Nissan Kicks Review: Is It Worth Buying?

Hey guys! Are you looking for a subcompact SUV that’s stylish, fuel-efficient, and won’t break the bank? Then the Nissan Kicks might be on your radar. But is it really worth the hype? Let’s dive deep into this Nissan Kicks review and find out!

What is Nissan Kicks?

The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV that was first introduced in 2016 as a replacement for the Nissan Juke. It's known for its funky styling, fuel efficiency, and affordable price point. The Kicks is marketed towards young, urban drivers looking for a practical and stylish ride. Over the years, it has received updates to its features, technology, and design, making it a competitive option in the crowded subcompact SUV market. The Nissan Kicks has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on value and efficiency, appealing to budget-conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on style or modern amenities. This makes the Kicks a popular choice for first-time car buyers, city dwellers, and anyone looking for an economical and reliable vehicle.

Exterior Design: Stand Out or Blend In?

First impressions matter, right? The Nissan Kicks definitely has a distinctive look. Its bold V-motion grille and floating roof design give it a modern, almost futuristic vibe. You'll notice the sharp lines and sculpted body panels that make it stand out from the more generic-looking SUVs in its class. The Kicks offers a range of vibrant color options, including two-tone paint schemes, allowing you to personalize your ride and express your style. Whether you love it or hate it, the Kicks' exterior design is definitely eye-catching. Beyond just looks, the exterior is also designed with practicality in mind. The high ride height provides good visibility, and the compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight city streets and parking spaces. The rear liftgate opens wide, providing easy access to the cargo area, making it convenient for loading and unloading groceries or luggage. Overall, the exterior design of the Nissan Kicks is a well-thought-out blend of style and functionality, designed to appeal to a younger, more urban-oriented demographic. The sporty aesthetic combined with practical features makes it a compelling choice for those looking to make a statement on the road while still enjoying the benefits of a compact SUV.

Interior Comfort and Features: Cozy or Cramped?

Stepping inside, the Nissan Kicks offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on longer drives. You'll find plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, making it suitable for families or those who frequently travel with passengers. The interior design is modern and functional, with a clean layout and intuitive controls. The use of quality materials throughout the cabin gives it a premium feel, especially considering its affordable price point. The dashboard is well-organized, with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation features. In terms of features, the Nissan Kicks comes well-equipped with a range of standard and available amenities. You can expect to find features like automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, and a rearview camera. Higher trims offer additional luxuries such as a premium sound system, heated front seats, and a surround-view monitor. The cargo area is also surprisingly spacious, offering ample room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo space expands even further, making it versatile enough to handle a variety of hauling needs. Overall, the interior of the Nissan Kicks is a comfortable and well-appointed space that punches above its weight class. It offers a blend of practicality, technology, and comfort that makes it a great value for the price.

Performance and Handling: Zippy or Sluggish?

Alright, let’s talk about what’s under the hood. The Nissan Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower. Now, that might not sound like much, but it’s actually decent for a car this size. The Kicks is surprisingly zippy around town, thanks to its lightweight design and responsive continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT provides smooth and seamless acceleration, making it easy to merge onto highways and navigate through city traffic. While it's not going to win any drag races, the Kicks offers adequate power for everyday driving needs. In terms of handling, the Kicks is nimble and easy to maneuver. The steering is light and precise, making it a breeze to navigate tight corners and parking spaces. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and compliant ride over bumps and rough roads. It's not the sportiest SUV on the market, but it's certainly comfortable and predictable. One of the standout features of the Nissan Kicks is its fuel efficiency. It gets excellent gas mileage, both in the city and on the highway, making it a great choice for commuters and those looking to save money at the pump. The combination of a fuel-efficient engine, lightweight design, and aerodynamic body contributes to its impressive fuel economy. Overall, the Nissan Kicks offers a balanced and practical driving experience. It's not the most powerful or sporty SUV, but it's efficient, comfortable, and easy to drive, making it a great choice for urban dwellers and those looking for an affordable and reliable vehicle.

Fuel Efficiency: Save Money at the Pump

One of the biggest selling points of the Nissan Kicks is its amazing fuel efficiency. We're talking around 31 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway! That's seriously impressive for an SUV, and it can save you a ton of money on gas over the long run. The Kicks achieves its impressive fuel economy through a combination of factors, including its lightweight design, efficient engine, and aerodynamic body. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) also plays a role, as it helps to keep the engine operating at its most efficient RPM range. In real-world driving, you can expect to get very close to the EPA estimates, especially if you're primarily driving in the city. The Kicks is a great choice for commuters, students, and anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, owning a fuel-efficient vehicle like the Kicks can provide peace of mind and help you budget your expenses more effectively. The savings on fuel can add up significantly over time, making the Kicks a smart financial decision in the long run. Overall, the Nissan Kicks is a leader in its class when it comes to fuel efficiency, offering a compelling combination of practicality, affordability, and environmental responsibility. The ability to save money on gas while still enjoying the benefits of an SUV makes it a popular choice for a wide range of drivers.

Technology and Safety: Stay Connected and Protected

In today's world, technology and safety are more important than ever. The Nissan Kicks doesn't disappoint in these areas. It comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. You'll also find a range of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features can help to prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Higher trims offer even more advanced technology and safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control system can automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while the surround-view monitor provides a 360-degree view of your surroundings, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The rear cross-traffic alert system can detect vehicles approaching from the side when you're backing out of a parking space, helping to prevent collisions. Overall, the Nissan Kicks offers a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features that enhance both convenience and peace of mind. The combination of advanced infotainment features and driver-assistance technologies makes it a well-rounded and modern vehicle that's equipped to handle the challenges of today's roads. The focus on safety and technology reflects Nissan's commitment to providing customers with a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Find the Right Fit for Your Budget

The Nissan Kicks comes in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and equipment. The base trim, typically the S model, offers a great value with standard features like a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic emergency braking. Moving up to the SV trim adds features like alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and blind-spot monitoring. The top-of-the-line SR trim includes premium features like LED headlights, a premium sound system, and a surround-view monitor. Pricing for the Nissan Kicks is very competitive, making it one of the most affordable SUVs on the market. The base trim starts at a low price, while the higher trims offer more features for a slightly higher price. The Kicks offers a great value proposition, with a lot of features for the money. When choosing a trim level, consider your budget and the features that are most important to you. If you're looking for the best value, the base trim is a great option. If you want more features and luxuries, the higher trims are worth considering. No matter which trim you choose, the Nissan Kicks offers a compelling combination of affordability, practicality, and style. The range of trim levels allows you to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers. The competitive pricing and generous feature set make the Nissan Kicks a standout in the subcompact SUV segment.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Pros:

• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Affordable price point
• Stylish design
• Spacious interior
• User-friendly technology

Cons:

• Engine could be more powerful
• All-wheel drive is not available
• Some competitors offer more cargo space

Final Verdict: Should You Buy a Nissan Kicks?

So, is the Nissan Kicks worth buying? If you're looking for a fuel-efficient, affordable, and stylish subcompact SUV, then the answer is a resounding yes! It's perfect for city dwellers, commuters, and anyone who wants a practical and reliable vehicle without breaking the bank. While it might not be the most powerful or luxurious SUV on the market, it offers a great value for the price. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a Nissan Kicks depends on your individual needs and preferences. But if you're looking for a budget-friendly SUV that's packed with features and offers excellent fuel economy, then the Kicks is definitely worth considering. So go ahead, take it for a test drive, and see if it's the right fit for you!