How Do Engine Specs and Performance Compare Between the 2027 Nissan Kicks and 2026 Hyundai Kona?

The 2027 Nissan Kicks comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 141 hp at 6000 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm paired with an Xtronic CVT, achieving up to 28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway in front-wheel drive. By comparison, the 2026 Hyundai Kona offers a standard 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine yielding 31 mpg combined in front-wheel drive, or an available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that gets 26 to 28 mpg combined.

While the Kona’s available turbo powertrain reaches 60 mph in roughly 7.8 seconds compared to about 9 seconds for the Kicks, the Nissan crossover prioritizes balanced efficiency, composed handling, and urban agility. Driving through daily traffic or navigating the rolling hills around Portland is effortless in the Kicks thanks to its responsive steering and high seating position. For driver-focused control in winter rain or slick conditions, Nissan equips all-wheel-drive models with selectable driving modes—including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Snow—to automatically modulate throttle response and power delivery.

The Kicks delivers a relaxed, smooth ride quality that absorbs bumps well on suburban commutes. Nissan engineered the chassis with a torsion beam rear suspension on front-wheel-drive models and a multi-link rear suspension on all-wheel-drive models, giving drivers confident cornering stability. If you want to evaluate how the responsive power delivery feels on local roads, our team invites you to stop by our showroom on Nashville Pike or give us a quick call to set up a driving route.

Table of Contents

• Does the 2027 Nissan Kicks or 2026 Hyundai Kona Offer Better Technology and Safety Features?
• What Are the Rear Seat Legroom and Cargo Space Measurements for Both Crossovers?
• What Are the Primary Trim Levels for the 2027 Nissan Kicks and Is Intelligent AWD Available Across the Lineup?
• How Do Maintenance Coverage, Warranties, and Overall Value Compare for Commuters?
• Common Questions About the 2027 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
• Explore the 2027 Nissan Kicks Lineup

Does the 2027 Nissan Kicks or 2026 Hyundai Kona Offer Better Technology and Safety Features?

The 2027 Nissan Kicks delivers better standard technology value by featuring a massive 12.3-inch display screen and comprehensive safety technology across every trim level, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Kona offers a matching 12.3-inch screen but reserves its most advanced driver-assist upgrades for higher price points.

Every Kicks comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of active safety technologies that includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist. Upgrading to the SR trim adds ProPILOT Assist, which combines Intelligent Cruise Control and steering assist to help maintain lane centering and follow distances during highway travel. On the infotainment side, the Kicks offers standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an available 12.3-inch digital dashboard, a wireless device charging pad, and an available Bose Personal Plus Audio System featuring speakers built directly into the front headrests.

Hyundai equips the Kona with its Hyundai SmartSense suite, including standard forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assistance. However, getting features like a 360-degree surround-view monitor or semi-autonomous highway driving aids requires stepping up to upper Kona trims such as the Limited. Drivers shopping at our dealership serving Hendersonville area commuters often appreciate that Nissan includes essential active safety technologies standard on base models rather than bundling them exclusively into high-end packages. For budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum value, taking a look at our selection of pre-owned Nissan Kicks crossover models offers another excellent way to access advanced active safety features.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety and driver-assistance features by trim

All trims, including the 2.0 Rock Creek AWD, 2.0 S, 2.0 S AWD, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SR AWD, 2.0 SV, and 2.0 SV AWD, come standard with ABS, Isofix preparation, active front seat head restraints (height adjustable and numbering two), as well as two rear seat head restraints. Every model is equipped with both driver and passenger front seat belts featuring pre-tensioners and height adjustment, plus 3-point rear seat belts for the center, driver, and passenger seating positions.

Safety is further enhanced with an accident data recorder, and the anti-collision system—which includes features like brake light activation, seat belt activation, automatic emergency braking, and a driver monitor—is standard across all trims. This system, named Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW), activates at a minimum speed of 3 mph and operates at speeds above 130 kph (78 mph).

Regarding braking assistance at low speeds, the 2.0 Rock Creek AWD, 2.0 SR, and 2.0 SR AWD trims have this feature available (denoted as ‘D’), while other trims do not list this feature. All other safety and driver assistance equipment is consistent throughout the listed trims.

What Are the Rear Seat Legroom and Cargo Space Measurements for Both Crossovers?

The 2027 Nissan Kicks provides superior rear cargo volume behind the second row in standard front-wheel-drive models with up to 30 cubic feet of space, while the 2026 Hyundai Kona yields about 25.5 cubic feet behind its rear seats but offers additional rear legroom.

Interior dimensions reveal distinct cabin priorities for both subcompact crossovers:

• 2027 Nissan Kicks Cargo Volume (FWD): 30 cubic feet behind the second row; 60 cubic feet with rear seats folded flat.
• 2027 Nissan Kicks Cargo Volume (AWD): 24 cubic feet behind the second row (about 24 cubic feet on the Rock Creek trim); 50 cubic feet with rear seats folded flat.
• 2026 Hyundai Kona Cargo Volume: about 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row; about 64 cubic feet maximum capacity with seats folded down.
• Rear Seat Legroom: The Kona provides 38.2 inches of rear legroom, whereas the Kicks offers approximately 35 inches of leg space for second-row passengers.
• Front Seat Comfort: The Kicks features standard Zero Gravity seats designed to reduce driver fatigue on longer highway trips, alongside 42.7 inches of front legroom.

For active buyers who routinely haul sports equipment, groceries, or camping gear, the deeper cargo floor in the front-wheel-drive Kicks offers practical utility. The second-row 60/40 split-bench seat drops quickly to expand flat floor space. If you are balancing utility needs against your monthly vehicle budget, you can easily prequalify through our finance center online to compare purchasing options before coming in for a tape-measure fit test.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

What Are the Primary Trim Levels for the 2027 Nissan Kicks and Is Intelligent AWD Available Across the Lineup?

