In Columbia and surrounding areas like Manning, Bishopville, and Florence, subcompact SUVs are quickly becoming the go-to choice for many drivers. These vehicles blend the size of a compact car with the utility of an SUV, making them a smart pick for busy streets and active lifestyles. The 2025 Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue are two top contenders in this space.
Whether you're navigating city traffic or heading out for a weekend getaway, the right small crossover can make all the difference. That’s why Nissan of Sumter has put together this Kicks vs Venue comparison to help you decide.
If you're on the hunt for a budget-friendly, reliable ride, read on to find out which subcompact SUV suits your needs best.
First Impressions: Styling and Design Elements
The first thing anyone notices about a vehicle is how it looks. When it comes to exterior style, both the Kicks and Venue bring something unique to the table.
2025 Nissan Kicks Highlights:
- Sleek, sporty look
- Floating roof design
- V-motion grille
- LED lighting on higher trims
2025 Hyundai Venue Highlights:
- Rugged and boxy shape
- Cascading grille
- Squared wheel arches for a bold appearance
In urban areas like Columbia, drivers often prefer something stylish and modern. The Kicks offers a sleeker profile that fits well in a city environment, while the Venue caters to those who want a more upright, rugged look.
Price Points and Value-Packed Features for Budget-Conscious Buyers
Price is one of the biggest factors for buyers, especially families in Florence or students in Columbia. Here’s a look at what both models offer when it comes to cost and value.
Starting MSRP:
- Nissan Kicks: $21,830
- Hyundai Venue: $21,395
Nissan Kicks Trims:
- S: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Safety Shield 360
- SV: Intelligent cruise control, upgraded seating
- SR: LED headlights, Bose premium audio, 360-degree camera
Hyundai Venue Trims:
- SE: Basic tech and safety features
- SEL: Alloy wheels, sunroof, upgraded materials
- Limited: Leatherette seating, LED lighting, smart cruise control
If you're looking for premium features at an affordable price, the Nissan Kicks SR may be the sweet spot in this subcompact SUV faceoff.
Interior Space, Seating, and Everyday Comfort
Both models are designed to be nimble yet comfortable. Let’s compare how they stack up inside.
Front Legroom:
- Kicks: 42.7 inches
- Venue: 41.3 inches
Rear Legroom:
- Kicks: 34.5 inches
- Venue: 34.3 inches
Seating Materials:
- Kicks: Sport leatherette on higher trims
- Venue: Cloth/leatherette blend on Limited trim
Drivers in Bishopville or Sumter who want extra comfort may prefer the Kicks, especially if rear-seat legroom is important for passengers or carpooling.
Cargo Volume and Storage Flexibility for Weekend Adventures
Storage space matters, especially for busy lifestyles or weekend getaways.
Cargo Volume (Rear Seats Up):
- Nissan Kicks: 30 cubic feet
- Hyundai Venue: 18.7 cubic feet
Storage Features:
- Fold-down rear seats
- Underfloor storage (varies by trim)
Whether you're grocery shopping in Manning or loading up for a trip to the coast, the Kicks offers more cargo flexibility in this Kicks vs Venue comparison.
Engine Specs and Performance for Daily Driving
Both SUVs come with small but efficient engines, perfect for city and highway travel.
Engine:
- 1.6L 4-cylinder on both models
Horsepower:
- Kicks: 122 hp
- Venue: 121 hp
Transmission:
- Kicks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Venue: Manual or Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Drivers heading between Columbia and Florence will find both models reliable for everyday travel, though the CVT in the Kicks provides a smoother ride.
Fuel Economy and Long-Term Ownership Savings
Fuel efficiency can save thousands over time. Here’s how each model performs at the pump.
EPA Ratings:
- Kicks: 31 mpg city / 36 mpg highway
- Venue: 29 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
Lower fuel use also means fewer emissions. The Kicks comes out ahead here, giving it an edge for eco-conscious drivers in the Nissan vs Hyundai small crossover debate.
Ownership Costs to Consider:
- Fuel savings over time
- Maintenance and service costs
- Depreciation and resale value
In towns like Bishopville and Florence, where many families watch every dollar, the Kicks may provide more long-term savings.
Warranty and Reliability for Peace of Mind
Warranty coverage can make a big difference when choosing a new vehicle.
