There’s good news if you’re looking for an entry-level subcompact SUV: You have plenty of options. Not only are there a plethora of choices, but the group is rapidly improving in terms of style and technological offerings while remaining very affordable.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks and 2025 Hyundai Venue represent two compelling options in the segment. On the surface, they appear to be very different vehicles. Let’s take a closer look at these SUVs.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks enjoys a full redesign for 2025, adding more interior space and available all-wheel drive (AWD) in the process. The upper two trims also come with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Nissan really infused a bit of pizazz into its exterior styling, too.
The Kicks is a true entry-level vehicle, but you get plenty for your money with Nissan’s most affordable SUV. First and foremost, it’s just about the largest vehicle in the segment. It also comes standard with a lot of safety and convenience tech that buyers in this segment crave but can’t always get — a big bonus for the Kicks.
Nissan Kicks Highlights
Technology: Nissan’s ProPilot Assist — available on the top-of-the-line SR trim — highlights the push to make the latest safety and convenience technology available. It takes advantage of other SR-standard advanced systems like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot intervention, and Intersection Assist, which kicks in when making a left turn across oncoming traffic.
Fewer fuel stops: One of the reasons buyers shop in this segment is fuel economy. This is a nice perk regardless of the price of gas. Delivering 31 mpg in combined city-and-highway driving is above average for the segment and hard to ignore.
Plenty of room: You’re unlikely to use the Kicks on your family vacation if there are more than four of you, but compared to the competition in this group, it’s bigger than most. It’s definitely bigger inside than the Venue.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Kicks models for sale near you.
2025 Hyundai Venue
When you think of the simplicity that a subcompact SUV offers, the Hyundai Venue should be the image that comes to mind. It has a clean, simple, attractive exterior styling and an equally unassuming interior.
The Venue is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine putting out 121 horsepower through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This results in good fuel economy, 31 mpg combined, and when paired with its low sticker price, the Venue ranks as one of our Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own winners for the subcompact SUV class.
Hyundai Venue Highlights
Extra vision: Move up to the SEL trim model, and you get blind-spot monitoring, which functions like an extra set of eyes in places around the Venue that can be tough to see. It’s also particularly helpful when changing lanes on the freeway.
Ready to roll: Part of the SEL and Limited inventory, Snow mode adjusts the traction control system for optimum power application in slippery conditions, allowing you to get where you need to go while others are just spinning their wheels.
Great coverage: Like all Hyundai products, the Venue benefits from the best warranty in the industry: a 5-year/60,000-mile (whichever happens first) basic warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Venue models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue offer good fuel economy, plenty of technology, and appealing exterior styling.
Pricing
New 2025 Nissan Kicks Prices
|
$23,220 |
$22,156 |
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$25,070 |
$23,944 |
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$27,570 |
$26,423 |
New 2025 Hyundai Venue Prices
|
$21,650 |
$20,673 |
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$23,650 |
$22,458 |
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$24,900 |
$23,757 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Nissan Kicks vehicles and New 2025 Hyundai Venue vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Nissan Kicks | 2025 Hyundai Venue | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 121 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 113 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic | CVT automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 28 city/35 highway/31 combined mpg | 29 city/32 highway/31 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.6 inches | 99.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 171.9 inches | 159.1 inches |
| Width | 70.9 inches | 69.7 inches |
| Height | 64.2 inches | 61.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 33.2 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.5 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.7 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.5 inches | 34.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 54.7 inches | 53.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.7 inches | 53.7 inches |
| Cargo Volume (rear seat up/down) | 30.0/60.0 cubic feet | 18.7/31.9 cubic feet |
Conclusion
While they’re in the same segment, the Kicks and Venue aren’t exactly the same. The Kicks is roomier and delivers better fuel economy. On the other hand, the Venue offers more conventional looks and a lower starting price tag. Do your driving homework here, and the decision will likely become clear.