Verdict
Only RM2,100 separates them: the Honda HR-V costs RM115,900 and the Nissan Kicks e-Power RM113,800. The Nissan is the sharper numbers-led choice, reaching 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds against 12.1 seconds, with its 136-hp, 280-Nm motor also backing a much larger 423-litre boot. The Honda counters with adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, steering lane correction and rear air-con vents. For a Malaysian family, the Kicks’ seven airbags, 63-litre boot advantage and lower RM85 road tax make a strong case; the HR-V better suits buyers who value its driver assistance and unlimited-mileage warranty.
Pick the Honda HR-V if adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane steering correction, rear air-con vents and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty matter more than outright pace and boot space.
Pick the Nissan Kicks e-Power if you want 9.5-second 0-100 km/h performance, 280 Nm from its electric motor, seven airbags and a 423-litre boot for RM2,100 less.
Key differences
- Price: Honda HR-V RM115,900; Nissan Kicks e-Power RM113,800.
- 0-100 km/h: Honda HR-V 12.1 seconds; Nissan Kicks e-Power 9.5 seconds.
- Boot space: Honda HR-V 335 litres; Nissan Kicks e-Power 423 litres.
- Airbags: Honda HR-V 4; Nissan Kicks e-Power 7.
- Wheelbase: Honda HR-V 2,610 mm; Nissan Kicks e-Power 2,673 mm.
- Road tax: Honda HR-V RM120 per year; Nissan Kicks e-Power RM85 per year.
HR-V
- Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and lane steering correction.
- Rear air-con vents and ULTRA Seat rear-seat versatility.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
- Slower 12.1-second 0-100 km/h time versus the Kicks’ 9.5 seconds.
- 335-litre boot is 88 litres smaller than the Kicks’ 423 litres.
- Four airbags versus the Kicks’ seven.
Kicks e-Power
- 136-hp, 280-Nm electric motor and a 9.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 423-litre boot and 2,673-mm wheelbase.
- Seven airbags, front foglamps and an eight-year/160,000-km EV battery warranty.
- No lane-keeping assist, where the HR-V has steering correction.
- Passive cruise control instead of the HR-V’s adaptive system with low-speed follow.
- No rear air-con vents.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM115,900 | RM113,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM85✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift | 12-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,198 cc |
| Horsepower | 119 hp at 6,600 rpm✓ | 82 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm✓ | 103 Nm at 4,800 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 73 mm × 89.5 mm | 78 mm × 83.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 12 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 136 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 280 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 2.1 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | CVT | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 12.1 seconds | 9.5 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 186 km/h✓ | 21.7 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,347 mm | 4,384 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm | 1,813 mm |
| Height | 1,591 mm | 1,610 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm | 2,673 mm |
| Weight | 1,274 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 41 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 335 litres | 423 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/50R18 | 205/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/50R18 | 205/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UltraContact UC6 | Yokohama BluEarth E70 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side) | 7 (Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three Point |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB-A & USB-C Front | 1 Front, 1 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4 Speakers | 7" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | All Four Windows, Driver Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Multi-angle | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8 Years/ 160,000 km Warranty for EV Battery |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used HR-V & Kicks e-Power for sale
HR-V vs Kicks e-Power FAQ
Is the Honda HR-V or Nissan Kicks e-Power better?
The Nissan Kicks e-Power is the stronger buy for acceleration, boot space, airbags and lower road tax. Choose the Honda HR-V instead if adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane steering correction, rear vents and unlimited warranty mileage are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Nissan Kicks e-Power is RM2,100 cheaper than the Honda HR-V.
Which has more luggage space, the Honda HR-V or Nissan Kicks e-Power?
The Nissan Kicks e-Power has the larger boot at 423 litres, compared with 335 litres in the Honda HR-V. That is an 88-litre advantage for the Nissan.
