Which is the Better Subcompact SUV: The 2025 Nissan Kicks or Honda HR-V?

July 19, 2024 · 6 min read

A white 2024 Nissan Kicks SR driving in a city towards a Nissan dealer near Oak Ridge.

Every year, automakers come out with updated versions of their various models. Some of these changes are fairly minor, like a new exterior color or an extra cup holder. Others can be fairly radical, signaling a new generation of a popular model. These usually entail such things as a full interior and exterior redesign, often with a shift in the powertrains and drivetrains that come standard or are available on a specific model. This is the case with the 2025 Nissan Kicks, the first new generation of this compact SUV since it was first introduced in 2018. Drivers in Oak Ridge should note that Nissan has pushed the envelope on this model, which is guaranteed to give you an even more engaging ride.

To understand how far the Kicks has come, you need to measure it against one of the most popular models in its vehicle class, the Honda HR-V. In comparing the 2025 Kicks to the 2025 HR-V, you will see that you get more space and desirable features in the Kicks. This is why we are so excited to be offering drivers from Oak Ridge like you the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks. At Rusty Wallace Nissan, we feature the full lineup of Nissan vehicles, including the Kicks, which is why we are your Nissan dealer near Oak Ridge. Before you stop by to experience the model for yourself, let's take a closer look at how the Kicks stands out from its subcompact competition.

The Kicks Offers More Standard Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Technology is a key to keeping you safe, whether you plan to use your subcompact SUV to commute to work or as a family vehicle. The 2025 Kicks and 2025 Honda HR-V both come with a wide array of driver assistance technologies. Nissan calls its suite of active features Nissan Safety Shield 360, while the HR-V has the Honda Sensing driver-assistive features. Both have a number of basic features that will help you avoid accidents, like automatic braking and lane-keeping assistance; however, the 2025 Kicks offers more standard driver assistance features than the 2025 HR-V.

Blind Spot Warning comes standard on the Kicks. This will alert you to any vehicles driving in your vehicle's blind spot when you are on the highway. As a result, you can change lanes safely without worrying about a potential collision. The HR-V only offers this feature on higher trim levels.

A close up of the touch screen infotainment center in a 2024 Nissan Kicks SR.

You are also going to get a more advanced camera system on the 2025 Kicks. The 2025 Honda HR-V comes with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines. This will be helpful when backing out of a parking spot in your HR-V; however, it does not have the same coverage as the Intelligent Around View Monitor that comes standard on the Kicks SR trim. This gives you a 360-degree camera view around your vehicle, so you can avoid any and all obstacles when pulling into or out of a parking spot.

There are also a number of other new technological features that will help keep you safe and secure in your 2025 Kicks. The standard Easy-Fill Tire Alert will go beyond a simple Tire Pressure Monitoring System by letting you know when you have reached the optimal tire pressure when filling them on your Kicks. The Rear Door Alert will remind you to check the backseat of the Kicks for any children, pets, or other valuables you may have accidentally left behind. The Kicks even has a standard Intelligent Driver Alertness feature that will warn you if it thinks you may be getting fatigued based on your driving behavior.

The Kicks's Top-Tier Infotainment and Connectivity Systems

Infotainment systems have become ubiquitous in today's vehicles. This is certainly the case with the Kicks and the HR-V. Whether you are listening to a podcast on the way to work or listening to your kids argue over what song to play on the way to the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, infotainment systems allow you to stay connected and entertained no matter where your vehicle takes you.

In comparing the infotainment systems on the Kicks and the HR-V, you will see that you get more for your money in the Nissan. While both the entry-level Kicks S and HR-V LX have an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, you can get a larger one on the upper trims of the Kicks than on the HR-V. In fact, the midrange Kicks SV has a 12.3-inch color touchscreen like the top trim SR, while the HR-V Sport has the same 7-inch touchscreen. In fact, you have to spring for the top trim HR-V EX-L to get any premium features. For example, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available on most trims of the Kicks while it is only available on the top trim of the HR-V. Similarly, a wireless charging pad comes standard on the SV and SR trims of the Kicks, while only the EX-L trim offers it on the HR-V.

