The market for subcompact crossovers is diverse. Nearly every passenger car manufacturer in the United States makes at least one. That’s not surprising, as subcompact crossovers are taking over the country. They are great for crowded urban centers, with their smaller road footprint. They offer enough space for a couple or small family. Two great options are the 2023 Hyundai Kona and the 2023 Nissan Kicks.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona is based on the first generation that dates back to 2018 but saw a facelift in 2021. The 2023 Nissan Kicks dates back to 2016 but received an update in 2021.
Which one is ahead in the best subcompact crossover race? Let’s compare the 2023 Kona vs. Kicks to find out. The evaluation criteria for this Hyundai vs. Nissan matchup span the interior, performance, and safety features. And if you’re interested to see the new Kona in the metal, swing by Wilson County Hyundai in Lebanon, TN. You’ll find that our friendly sales team is ready to answer all your questions and show you around the 2023 Kona.
As subcompact crossovers, the 2023 Kona and the 2023 Kicks are rated to carry up to five adults. However, you’ll find four to be a more comfortable figure. They offer similar passenger space, and the 2023 Kicks has a slightly larger trunk. However, the 2023 Kicks is also longer and taller than the 2023 Kona, so you’ll need to factor that in when parking and maneuvering.
In terms of cabin design and ambiance, the 2023 Kona is the clear winner. Hyundai’s designers have been far more youthful and adventurous. In comparison, the 2023 Kicks’ cabin looks rather generic and corporate. Both subcompact crossovers have automatic climate control and support Apple CarPlay® plus Android Auto™.
The 2023 Kona offers a larger 8-inch touch screen as the default choice, with an upgrade to a 10.3-inch unit available. The 2023 Kicks is decidedly less generous, with a 7-inch unit by default and topping out with an 8-inch unit. There’s also an optional heads-up display for the 2023 Kona.
It’s not often that subcompact crossovers come with exciting powertrains, yet that’s what the 2023 Kona offers. Its base engine is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder with 147 horsepower, but that’s still quite peppy. There are the Kona Limited and N-Line variants for those who want a seven-second zero to sixty dash. These see a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 195 horsepower. The 2.0-liter engine is paired with a regular six-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.6-liter turbo gets a sportier seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Depending on trim and spec, your 2023 Kona may have a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive system for better traction. There’s also the 2023 Kona Electric, which features a 201 horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels, offering a 6.5-second sprint to sixty from rest.
In comparison, the 2023 Kicks is positively dull in the powertrain department. It’s only offered with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder that develops 122 horsepower. A CVT gearbox sends drive to the front wheels. There’s no all-wheel-drive system on offer. Zero to 60 takes almost 10 seconds as a result.
The 2023 Kona and 2023 Kicks are evenly matched in safety features. They come with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, airbags, stability control, brake assist, daytime running lamps, and child safety locks as standard fitment. They also offer adaptive cruise control as an option. Furthermore, the 2023 Kona also offers a driver attention monitor. That’s useful if you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, especially at night.
Which one is the best subcompact crossover? It’s definitely the 2023 Kona. It has a better cabin, more tech toys, potent powertrains, and the best safety features. If you’re still not convinced, all it takes is a visit to Wilson County Hyundai in Lebanon, TN. You can take a test drive in a 2023 Kona and discover it all for yourself.
