Nissan introduced the Nissan Kicks to the American market in 2018. They designed this vehicle to be an entry-level SUV. If you are looking for a vehicle that makes a good city SUV for the first-time buyer, this one deserves your attention.
Nissan Kicks Drivetrain
The only engine choice in this SUV is Nissan’s DOHC, 16-valve HR16DE 1.6-liter inline-four engine. The engine connects to a continuously variable transmission. This combination provides 125 horsepower and 115-pounds-per-foot torque. It is available only as a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
Nissan Kicks Mileage
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this crossover SUV gets 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for a combined fuel efficiency of 33 mpg. Contributing to those outstanding stats is the fact that this vehicle weighs only 2,650 pounds.
Nissan Kicks Ride and Braking
The Kicks shares the same platform as Nissan’s Vegas. Independent struts and shocks in the front and twist-beam rear suspension help to provide a smooth ride. Rear-drum brakes assure drivers that this vehicle can stop in a hurry if necessary. There is also the comfort of knowing that the Kicks comes with automatic emergency braking.
Even the base model comes with many standard safety features. It has automatic emergency braking and forward-collision alert. This SUV also comes with automatic headlights, tilting and telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry, and push-button start.
Nissan Kicks Space and Cargo Room
This vehicle offers plenty of room. There is 40.7 inches of headroom for the driver and front passengers, while backseat passengers have 38.5 inches. There is also plenty of legroom, with 43.7 inches in the front and 33.2 inches in the rear. This SUV has 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Nissan Kicks Technology
The base unit comes with a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with a Bluetooth phone. The central touch screen offers CarPlay- and Android Auto-capability in the two upper trims. This vehicle comes with Bose Personal Plus, with eight speakers, including two 2.5-inch speakers in the driver’s headrest.
Nissan Kicks Safety Rating
The Kicks received a four-star safety rating from the International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the institute named it one of their top safety picks. In the 12 mph front crash test, this vehicle avoided the crash, while in the 25 mph test, it reduced the vehicle’s speed by more than 13 mph.
Trim Levels in the Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks comes in three different trim levels.
Nissan Kicks S
The base trim level in the Nissan Kicks is the S. It comes with halogen headlights and 16-inch tires. This trim level is available in brilliant silver metallic, fresh powder, gun metallic, and super black. The cloth-covered seats are manually adjustable, and the second-row bench seat can be folded down to maximize cargo-carrying capacity. There are many built-in features to enjoy, including push-start ignition, Siri Eyes Free, 12-volt power adaptor, three USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system.
Nissan Kicks SV
Even from the outside, you can tell that the Nissan Kicks SV is a step above the Nissan Kicks S because of its 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored door handles, and heated outside mirrors. In addition to the colors available in the S, you can find cayenne red metallic and monarch orange. Options with contrasting roof colors are available.
Never worry about getting locked out of your vehicle because this trim level comes with an intelligent key, and you can take advantage of this trim’s levels remote start. Once inside the Nissan Kicks SV, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are available on the upgraded touch screen. Families who often use the rear seat will appreciate the rear heat ducts, and everyone will like the padded armrests. This trim level also comes with blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system.
Nissan Kicks SR
The top trim level in the Nissan Kicks is the SR. While it has the same engine and transmission, Nissan has tweaked it to offer Intelligent Trace Control, which improves cornering performance and Active Ride Control for a smoother ride. This option has a sleeker appearance because of a rear roof spoiler, LED headlights, black outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, and silver door trim.
Once inside this hatchback SUV, you will find sport-cloth upholstery with orange accents and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter. This trim level features a 360-degree camera with Moving Object Detection, making it easier to park in parking lots.
Nissan Kicks SR Premium Package
You can also find Nissan Kicks SRs with a premium package added. On these vehicles, you will find Prima-Tex synthetic leather seats throughout, and the front seats are heated and have integrated headrests. Additionally, you can listen to the upgraded Bose sound system using the headrest speakers.
The Nissan Kicks Verdict
The Nissan Kicks is a fun vehicle to drive, and its low price point and outstanding fuel mileage make it one of the most economical vehicles to own. While some might argue that because this vehicle does not offer an all-wheel-drive option, it is not technically an SUV. Unless you are planning to leave city streets and country highways behind, you will never miss AWD. This vehicle offers higher ground clearance than any car. There are several reasons why the Nissan Kicks may be the ideal vehicle for you.
This vehicle’s low curb weight and its engine and transmission configuration will allow you to pass many gas stations. This can be a massive benefit for those just starting out and low-income individuals.
The Nissan Kicks is a highly reliable vehicle, according to J.D. Powers and Consumer Reports. J.D. Power gave the 2020 Nissan Kicks SV 76 out of 100 points for dependability. They also called the driving experience of the Nissan Kicks great.
Especially when equipped with a two-tone paint job, this vehicle stands out. It also features short front and rear overhangs, which help to maximize interior space without lengthening the vehicle’s overall length. Many options also have swollen front, and rear fenders and blacked-out pillars, assisting this vehicle in look more upscale than most of its competitors.
The fact that the driver’s seat is adjustable helps drivers feel comfortable even on longer trips. There is plenty of room in this five-seat vehicle for everyone, plus ample cargo space. Regardless of the trim level, the 7-or-8-inch touch screen is easy to use and features the things you need to know most.
As expected, later model years have more safety features as standard equipment than earlier model years. You can find options with front-and-rear emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warnings, rear cross-traffic warnings, and lane-departure warnings. Some options also offer a rear door alert, which helps you remember to check the backseat if you have opened a rear door while getting in.
If you are looking for an economical daily driver, the Kicks may be the vehicle for you.
