2020 Nissan Kicks vs Honda HR-V

Crossovers are a fun and versatile alternative to the classic full-size SUV. Stocked with many comparable features to their larger relatives in a smaller package, crossovers often have better gas mileage while boasting plenty of interior space. You can also usually count on this segment to retain some light off-roading capabilities, especially in the Nissan Kicks or Honda HR-V.

With numerous crossovers already on the roads of Avon, Plainfield, and Danville, IN, we wanted to help local drivers make an informed decision on their next car. That’s why we at Andy Mohr Avon Nissan decided to provide an in-depth comparison of two contenders for that coveted driveway or garage spot: the 2020 Nissan Kicks vs. Honda HR-V.

An Efficient Rivalry

Under the hoods of the 2020 Nissan Kicks and Honda HR-V, you’ll find two similar inline 4-cylinder engines. The 2020 HR-V’s engine is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), while the Kicks’ is paired with an Xtronic CVT®. Although both vehicles come standard in front-wheel drive (FWD) and are quite efficient, the 2020 Kicks takes the advantage regarding efficiency.

The Honda HR-V receives an EPA-estimated rating of 28 city/34 highway/30 combined MPG. The Nissan Kicks, meanwhile, gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/36 highway/33 combined MPG.¹

Kicks vs HR-V: Interior Entertainment Technology

Now let’s discuss some of the fun stuff: infotainment and interior comforts. Mounted in the center of the Kicks’ dashboard is a 7-inch touchscreen display. This is two inches bigger than the native display in the HR-V—which only has analog controls. To get a comparable interface, you would need a trim level upgrade to the HR-V Sport trim.

Both infotainment displays have a hands-free phone system and streaming audio via Bluetooth® technology. Opt for the next trim level up in either model and you’ll get Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. This means you can easily connect your smartphone to the audio system and stream music, send texts, and make phone calls via simple voice commands.

In the Nissan Kicks, you’ll get the standard AM/FM audio system with six speakers, but if you’re looking for a more advanced listening experience, there’s also an available Bose® Personal® Plus audio system with eight speakers, including Bose® UltraNearfield™ driver headrest speakers.

The HR-V once again falls short, since it only comes with four standard speakers. It also offers an available 180-watt audio system with six speakers, but you’ll have to upgrade to receive that feature, while it comes standard over in the Kicks.

Dimensions & Capacities

The 2020 Kicks and HR-V can seat up to five passengers comfortably with room left to spare for gear or goods.

2020 Nissan Kicks		2020 Honda HR-V
43.7 inches	Front Legroom	41.2 inches
40.7 inches	Front Headroom	39.5 inches
38.5 inches	Rear Headroom	38.3 inches
49.1 inches	Rear Hip Room	47.4 inches

As you can see, no matter where you’re seated in the Kicks, you’ll have more legroom, headroom, and hip room to spread out and relax, which is ideal for those long road trips or even just your everyday commute.

With every seat occupied, the Nissan Kicks has 25.3 cubic feet of storage space, compared to the Honda HR-V’s 24.3 cubic feet of cargo room. This additional space could make all the difference when you need to fit that last carry-on bag in the trunk for a family vacation.

Passive Safety Features

Nissan and Honda are well-known for manufacturing some of the safest vehicles on the road.

You’ll notice similar features in both safety suites, including an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS). The Kicks and HR-V also come with rearview cameras to make slipping into any parking spot a breeze.

Where the Kicks begins to pull ahead of the HR-V, though, is when it comes to the standard Rear Sonar System. The Rear Sonar System will monitor what’s going on behind you and alert you if it notices you rapidly approaching a vehicle, object, or pedestrian as you back up.

Innovative Driver-Assist Safety Systems

When it comes to driver-assisting features, the Nissan Kicks is stocked with more systems at the entry level trim. An Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection system is standard on the Kicks, whereas you would need to pick the HR-V EX trim or higher to get Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™).

With the Kicks, each trim level comes equipped with a plethora of standard features:

• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Automatic Braking
• Blind Spot Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• High Beam Assist

These features all work together to help you avoid or mitigate frontal and rear collisions, stay securely in the center of your lane, travel on the highway with ease, and have improved visibility when traveling at night. For even more visibility, there’s an available Intelligent Around View® Monitor, which shows you a 360-degree view of your vehicle.

The 2020 Kicks also has Siri® Eyes Free, a feature that’s designed to ensure a less distracting driving environment. Simply access your phone’s contact list, messages, and connected apps via voice controls.

Over in the HR-V, they offer some similar features, but not as many come standard.

Which Crossover Will You Choose?

As you can see, there’s no denying that these two crossovers are built for adventure all around Avon, Plainfield, and Danville, Indiana, but ultimately, it’s clear the Nissan Kicks outperforms the HR-V in crucial categories like fuel-efficiency, entertainment technology, comfort, and safety.

We hope you enjoyed reading through our matchup of the 2020 Nissan Kicks vs. Honda HR-V. However, the best way to discover which vehicle will suit your lifestyle is to get behind the wheel.

To experience the robust offerings of the new Nissan Kicks, we welcome you to contact the showroom at Andy Mohr Avon Nissan to schedule a test drive today at our Nissan dealership!

 

1. 2020 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 31 City/36 Highway/33 Combined MPG for Kicks. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.