Which Model Offers the Most Interior Space?

Passenger and cargo space is always at a premium in smaller vehicles. This is especially true of subcompact SUVs. Designers have to work hard to get you as much mileage as possible out of a smaller overall interior. While both Nissan and Honda excel at this talent, the Kicks gives you more space than the HR-V. If you look at the passenger compartment for these two models, you will see that rear seat may feel a little more cramped on the HR-V, as it only has 38-inches of headroom and 47.4-inches of hip room in the rear seat. In comparison, the new 2025 Kicks will give you 38.5 inches of headroom and 50.1 inches of hip room.

A man is putting cargo into the back of a grey 2023 Nissan Kicks.

The expanded size of the 2025 Kicks also delivers when it comes to trunk space. When you open the liftgate on the Kicks, you will be greeted by a very impressive 30 cu.ft. of space. This is more like what you will find on a larger SUV. The HR-V only offers 24.4 cu.ft. for your belongings. This difference continues when you fold down the rear seat in your vehicle to maximize cargo capacity. The Kicks will give you a voluminous 60 cu.ft. of space, substantially more than the 55.1 cu.ft. inside the HR-V's trunk.

Engine Options

The 2024 Nissan Kicks featured a 1.6-liter I-4 gas engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For the second generation, Nissan decided to equip the Kicks with a larger 2.0-liter I-4 with a CVT, the same size engine and transmission type as the 2025 Honda HR-V. When it comes to torque, the Kicks offers a slight edge over the HR-V by generating 140 lb-ft of torque, compared to the HR-V's 138 lb-ft.

Check Out the All-New 2025 Nissan Kicks Today

The 2025 Nissan Kicks represents the next generation of this subcompact SUV model, and delivers with more space, performance, and technological innovations than ever before. This is why Oak Ridge drivers looking for more from their subcompact SUV will want to check out this impressive model. Our team here at Rusty Wallace Nissan will be sure to show you our great selection of brand-new Kicks models and help you decide which trim fits your needs and budget. There's never been a better time to get behind the wheel of an all-new Kicks. Visit us today and drive home in this fantastic subcompact Nissan SUV!

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A white 2024 Nissan Sentra SR driving in the city.

Jul 12, 2024 in Nissan Dealer Near Oak Ridge

Eight Features You Won’t Believe You Can Get in the Ultra-Affordable Nissan Sentra

