The 2026 Nissan Kicks and 2026 Honda HR-V give Little Rock shoppers two subcompact SUVs with different strengths in fuel economy, technology, ground clearance, cargo space, and available all-wheel drive. The Kicks uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, while the HR-V uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft. Both models seat five, offer available AWD, and use continuously variable transmissions.
Performance
The 2026 Nissan Kicks uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available, with AWD models adding a Snow drive mode alongside Normal, Eco, and Sport modes.
Nissan Kicks
- 2.0L four-cylinder produces 141 hp
- 140 lb-ft of torque supports everyday driving
- CVT provides continuously variable power delivery
- Front-wheel drive is standard
- Intelligent AWD is available
- AWD models add Snow mode
- FWD models achieve up to 28 city / 35 highway MPG
Honda HR-V
- 2.0L four-cylinder produces 158 hp
- 138 lb-ft of torque supports daily acceleration
- CVT is standard
- Front-wheel drive is standard
- Real Time AWD is available
- AWD models achieve 25 city / 30 highway MPG
- Econ, Normal, and Snow drive modes are available
The HR-V produces more standard horsepower, while the Kicks delivers slightly more torque and a Snow drive mode on AWD models for confident everyday response around Little Rock.
Fuel Economy
The Kicks gives commuters a fuel-efficient alternative while retaining SUV-style ground clearance and available AWD. Nissan rates the front-wheel-drive Kicks at up to 35 highway MPG, while AWD models receive a 1 MPG reduction in each EPA cycle.
Nissan Kicks
- 28 city / 35 highway MPG with FWD
- 27 city / 34 highway MPG with AWD
- 14.0-gallon fuel tank
- 8.4 inches of standard ground clearance
- Available AWD adds Snow mode
Honda HR-V
- 26 city / 32 highway MPG with FWD
- 25 city / 30 highway MPG with AWD
- 14.0-gallon fuel tank
- Available Real Time AWD
- Snow drive mode available
The Kicks has the higher published maximum EPA-estimated fuel economy. The FWD Kicks reaches 35 highway MPG compared with 32 highway MPG for the FWD HR-V, and it offers greater standard ground clearance at 8.4 inches.
Cargo Space
The Kicks combines its compact exterior dimensions with useful cargo capacity. Nissan lists 29 cubic feet behind the second row and 59 cubic feet with the rear seats folded for front-wheel-drive models. AWD configurations provide 24 and 50 cubic feet, respectively.
Nissan Kicks
- Five-passenger seating
- 29 cu. ft. behind the second row with FWD
- 59 cu. ft. maximum cargo capacity with FWD
- 24 cu. ft. behind the second row with AWD
- 50 cu. ft. maximum cargo capacity with AWD
- Foldable rear seats expand cargo flexibility
Honda HR-V
- Five-passenger seating
- 24.4 cu. ft. of cargo volume with the rear seats in place
- 55.1 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded
- 60/40 split second-row seating
- 98.7 cu. ft. of passenger volume on LX and Sport
The Kicks provides more total cargo capacity than the HR-V when configured with front-wheel drive, offering up to 59 cubic feet versus 55.1 cubic feet.
Technology
The 2026 Kicks makes a 12.3-inch NissanConnect touchscreen standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims can add a 12.3-inch digital display, wireless charging, and a Bose Personal Plus audio system.
Nissan Kicks
- 12.3-inch NissanConnect touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay integration
- Wireless Android Auto compatibility
- Available 12.3-inch digital displays
- Available wireless charging
- Available Bose Personal Plus audio
- Available ProPILOT Assist
- Safety Shield 360 driver-assistance technology
Honda HR-V
- 9-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Wireless Android Auto compatibility
- Wireless phone charger available
- Honda Sensing driver-assistance technology
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Available front and rear parking sensors
The Kicks offers a larger standard touchscreen and an available ProPILOT Assist driver-assistance suite, giving Little Rock drivers more standard technology at the entry level.
What Automotive Experts Say
"The 2026 Nissan Kicks is a good value even in the price-conscious subcompact SUV segment."
Car and Driver gives the 2026 Nissan Kicks an 8.5/10 rating, citing its value, standard driver-assistance technology, modern cabin, and available AWD. Its testing also recorded a 9.0-second 0-to-60-mph time for an AWD Kicks.Source: Car and Driver: 2026 Nissan Kicks Review
What 2026 Nissan Kicks Owners Are Saying
"I bought a 2026 Nissan Kicks and for the most part I love this little car. It comes with a large information screen, great fuel economy and very easy to drive and navigate in my daily commute."
Source: CARFAX: 2026 Nissan Kicks Consumer ReviewsQuick Comparison
| Feature | 2026 Nissan Kicks | 2026 Honda HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.0L I-4 | 2.0L I-4 |
| Horsepower | 141 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft | 138 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Standard Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Available Drivetrain | Intelligent AWD | Real Time AWD |
| EPA-Estimated Maximum Fuel Economy | 28 city / 35 highway MPG | 26 city / 32 highway MPG |
| Ground Clearance | 8.4 inches | 7.0 inches |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 59 cu. ft. (FWD) | 55.1 cu. ft. |
| Standard Touchscreen | 12.3 inches | 9 inches |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Nissan Kicks have AWD?
Yes. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on the 2026 Nissan Kicks.
How much horsepower does the 2026 Nissan Kicks have?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks produces 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque.
How fuel efficient is the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
The front-wheel-drive Kicks achieves up to 28 city and 35 highway MPG according to Nissan's published specifications.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Nissan Kicks have?
The front-wheel-drive Kicks provides up to 59 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
Which has more standard ground clearance, the Kicks or HR-V?
The Kicks has 8.4 inches of standard ground clearance. Nissan identifies that figure as best-in-class among its leading competitors.
Which has better fuel economy, the Kicks or HR-V?
The Kicks has the higher published maximum EPA-estimated fuel economy. The FWD Kicks reaches 35 highway MPG, compared with 32 highway MPG for the FWD HR-V.
Test Drive the 2026 Nissan Kicks at McLarty Nissan of Little Rock
Shoppers weighing fuel economy, cargo flexibility, ground clearance, and technology in the subcompact SUV segment will find the 2026 Nissan Kicks a strong option to explore first.
Visit McLarty Nissan of Little Rock to explore available Kicks trims, compare equipment in person, and take a test drive. The team can help shoppers find the right model, discuss financing or lease options, and assist with valuing a current trade-in.
