV, you have a basic front and rear-end aesthetic the Japanese automaker is known for. Compared to the 2024 Kona, the Kicks is rounder, looking more petite when faced head-on by its competitor. It's not as exciting as the 2024 Kona, but it does have an attractive aesthetic nonetheless.
Hyundai Kona vs. Nissan Kicks Performance
Regarding the performance of the Hyundai Kona vs. Nissan Kicks, you see fairly perky engines between both models, with even better fuel economy ratings from the EPA. For this year's Hyundai Kona, you can expect two engine types: a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder or a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, offering between 147 and 190 horsepower. Moving to the 2024 Nissan Kicks, we see a single-engine configuration: a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine (122 horsepower, 114 lb-ft of torque).
Therefore, between the 2024 Hyundai Kona and the Nissan Kicks, you can expect more power in thebase or upgraded engine in Kona nameplates.
2024 Hyundai Kona
The 2024 Hyundai Kona sees two engines for this year, with your base being the 147-horsepower 1.6-liter. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic Continuous variable transmission and is noted for being responsive to highway and road conditions. Your second engine is the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, capable of producing 190 horsepower.
2024 Nissan Kicks
The 2024 Nissan Kicks has a slightly less potent engine than the 2024 Kona. Your sole option is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 122 horsepower. This engine will be paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Comparing the Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona at fuel efficiency, the comparison becomes even more competitive. The Nissan Kicks takes the crown with its ultra-petite SUV. We'll dive deeper into the MPG ratings below.
2024 Hyundai Kona
You have a few figures tolook at for your Hyundai Kona MPG ratings in 2024. Per the EPA, here is what you're working with for the two engines and fully electric powertrains for this model year:
- 2024 Hyundai Kona AWD (2.0-liter): 28 combined, 27/29 city/highway
- 2024 Hyundai Kona AWD (1.6-liter): 26 combined, 24/29 city/highway
- 2024 Hyundai Kona FWD (2.0-liter): 31 combined, 29/34 city/highway
- 2024 Hyundai Kona FWD (1.6-liter): 28 combined, 26/32 city/highway
Now for the EV models:Â
- 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range: 118 MPGe combined, 131/105 city/highway
- 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Long Range: 116 MPGe combined, 129/103 city/highway
2024 Nissan Kicks
For the Nissan Kicks' fuel economy in 2024, you see one engine boasting the following MPG estimate from the EPA:
- 2024 Nissan Kicks (1.6-liter): 33 combined, 31/36 city/highway
Safety and Technology Differences
Regarding the differences in safety and technology between the Hyundai Kona vs. Nissan Kicks, you see a bit more inside of a 2024 Kona. Even standard features surpass Nissan in this comparison, which helps justify the slightly higher MSRP.
2024 Hyundai Kona
Inside the 2024 Hyundai Kona, you'll find safety and tech, including:
- Safety: Hyundai SmartSense (includes things like Blind-Spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection)
- Technology: 12.3-inch touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Six-speaker audio system
2024 Nissan Kicks
For the Nissan Kicks in 2024, you see these technology and safety features:
- Safety: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Stability Control.
- Technology: NissanConnect® with an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
Pricing and Value
You have varying price tags per trim and nameplate for the 2024 Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona this year. The Kicks SUV is cheaper than the Kona by a few thousand dollars, although it features fewer standard options.
2024 Hyundai Kona
- SE: $24,250
- SEL: $25,600
- N Line: $30,800
- Limited: $31,800
2024 Nissan Kicks
- S: $21,340
- SV: $23,200
- SR: $23,900
Choosing the Right Model For You
When it comes to selecting the right 2024 Hyundai Kona or Nissan Kicks model for you, this depends on your budget, needs, and driving habits. Entry-level trims between either brand will be the most affordable option, although they will not have the finer details than top-line models. The SR is the nicest Kicks SUV available, while the Limited Kona is your best bet for luxury. We'd suggest test-driving each model, reviewing the trim details, and deciding from there. Central Hyundai is more than happy to help with this.
Get Your Hyundai Kona at Central Hyundai
Now that you havea better idea of the Hyundai Kona vs. Nissan Kicks comparison for 2024, it's time to swing by Central Hyundai in Plainfield, CT. We have new gas and electric Kona's available to test drive, and we can't wait to help you find the perfect model for this year!