Looking for a wallet-friendly compact sedan with surprisingly high-end features? Whether you’re on a student’s budget while attending The University of Tennessee or you’re saving up for a home in Oak Ridge, the Sentra can help you keep your expenses low because it not only has a competitive price tag for the current market, but it also boasts a terrific fuel economy. So you’ll keep saving at the pump, even after you drive off our lot. As your premier Nissan dealer near Oak Ridge, our team at Rusty Wallace Nissan would love to show you this fun-to-drive and well-designed compact sedan. more We have a friendly sales team that’s knowledgeable on each trim of the Sentra, and we’re bringing in additional models daily, offering tons of vehicles for our Oak Ridge customers to explore. We know that drivers sometimes think that choosing a low-priced vehicle will mean giving up high-end features. That’s not the case with the Sentra, and we’ll prove it. Below, we’ll cover eight features of the Sentra that you’ll be surprised you can get at such a great price point. #1 - Eight-Speaker Bose Sound System You’ll love the available eight-speaker Bose Premium Audio System, which is optional on the SV and SR trims. Think about it: the Sentra seats five, so you’re getting more speakers than passengers, meaning everyone will enjoy a captivating surround sound experience, no matter where they’re seated. You can’t live near one of the country music capitals of the country and settle for a subpar sound system. In the Sentra, you don’t have to. That eight-speaker system will also bring audiobooks to life if you need some entertainment on your commutes. It will also help you hear every word clearly on podcasts and radio shows. It will almost sound like the artists and creators are right there in the sedan with you. #2 - Zero Gravity Front and Rear Seats Think getting a budget-friendly sedan means getting unimpressive seats? Think again. The Sentra has Zero Gravity Seats for front and rear outboard passengers. That’s right: even your rear-seat passengers get good seats. Zero Gravity Seats are designed to promote blood flow, fight muscle fatigue, and encourage good posture. So if your boss or parents have been getting on your case about “sitting up straight more,” these seats can provide some training on the road. Plus, they’ll help your body feel energized when you arrive at your destination after long drives. These seats are standard on every trim, so even if you don’t spring for one of the higher entries, you’ll enjoy ultra-comfortable seats. #3 - Remote Engine Start It’s no secret that summers can get hot and humid in Oak Ridge. You can’t always take a dip in Melton Hill Lake, but you can ensure your cabin climate is cool and refreshing thanks to the Remote Engine Start system. It comes standard on the top SR trim, and it allows you to use your key to start your engine and activate the climate control even when you’re nowhere near your vehicle. So you can slide into a perfectly temperate cabin every time. While winters don’t get too cold around here, you can also turn on the heat before getting in your Sentra for a cozy cabin on cold days. This is a feature many of our customers are surprised they can find on such an affordable vehicle. #4 - Built-In Wi-Fi Hotspot Whether you’re a student, parent, or professional, you know the value of having Wi-Fi in your vehicle. You might not have an unlimited data plan on your phone, which means that your navigation app could stop working on you when you needed it most, or that live stream you were listening to could cut out just as things were getting interesting. Hey, maybe your phone’s own Wi-Fi just gets spotty in some areas of the city. There are plenty of reasons why having built-in Wi-Fi in your vehicle can come in handy, and in the Sentra, you can have it. With a NissanConnect subscription, you can get a Wi-Fi hotspot capable of connecting to up to seven devices at once. That means you and each of your passengers can log onto the internet in your vehicle at the same time. And two of you can even log onto two devices if you’re having a tech-heavy day. #5 - Mesmerizing Moonroof Want to enjoy some natural light on beautiful Tennessee spring days or stargaze at night? Both the SV and SR trims have the option of a moonroof, so you can push a button and let the sky in. You know that the night stars just shine brighter outside of the big city, and the available moonroof will let you take full advantage of that. #6 - Leatherette or Leather Upholstery Looking to add a touch of sophistication to your vehicle? On the SV trim, you can get quilted leather-appointed seats that give a distinctly upscale look to this well-priced sedan. Move up to the SR trim, and you can get leatherette seats. These seats look like real leather but are easier to clean. Spills wipe away easily, and you won’t need specialized cleaning supplies to handle leatherette upkeep. #7 - Heated, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel Both the SV and SR trims get a stunning leather steering wheel; add the optional Premium Package on the SR or the All-Weather package on the SV, and you’ll also enjoy a heated steering wheel. When your hands get cold, they aren’t as nimble, making it harder to make precise and quick maneuvers. A heated steering wheel warms up your fingers and makes you ready to command the road. #8 - Front Seats With Heat, Power, and Lumbar Support As part of the Premium Package available on the SV and SR trims, you can get heated front seats with two-way power adjustability and lumbar support. So that means you can enjoy full-body warmth on chilly mornings, and adjust your seat to get into the ideal position for long drives. Whether you stay within the city or head up the Oak Ridge Turnpike to explore outside the city, you’ll like having the option to adjust your seat. Plus, you get support to the sensitive lower back region to fight bodily fatigue. Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Nissan Sentra Ready to check out this affordable and fun compact sedan for yourself? Visit us at Rusty Wallace Nissan. We’re proud to help Oak Ridge drivers find the right vehicle for their lives in this corner of Anderson County and have put countless shoppers in the Sentra that fit their needs. You’ll love how welcoming our dealership is and what a large selection we offer shoppers to explore. Tell us a bit about your driving habits and we'll be sure to find you some options that will complement your busy life around Oak Ridge and beyond. Our finance department can even walk you through the financing process so that you are completely satisfied with your payment plan. We'll also be here for all your maintenance and repair needs with a team of expert technicians ready to help you with anything you need. We know you’ll be impressed by all of the great features in the budget-friendly Sentra, so if you’re ready to find your next compact sedan, pay us a visit today!