The 2027 Nissan Kicks is structured around four primary trim levels—S, SV, SR, and the off-road-themed Rock Creek—and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available as an option on every single trim level in the lineup.

Unlike many subcompact crossovers that restrict all-wheel drive to expensive top-tier packages, Nissan makes its AWD system available starting right from the base S trim. Here is how the 2027 trim structure breaks down:

• S Trim: Starts at a base MSRP of $22,790 (FWD) or $24,290 (AWD). Standard features include a 12.3-inch display screen, LED headlights, and Nissan Safety Shield 360.
• SV Trim: Starts at $24,490 (FWD) or $26,490 (AWD). Adds a wireless smartphone charger, proximity keyless entry with walk-away auto-lock, and Remote Engine Start with Intelligent Climate Control.
• SR Trim: Starts at $26,990 (FWD) or $28,790 (AWD). Upgrades to 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ProPILOT Assist.
• Rock Creek Trim: Comes standard with AWD at $28,840 base MSRP. Designed for light trail duty, it features 17-inch exclusive alloy wheels, rugged exterior cladding, a black tubular roof rack, an Off-Road driving mode, Hill Descent Control, and water-repellent synthetic leather seating.

On our sales floor, our advisors see that shoppers comparing subcompact crossovers most frequently ask whether all-wheel drive requires buying a fully loaded model; they are routinely relieved to find out Nissan offers it across the entire range. Whether you are interested in exploring our current new Nissan Kicks inventory or looking to customize your crossover with genuine factory gear, our team can also help you order authentic accessories online directly through our dealership.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

Engine & Performance (continued)

How Do Maintenance Coverage, Warranties, and Overall Value Compare for Commuters?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona includes a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary factory maintenance, whereas the 2027 Nissan Kicks focuses on long-term value through a lower initial purchase price starting at $22,790 base MSRP and strong fuel economy.

The factory coverage and efficiency metrics compare as follows:

• Nissan Factory Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty alongside a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
• Hyundai Factory Warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty alongside a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
• Complimentary Maintenance: Hyundai provides up to 4 basic service visits (oil changes and tire rotations) over 3 years or 36,000 miles. Nissan includes coverage for up to three oil changes within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles on new vehicle purchases.
• Fuel Savings: The Kicks FWD achieves EPA estimates of 28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 31 mpg combined, making its 11.9-gallon fuel tank yield up to 400 miles of highway range. The Kona 2.0L FWD matches 31 mpg combined, but its turbocharged 1.6L versions drop to 26–28 mpg combined.

For commuters driving back and forth along I-65 from Greenbrier, the Kicks offers an exceptionally affordable total cost of ownership. The lower starting price tag lets buyers secure modern tech and safety without overextending their household finances. To see how much equity you can apply toward a new crossover, you can value your trade-in online with our trade appraisal tool in just a few minutes.

Common Questions About the 2027 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

Q: Does the 2027 Nissan Kicks offer a manual transmission?

No, the 2027 Nissan Kicks is equipped exclusively with an Xtronic CVT across all trim levels. Nissan tuned this continuously variable automatic transmission to deliver smooth, linear acceleration while optimizing fuel economy for both city stop-and-go driving and highway cruising.

Q: What is the ground clearance on the 2027 Nissan Kicks compared to the Hyundai Kona?

The 2027 Nissan Kicks provides an impressive 8.4 inches of standard ground clearance, which leads most competitors in the subcompact crossover class. The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers slightly less ground clearance at roughly 6.7 to 8.3 inches depending on the trim configuration, giving the Kicks an advantage when clearing deep snow, rutted dirt paths, or steep driveway transitions.

Q: Does the Hyundai Kona offer more horsepower than the Nissan Kicks?

Yes, while the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Hyundai Kona produces 147 hp (slightly above the Kicks’ 141 hp), the Kona offers an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine on its SEL Premium and Limited trims that generates 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. However, opting for the turbocharged Kona engine increases the vehicle’s starting purchase price above $28,000.

Q: Are heated seats available on the 2027 Nissan Kicks?

Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote engine start with Intelligent Climate Control are available on the Kicks SV trim when equipped with optional package groupings and come standard on the SR and Rock Creek trims. These cold-weather features allow drivers to pre-warm the cabin and seats during chilly Tennessee winter mornings.

Q: What audio system options are available in the 2027 Nissan Kicks?

While a four-speaker sound system comes standard on S and SV trims, upgrading to the SR trim adds a six-speaker audio layout. Music enthusiasts can also opt for the premium Bose Personal Plus Audio System, which incorporates 10 strategically placed speakers—including UltraNearfield speakers built directly into the driver and front passenger headrests—for an immersive 360-degree acoustic experience.

Explore the 2027 Nissan Kicks Lineup

With a starting price under $23,000, the 2027 Nissan Kicks offers a compelling mix of style, technology, and practicality in the subcompact crossover segment. With its expressive styling, standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display, available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on every trim, and class-leading ground clearance, the Kicks is perfectly engineered for daily commuting and weekend getaways alike.

Our team at Newton Nissan of Gallatin is dedicated to providing a transparent, stress-free vehicle shopping experience. We invite you to visit our showroom to explore the trim levels in person, compare cargo space, and experience the comfort of Zero Gravity seating during a test drive.

To schedule your personal appointment or speak directly with our sales team, call us at (615) 442-3090 or drop by our dealership located at 1461 Nashville Pike. We look forward to helping you drive home in the perfect Nissan SUV for your lifestyle!