2025 Nissan Kicks Play vs 2025 Hyundai Kona
2025 Nissan Kicks Play vs 2025 Hyundai Kona: A Smart Pick for Everyday Driving in Edmonton
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the 2025 Hyundai Kona both fall under the subcompact SUV category. But in real-world use, the Kicks Play stands out with its simplicity, comfort and value. In Edmonton, where winter roads can get tricky and daily commutes stretch across neighbourhoods, the Kicks Play brings a lot to the table—especially for drivers who want a reliable, low-cost ride that doesn’t compromise on space or safety.
Under the Hood: Efficiency That Just Works
The Kicks Play is powered by a 1.6-litre engine that gives you 122 horsepower. It may not be built for speed, but it’s made for smart, everyday driving. The engine is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, which helps with smooth acceleration and better fuel economy.
The Hyundai Kona offers two gas engines: a standard 2.0-litre and a more powerful 1.6-litre turbo. While the turbo is quicker, it’s only available on higher trims and comes with a noticeable bump in price. Also, fuel use is higher, especially with all-wheel drive. In a city like Edmonton, where gas prices add up, the Kicks Play saves you more at the pump. Its combined rating is just 7.2 L/100 km—lower than both Kona engine options.
Room Where It Counts
Step inside the Kicks Play and you’ll notice how roomy it feels. For a subcompact SUV, it makes great use of space. Rear-seat passengers get decent legroom, and cargo space behind the seats sits at 716 litres. Fold the seats down and you’ll have 915 litres—plenty for a road trip or a Costco run.
The Hyundai Kona is a little longer overall and does offer slightly more cargo space when seats are folded. But the difference isn’t that big when you look at the price jump. For everyday stuff like grocery bags, strollers or hockey gear, the Kicks Play gets the job done without a fuss.
Comfort and Features Made Simple
In the base Kicks Play S trim, you still get a good mix of comfort and tech. That includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Nissan Safety Shield 360, cruise control and three USB ports. The SV trim brings even more—like heated front seats, remote start and automatic climate control. You don’t have to go all the way up the lineup to get the features you actually want.
The Kona also has good features, especially on higher trims. But many of its best options—like adaptive cruise control, hands-free tailgate and surround-view camera—are only on top-tier versions. That pushes the price up fast.
Safety Without the Premium Price
Nissan made sure the Kicks Play stays safe and solid. It’s got a strong safety record from the IIHS and NHTSA, and comes standard with automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert.
The Kona is also loaded with safety tech, but again, many extras are limited to top trims. For budget-conscious drivers in Edmonton, the Kicks Play makes advanced safety more accessible—without asking you to spend more.
Built for Everyday Life in Edmonton
The Kicks Play’s smaller size and light weight make it easy to drive and park, especially around busy areas like Whyte Ave or downtown Edmonton. The fuel savings are real, especially when winter hits and you’re idling in traffic. The 2025 Kicks Play may not offer AWD like the new Kona, but for most city drivers who stick to plowed roads, it’s more than enough.
Final Thoughts: The Smarter Choice for City Drivers
Both the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the Hyundai Kona bring their own strengths. But if you’re after a reliable, budget-friendly ride with great features and real-world efficiency, the Kicks Play stands out. It’s a smart choice for drivers in Edmonton who want something simple, safe and practical.
Come See the Kicks in Action
At West End Nissan in Edmonton, we make it easy to find the right Kicks Play for you. Whether you're new to driving or just want something that fits your lifestyle, we’re here to help. Drop by today and take it for a spin—you might be surprised by how much you can get for less