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

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.

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.

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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