Sales: (833) 984-3200
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Sales: (833) 984-3200
Parts & Service: (418) 833-3200
Sales: (833) 984-3200
Parts & Service: (418) 833-3200
The subcompact SUV market is particularly appealing to drivers who want the versatility of an SUV without having to deal with the dimensions of a larger vehicle. For drivers in Lévis, Saint-Nicolas, Sainte-Foy and the greater Québec City area, two models may stand out in particular: the 2027 Honda HR-V and 2027 Nissan Kicks.
On paper, the two vehicles follow a fairly similar formula. Both feature a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission, seating for five and available all-wheel drive. However, important differences emerge when their specifications are examined more closely.
The 2027 Honda HR-V notably offers slightly more horsepower, a spacious cabin, a very comprehensive level of technology from the entry trims onward and a long list of Honda Sensing technologies. The 2027 Nissan Kicks counters with more torque and, depending on the configuration selected, particularly generous cargo capacity.
Here is our 2027 Honda HR-V vs 2027 Nissan Kicks comparison to help determine which one best suits your daily driving on Québec City’s South Shore.
| Feature | 2027 Honda HR-V | 2027 Nissan Kicks |
| Engine | 2.0 L 4-cylinder | 2.0 L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp at 6,500 rpm | 141 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm | 140 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (LX) or Real Time AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Drive modes | Normal, ECON, Snow | Depending on configuration; Normal, Eco, Sport and Snow mode with AWD |
| Combined fuel economy | 8.3 L/100 km FWD; 8.7 L/100 km AWD | Approx. 7.6 L/100 km FWD and 7.8 L/100 km AWD based on converted U.S. EPA ratings |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 691 L | Up to approx. 821 L FWD; approx. 677 L AWD |
| Maximum cargo volume | 1,559 L | Up to approx. 1,671 L FWD; approx. 1,419 L AWD |
| Touchscreen | 9 in. standard | Up to 12.3 in. depending on trim |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wired and wireless standard | Availability depends on trim |
| Wireless charging | Standard | Depending on equipment |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
Specifications may vary by trim and market. Kicks data from U.S. sources may differ from the specifications of the future Canadian model. Fuel economy and volume conversions are approximate.
Under the hood of the 2027 Honda HR-V is a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Honda uses a 16-valve DOHC architecture with VTEC and a dual variable timing control system. The engine runs on regular gasoline, which is practical for a vehicle designed for daily driving.
The 2027 Nissan Kicks also uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. Its powertrain produces 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque.
The picture is therefore nuanced. The Kicks has two additional lb-ft of torque, but the HR-V has 17 more horsepower. For drivers who place greater importance on available power, the HR-V therefore has the advantage on the specification sheet.
This difference can be relevant for drivers who regularly use the highways around Québec City, whether they are joining Highway 20, driving on Highway 73 or crossing into Québec City via the bridges. Neither of these vehicles is intended to be a performance SUV; their primary mission in this segment remains everyday driving, efficiency and versatility.
Québec winters make all-wheel drive a particularly relevant criterion for many SUV buyers.
The HR-V is available with Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System. Honda explains that the system monitors for a loss of traction and can automatically transfer torque to the rear wheels when intervention is needed. The 2027 HR-V also offers Normal, ECON and Snow drive modes.
The Nissan Kicks is also available with all-wheel drive. On AWD versions, Nissan notably adds a Snow mode to the available drive modes.
In both cases, it is important to remember that all-wheel drive is obviously not a substitute for good winter tires. It can nevertheless be a valuable asset when starting on a snow-covered road, pulling out of a driveway after a storm or driving in winter conditions in Lévis and Québec City.
The choice therefore becomes less about whether AWD is available and more about the overall package. The HR-V combines its Real Time AWD with 177.8 mm of ground clearance on certain trims and 185.4 mm on Sport and EX-L, while available U.S. data indicates ground clearance of approximately 8.4 inches for the Kicks AWD.
