diff --git a/kernel/rcu/Kconfig b/kernel/rcu/Kconfig
index e7d2dd267593..7dca0138260c 100644
--- a/kernel/rcu/Kconfig
+++ b/kernel/rcu/Kconfig
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ config PREEMPT_RCU
 
 config TINY_RCU
 	bool
-	default y if !PREEMPTION && !SMP
+	default y if !PREEMPT_RCU && !SMP
 	help
 	  This option selects the RCU implementation that is
 	  designed for UP systems from which real-time response