Compare the2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid VS 2026 Nissan Kicks

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Kia Sportage Hybrid achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Nissan Kicks, which scored only a “Marginal” in these critical safety features.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Sportage Hybrid’s standard Downhill Brake Control allows you to creep down safely. The Kicks doesn’t offer Downhill Brake Control.

Both the Sportage Hybrid and Kicks have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Sportage Hybrid S/EX/X-Line/SX-Prestige has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Kicks’ Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Sportage Hybrid and the Kicks have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all-wheel drive, blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Kia Sportage Hybrid is safer than the Nissan Kicks:

	Sportage Hybrid	Kicks
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	299	476
Neck Injury Risk	24.5%	43.8%
Neck Stress	263 lbs.	476 lbs.
Neck Compression	14 lbs.	76 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	48/154 lbs.	121/138 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	307	338
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	30.9%	67.5%
Neck Stress	177 lbs.	253 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Sportage Hybrid is much safer than the Kicks:

	Sportage Hybrid	Kicks
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Kia Sportage Hybrid is safer than the Nissan Kicks:

	Sportage Hybrid	Kicks
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	70	124
Hip Force	247 lbs.	371 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	82	206
Spine Acceleration	47 G’s	56 G’s
Hip Force	581 lbs.	669 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	270	303
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	48 G’s
Hip Force	480 lbs.	797 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2026 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test, and a “Good” score in the revised vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention test. The Kicks is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2026.

The Sportage Hybrid comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Kicks’ 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the Sportage Hybrid 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Nissan covers the Kicks. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Kicks ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in long-term dependability. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Nissan is rated below average.

The Sportage Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 91 more horsepower (232 vs. 141) and 131 lbs.-ft. more torque (271 vs. 140) than the Kicks’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Kia Sportage Hybrid is faster than the Nissan Kicks:

	Sportage Hybrid	Kicks
Zero to 60 MPH	7.3 sec	10.4 sec
Quarter Mile	15.6 sec	17.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	90.3 MPH	79.7 MPH

On the EPA test cycle the Sportage Hybrid gets better mileage than the Kicks:

			MPG
Sportage Hybrid
	FWD	1.6 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	40 city/42 hwy
	AWD	1.6 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	35 city/36 hwy
Kicks
	FWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	28 city/35 hwy
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/34 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Sportage Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Kicks doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Sportage Hybrid has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Kicks’ standard fuel tank (13.7 vs. 11.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Sportage Hybrid has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Kicks AWD’s standard fuel tank (13.7 vs. 12.4 gallons).

The Sportage Hybrid has a standard locking fuel door, which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Kicks. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

For better stopping power the Sportage Hybrid’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Kicks:

	Sportage Hybrid	Kicks
Front Rotors	12.8 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	11.8 inches	11 inches

The Sportage Hybrid stops much shorter than the Kicks:

	Sportage Hybrid	Kicks
60 to 0 MPH	120 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend

For better traction, the Sportage Hybrid has larger tires than the Kicks (235/65R17 vs. 215/65R16). The Sportage Hybrid LX’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Kicks (235/65R17 vs. 225/45R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Sportage Hybrid LX has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Kicks S.

The Sportage Hybrid has a standard space-saver spare (not available on LX) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Kicks; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For superior ride and handling, the Kia Sportage Hybrid has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Kicks 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Sportage Hybrid’s wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than on the Kicks (108.5 inches vs. 104.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Sportage Hybrid is 2.3 inches wider in the front and 2.6 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Kicks.

The Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige AWD handles at .81 G’s, while the Kicks SR pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The front grille of the Sportage Hybrid uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Kicks doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Sportage Hybrid has 2.4 inches more front hip room, 2.8 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 6.8 inches more rear legroom, 3.3 inches more rear hip room and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the Kicks.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Sportage Hybrid’s rear seats recline. The Kicks’ rear seats don’t recline.

The Sportage Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Kicks with its rear seat up (39.5 vs. 30 cubic feet). The Sportage Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Kicks with its rear seat folded (73.7 vs. 60 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Sportage Hybrid EX/X-Line/SX-Prestige’s power liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Sportage Hybrid’s power liftgate can also be opened or closed by pressing a button. The Kicks doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

The Sportage Hybrid has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Kicks has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the Sportage Hybrid uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Kicks doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

When two different drivers share the Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Kicks doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Kicks doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Sportage Hybrid (except LX/S/EX) offers an available heads-up display that projects speed in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Kicks doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Sportage Hybrid’s standard Smart Key allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the Kicks only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

The Sportage Hybrid’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Kicks’ intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Kicks doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

When the Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Kicks’ mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Nissan Kicks offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The Sportage Hybrid offers available power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Kicks’ foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

Both the Sportage Hybrid and the Kicks offer available heated front seats. The Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Kicks.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Kicks doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Sportage Hybrid’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Kicks doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Sportage Hybrid and the Kicks offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Sportage Hybrid has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Kicks SV/SR doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

With standard voice command, the Sportage Hybrid offers the driver hands free control of the radio and the navigation computer by simply speaking. The Kicks doesn’t offer a voice control system.

The Sportage Hybrid (except LX/S/EX)’s optional Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Parking Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Kicks doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Kia Sportage Hybrid and the Nissan Kicks, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Kia Sportage outsold the Nissan Kicks by 77% during 2025.