Fuel economy remains a major consideration in the subcompact SUV category.
The 2027 Honda HR-V with front-wheel drive has estimated fuel consumption of 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.4 L/100 km on the highway and 8.3 L/100 km combined, based on the Government of Canada’s five-cycle test method.
With Real Time AWD, fuel consumption increases to 9.5 L/100 km in the city, 7.8 L/100 km on the highway and 8.7 L/100 km combined. Its fuel tank holds 53 litres and regular gasoline is recommended.
At the time of this comparison, equivalent official 2027 Canadian ratings for the Nissan Kicks are not yet available. U.S. data published for the model indicates 28/35/31 mpg (U.S.) for a front-wheel-drive version and approximately 27/34/30 mpg (U.S.) with all-wheel drive. A mathematical conversion gives approximately 7.6 L/100 km combined with FWD and 7.8 L/100 km with AWD.
This comparison should, however, be interpreted with caution. EPA and Natural Resources Canada testing protocols are not identical, and converting units does not turn an EPA rating into an official Canadian rating. It will therefore be preferable to wait for the final Canadian 2027 Kicks data before declaring a winner on this point.
The 2027 Honda HR-V offers 691 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,559 litres when the second row is folded, according to the SAE J1100 measurement standard cited by Honda.
The 60/40-split rear seatback makes it easy to adapt the available space. This configuration is practical for carrying groceries, luggage, sports equipment or larger everyday items without necessarily giving up the entire second row.
The Nissan Kicks is particularly interesting here because its cargo volume varies significantly depending on the drivetrain. Available U.S. data indicates approximately 29 cu. ft. behind the rear seat and 59 cu. ft. with the seats folded for front-wheel-drive versions, or roughly 821 and 1,671 litres.
With all-wheel drive, however, the Kicks drops to approximately 24 cu. ft. and 50 cu. ft., or roughly 677 and 1,416 litres.
That changes the outcome of the comparison. A front-wheel-drive Kicks offers more raw volume based on these U.S. figures, while the HR-V offers more maximum cargo space than the Kicks AWD. Measurement methods can also affect the results, so published volume should not be the only consideration: the shape of the opening, cargo-floor height and how easily the seats fold all matter in real-world use.
The HR-V seats five occupants, and Honda lists 1,064 mm of front legroom and 958 mm of rear legroom. Its 2,655 mm wheelbase helps create an accommodating cabin considering the vehicle’s exterior dimensions.
Heated front seats are standard on the documented Canadian trims, an advantage that is far from trivial on a January morning in Lévis. The Sport trim notably adds a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. The EX-L takes comfort further with leather-trimmed seating and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
The HR-V Sport also features a power moonroof and 18-inch gloss-black aluminum-alloy wheels. For buyers looking for a balance of style, equipment and versatility, this trim therefore deserves particular attention.
You can visit the Honda HR-V page to explore the model and its different features.
The technology comparison is interesting because the two manufacturers have chosen different strategies.
All 2027 HR-V trims documented for Canada feature a 9-inch centre touchscreen, a 7-inch colour TFT display in the instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wired or wireless connectivity, and wireless charging for compatible Qi-enabled phones.
Even LX trims therefore benefit from a particularly comprehensive connectivity package. Two USB-C ports are provided up front, along with two more in the front console.
The Kicks focuses more heavily on screen size in certain configurations. Depending on the trim, its multimedia system can reach 12.3 inches, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on compatible versions.
The Kicks therefore has the potential advantage in display size, while the HR-V stands out for the generosity of its standard technology even on entry-level trims. For many buyers, knowing that the 9-inch touchscreen, wireless phone integration and wireless charging are already included can make shopping considerably simpler.
Honda also offers the connected HondaLink ecosystem, with available features varying by vehicle, equipment and compatible services.
The 2027 Honda HR-V offers a particularly extensive list of driver-assistance technologies.
The Honda Sensing suite notably includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.
The Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor also appear in the provided Canadian specifications for the 2027 HR-V trims.
The Nissan Kicks is obviously not without its own safety technologies. It also offers several modern driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and various assistance functions depending on trim.
These systems remain driver aids. They never replace the driver’s attention and judgment, particularly when visibility or road conditions deteriorate.
At the end of the comparison, both SUVs make compelling arguments, but not necessarily for the same buyer.
The Kicks deserves attention for its slightly higher torque output, available large display and the substantial cargo volume announced for front-wheel-drive versions. Its U.S. EPA ratings also suggest favourable fuel economy, although directly comparable Canadian data will be needed before drawing a definitive conclusion.
The 2027 Honda HR-V responds with 158 horsepower, 17 more than the Kicks, available Real Time AWD, a maximum cargo volume of 1,559 litres, an independent multi-link rear suspension and, above all, a very comprehensive technology package. The 9-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity, and wireless charging are all included on every Canadian trim listed in the provided specifications.
For a driver in Lévis who regularly travels to Saint-Nicolas, Sainte-Foy or Québec City, the HR-V therefore forms a very coherent package: compact enough for urban driving, spacious enough to serve as a primary vehicle and available with all-wheel drive to handle Québec’s changing seasons.
You can now browse our new Honda HR-V inventory or learn more about the 2027 Honda HR-V in Lévis.
A specification sheet can compare numbers, but it does not tell you everything about a vehicle. Driving position, visibility, seat comfort, CVT behaviour, multimedia-system ergonomics and the feeling of interior space are much easier to assess from behind the wheel.
If the 2027 HR-V is on your list, you can book a test drive at Lévis Honda and form your own opinion.
Do you already own a vehicle? Discover our Sell Us Your Vehicle option as well. To prepare for your purchase, you can request a quote, review our information about Honda warranty and protection, or explore manufacturer’s offers.
Located in Lévis, our dealership is easily accessible to drivers from the South Shore and the greater Québec City area, including Saint-Nicolas and Sainte-Foy. For any questions about the 2027 HR-V, its trims or availability, you can also contact Lévis Honda.
The 2027 Honda HR-V is the more powerful of the two based on the available specifications. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, compared with 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft for the 2027 Nissan Kicks. The HR-V therefore has 17 more horsepower, while the Kicks offers two additional lb-ft of torque.
Yes. The 2027 HR-V can be equipped with Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System. In Canada, the LX is offered with FWD or AWD, while LX AWD, Sport and EX-L are listed with all-wheel drive in the provided technical documentation.
The front-wheel-drive 2027 HR-V has estimated fuel consumption of 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.4 L/100 km on the highway and 8.3 L/100 km combined. All-wheel-drive versions are rated at 9.5 L/100 km in the city, 7.8 L/100 km on the highway and 8.7 L/100 km combined.
It depends on the Kicks drivetrain. The Honda HR-V offers 691 litres behind the second row and up to 1,559 litres with it folded. U.S. Kicks data indicates more volume for a front-wheel-drive version, but less maximum volume with all-wheel drive. The figures should also be interpreted with the different measurement methods in mind.
Yes. According to the Canadian 2027 HR-V specification sheet, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can operate either wired or wirelessly on all listed trims. The 9-inch centre touchscreen and wireless charging pad for compatible Qi-enabled phones are also standard.
The HR-V has several features that are well suited to our climate, including available Real Time AWD, a Snow mode, heated exterior mirrors, a front-wiper de-icer area and heated front seats. Sport and EX-L trims also notably add a heated steering wheel. Proper winter tires obviously remain essential for winter driving in Québec.
You can discover the HR-V at Lévis Honda, on Québec City’s South Shore. Our location is convenient for drivers from Lévis, Saint-Nicolas, Sainte-Foy and the surrounding area. You can book an appointment online to test drive the 2027 Honda HR-V or contact Lévis Honda to check availability.
