Overview
Affordability is paramount for the Nissan Kicks, which beats the beginning worth of a lot of its subcompact opponents, such because the Mazda CX-30, Kia Niro, and Volkswagen Taos, by a number of thousand of {dollars}. And the financial savings don’t cease there; throughout our real-world freeway fuel-economy take a look at, the Kicks beat its EPA estimate to the tune of 37 mpg. Nevertheless, its inexpensiveness is not with out some sacrifice. Working laborious to avoid wasting you cash is a meek 122-hp four-cylinder hooked up to a continuously-variable computerized transmission. “Fast” is not on this powertrain’s vocabulary, and neither is all-wheel drive, because the Kicks is solely front-wheel drive. Inside, there’s a powerful host of normal driver-assistance tech and a cabin that is surprisingly sensible. However for the Kicks, it is all about that worth.
What’s New for 2024?
The Nissan Kicks rolls into 2024 with none important adjustments.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
The Kicks is well-equipped even on the base S trim stage, which features a host of normal driver-assistance options. We might spring for the mid-range SV; it provides fascinating objects reminiscent of the brand new 8.0-inch infotainment show, adaptive cruise management, 17-inch wheels, and a center-console armrest.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
Each Kicks mannequin is powered by a 122-hp four-cylinder engine that gives barely satisfactory acceleration. A repeatedly variable computerized transmission (CVT) handles shifting duties and drives the entrance wheels; all-wheel drive just isn’t provided. If the leisurely 9.7-second jog to 60 mph makes the Kicks sound sluggish, that is as a result of it’s. Nevertheless, the take a look at outcomes we recorded are solely half the story. Round city, it feels surprisingly perky, as long as you are prepared to push deep into the throttle and let the engine rev. The Kicks is nimble and extra enjoyable to throw round than some bigger SUVs, nevertheless it’s no thrill trip on a twisty highway. The suspension is tuned for consolation, and it supplied a well-cushioned trip even over the pitted and crumbling roads round our workplaces in southeast Michigan. The steering is direct and correct, however there’s little or no suggestions that comes up from the highway to the driving force’s arms.
Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPG
The Kicks has earned glorious EPA fuel-economy scores of 31 mpg metropolis and 36 mpg freeway. In our 75-mph real-world freeway fuel-economy take a look at, it sipped gas extra like an financial system automotive than an SUV; its 37-mpg outcome tied with the Toyota C-HR. Regardless of the stellar end in our take a look at, its tiny 10.8-gallon gas tank abbreviates its cruising vary. For extra details about the Kicks’ gas financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Inside styling is much less stylish than the outside design, nevertheless it the Kicks is well-built, appears to be like grown-up, and has a user-friendly inside. An adult-sized rear seat means it could actually haul folks and cargo with out the cramped feeling one would possibly expertise in rivals such because the C-HR. Splashes of shade all through the cabin do a pleasant job of breaking apart the monotony of what would in any other case be an all-black inside. Regardless of its small dimension, the Kicks impressed us with its leads to our cargo exams, matching and beating some bigger rivals. We managed to suit 19 of our carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded. Small-item storage is at a premium within the cargo space and the again seat, however front-seat occupants will not discover the pinch due to giant door pockets and a big glovebox.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Nissan’s infotainment system just isn’t among the many most lovely interfaces in the marketplace in the present day, nevertheless it’s intuitive and straightforward to be taught. We want a few of the on-screen icons had been bigger and simpler to actuate whereas driving however, general, the system is intuitive. The bottom Kicks S comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity whereas the mid-range SV and the top-spec SR get an 8.0-inch show, an additional USB-C port, and entry to Nissan’s NissanConnect telematics and concierge system. Consumers of the SR can order the non-compulsory Premium package deal, which provides a Bose stereo system and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Security and Driver-Help Options
Nissan gives a bunch of normal driver-assistance expertise, and automatic emergency braking is customary throughout the vary. For extra details about the Kicks’ crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:
- Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Customary lane-departure warning
- Accessible adaptive cruise management
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Nissan provides a completely common guarantee package deal. Drivers who want higher-mileage safety ought to think about the Kia Soul and its industry-best powertrain guarantee. Those that want complimentary scheduled upkeep protection may be within the Toyota C-HR.
- Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Specs
Specs
2021 Nissan Kicks
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
BASE PRICE
$20,595
ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct gas injection
Displacement
98 in3, 1598 cm3
Energy
122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque
114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
repeatedly variable computerized
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.1 in
Size: 169.1 in
Width: 69.3 in
Top: 63.3–63.4 in
Passenger quantity: 94 ft3
Cargo quantity: 25 ft3
Curb weight (C/D est): 2700–2750 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 9.6 sec
100 mph: 36.5 sec
1/4 mile: 17.4 sec
High pace: 110 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Mixed/metropolis/freeway: 33/31/36 mpg
