Compare the2026 Kia SportageVS 2026 Nissan Kicks

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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

Both the Sportage and Kicks offer rear cross-traffic warning, but the Sportage with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning also 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 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 is safer than the Nissan Kicks:

	Sportage	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 is much safer than the Kicks:

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

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 is safer than the Nissan Kicks:

	Sportage	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 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 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, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Kicks is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The Sportage 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 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.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Sportage’s reliability 22 points higher than the Kicks.

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 6 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Nissan is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 3 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

Engine

The Sportage’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 46 more horsepower (187 vs. 141) and 38 lbs.-ft. more torque (178 vs. 140) than the Kicks’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

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

	Sportage	Kicks
Zero to 60 MPH	9.3 sec	10.4 sec
Quarter Mile	16.9 sec	17.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	82.1 MPH	79.7 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The Sportage has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Kicks’ standard fuel tank (14.3 vs. 11.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Sportage has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Kicks AWD’s standard fuel tank (14.3 vs. 12.4 gallons).

The Sportage 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.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	Sportage	Kicks
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	11.8 inches	11 inches

The Sportage stops shorter than the Kicks:

	Sportage	Kicks
60 to 0 MPH	128 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Sportage has larger tires than the Kicks (235/65R17 vs. 215/65R16). The Sportage LX/X-Pro Prestige’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 LX/X-Pro Prestige has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Kicks S.

The Sportage offers an optional space-saver spare tire 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.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Kia Sportage 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’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 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 AWD handles at .81 G’s, while the Kicks SR pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

Chassis

The front grille of the Sportage 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.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Sportage X-Pro Prestige is quieter than the Kicks SR AWD:

	Sportage	Kicks
At idle	37 dB	39 dB
Full-Throttle	74 dB	77 dB
70 MPH Cruising	68 dB	73 dB

Passenger Space

The Sportage has 6.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Kicks (102 vs. 95.7).

The Sportage has 2.4 inches more front hip room, 2.8 inches more front shoulder room, .9 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’s rear seats recline. The Kicks’ rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Sportage has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Kicks with its rear seat up (39.6 vs. 30 cubic feet). The Sportage has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Kicks with its rear seat folded (74.1 vs. 60 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Sportage’s power liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Sportage’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.

Towing

The Sportage has a 2500 lbs. towing capacity. The Kicks has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the Sportage 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.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Sportage (except LX/EX), the optional 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 (except LX/EX)’s standard Easy Access Function 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’s standard Smart Key allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the Kicks only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Push Button Start is not available on the Kicks SV/SR.

The Sportage EX/X-Line/SX/X-Pro Prestige’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. 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 X-Pro 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 with available tilt-down mirrors 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 and Nissan Kicks offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The Sportage offers optional 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.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Sportage 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 EX/SX/Prestige/X-Line/X-Pro’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 and the Kicks offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Sportage 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 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.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Kia Sportage, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Nissan Kicks isn't recommended.

The Kia Sportage outsold the Nissan Kicks by over two to one during 2024.

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