Nissan Warranty:
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
Hyundai Warranty:
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain
- 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty
Hyundai offers stronger warranty coverage, but the Kicks is known for solid reliability. For drivers in Columbia looking for a low-maintenance option, both vehicles are solid picks.
Safety Comes Standard: Comparing Driver Assistance Technologies
Staying safe is a priority, and both brands equip their subcompact SUVs with advanced safety tech.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 Includes:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Hyundai SmartSense Includes:
- Forward collision avoidance
- Lane-keeping assist
- Driver attention warning
If advanced safety features are at the top of your list, you’ll be well-protected in either model. However, the Nissan Kicks includes more features as standard, which adds value in this subcompact SUV faceoff.
Infotainment Systems and Connectivity for the Modern Driver
Today’s drivers expect top-tier tech features, even in a small crossover.
Shared Features:
- 8-inch touchscreens
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Unique Kicks Features:
- Bose premium audio (SR trim)
- Digital instrument cluster
Tech-savvy drivers in Columbia and Sumter will love what the Kicks brings to the table, especially in higher trims.
Ride and Handling: Which Subcompact SUV Feels Better on the Road?
Handling is key for daily driving and tight city turns.
Nissan Kicks:
- Light steering feel
- Built for easy parking and maneuvering
Hyundai Venue:
- More responsive steering
- Feels composed on sharp turns
In Columbia traffic, the Kicks is easy to handle. But the Venue may feel more confident at higher speeds. It depends on whether you value comfort or responsiveness more in a small crossover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which model offers better interior space, the Kicks or the Venue?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks offers better interior space overall, with more front legroom and nearly 12 more cubic feet of cargo volume than the Hyundai Venue.
How do engine performance and fuel economy compare between them?
Both models use a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine with nearly identical horsepower, but the Nissan Kicks has better fuel economy at 31 mpg city / 36 mpg highway, compared to the Venue’s 29 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
Are there big differences in safety features or driver aids?
Yes, the Nissan Kicks includes more advanced safety features as standard, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Venue includes fewer of these features in its base model.
Which subcompact SUV comes out on top for everyday practicality?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks stands out for everyday use thanks to its larger cargo area, smoother transmission, better fuel economy, and standard tech features that benefit daily drivers.
Do both models come with similar warranty coverage?
No, Hyundai offers a longer warranty with 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, compared to Nissan’s 5 years/60,000 miles. However, both brands provide a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty.
Which SUV Wins the Subcompact SUV Faceoff in South Carolina?
Let’s take a quick look at the strengths of each SUV.
Why Drivers May Prefer the Nissan Kicks:
- More cargo space and legroom
- Better fuel economy
- Sleeker styling
- Advanced safety features standard
Why Some May Choose the Hyundai Venue:
- Lower starting price
- Longer warranty coverage
- Rugged, boxy design appeal
For drivers in Columbia, Sumter, Florence, and nearby areas, the 2025 Nissan Kicks stands out as a well-rounded, affordable, and efficient option. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or running errands, the Kicks checks all the boxes in this kicks vs venue comparison.
Explore More, Compare Confidently, and Get Started Today
If you’re weighing your options in the 2025 Nissan Kicks vs Hyundai Venue matchup, Nissan of Sumter is here to guide you. Whether you're shopping from Columbia, Manning, Bishopville, or Florence, we invite you to visit us and explore our wide selection of versatile, efficient vehicles perfect for your daily commute or weekend road trips.
Still comparing subcompact SUVs? You may also want to check out how the Kicks compares with another popular small crossover in a similar price range, or explore the differences between Nissan’s other SUV options for families.
You’ll even find helpful insight into how the Kicks stacks up against another top contender in the subcompact category. These comparisons provide a deeper look into the choices available to South Carolina drivers shopping for a compact SUV.
When you're ready to take the next step, you can start your finance application online with just a few clicks. Our team will walk you through all your options and help make the process simple and stress-free. Want to browse what’s available right now? Head to our new inventory page and explore the latest arrivals, special offers, and trims available today.
Have questions or want to schedule a test drive? Contact us today! Our team at Nissan of Sumter is ready to help you find the subcompact SUV that fits your lifestyle—whether you're traveling from Florence, Columbia, Manning, or anywhere in between.
