Nissan Kicks Review: Is This Subcompact SUV Worth Buying in the USA?
For American buyers, however, the Nissan Kicks presents an interesting compromise: it is affordable, efficient, easy to maneuver, and well equipped, but it is not designed for drivers who prioritize strong acceleration or sporty performance.
This review combines automotive analysis with feedback from American owners and information from Nissan, the EPA, IIHS, and NHTSA.
Nissan Kicks at a Glance
The current-generation Kicks is positioned below larger Nissan SUVs such as the Rogue. For 2026, Nissan offers the Kicks in S, SV, and SR trims.
Nissan lists the 2026 Kicks with a starting MSRP of $22,730 for the S, $24,470 for the SV, and $27,565 for the SR, before destination and other charges. AWD versions carry additional cost. (Nissan USA)
| Category | 2026 Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Subcompact SUV |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 141 hp |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD / available AWD |
| Fuel economy | Up to 28/35 mpg city/highway |
| Starting MSRP | $22,730 |
| Seating | 5 |
| Ground clearance | 8.4 inches |
Nissan's official specifications identify the 2.0-liter engine as producing 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Xtronic CVT. (Nissan USA)
1. Exterior Design: One of the Kicks' Biggest Strengths
The previous-generation Kicks had a fairly conventional small-crossover appearance. The redesigned Kicks is substantially more distinctive.
Its wider body, relatively upright profile, aggressive front styling and available larger wheels give it a more expensive appearance than its price suggests.
This matters in the American market because buyers in this segment often compare the Kicks with vehicles such as the Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Trax, Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda HR-V.
The Kicks does not look like the cheapest vehicle in this group.
American owner perspective
Consumer feedback tends to support the styling.
Edmunds' owner reviews identify appearance, interior, comfort, fuel efficiency and handling among recurring positive themes. One 2025 Kicks SR owner described the vehicle as a "head turner" and particularly praised the 360-degree camera and interior. (Edmunds)
Kelley Blue Book's smaller sample is more mixed, but even there, styling and comfort score better than performance among owner evaluations. (Kelley Blue Book)
Automotive verdict: The Kicks looks more premium than its entry price suggests.
2. Engine and Performance: Adequate, Not Fast
The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is a major improvement over the smaller engine used in the previous generation.
With 141 hp and 140 lb-ft, the Kicks has enough output for commuting, urban driving and normal highway use. (Nissan USA)
But there is an important distinction:
The Kicks is economical transportation rather than a performance crossover.
The CVT is calibrated primarily for efficiency. When accelerating aggressively, engine rpm can rise noticeably before the vehicle builds speed.
This is the area where professional reviewers and owners can differ.
Edmunds rates the 2025 Kicks 6.5/10 and specifically identifies the powertrain as a weakness, describing the driving experience as held back by an underwhelming powertrain. (Edmunds)
However, several American owners have a more favorable view.
One Edmunds owner reported that the vehicle routinely delivered around 30 mpg and that highway merging and passing were acceptable for normal driving. Another owner described the Kicks as an effective commuter despite acknowledging that it is not especially powerful. (Edmunds)
My automotive interpretation
Both perspectives can be correct.
If you frequently:
accelerate aggressively,
carry five adults,
drive mountainous roads,
tow equipment, or
expect sporty acceleration,
the Kicks may feel underpowered.
But if your driving consists mostly of:
commuting,
suburban roads,
city traffic,
occasional highway trips,
141 hp is generally sufficient.
Performance rating: 6.5/10
3. Fuel Economy: A Major Reason to Consider the Kicks
Fuel efficiency is one of the strongest arguments for purchasing the Kicks.
Nissan lists the 2026 model at up to 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, depending on configuration. (Nissan USA)
That makes the Kicks particularly attractive to American commuters who want an SUV-like seating position without moving into a larger and less efficient crossover.
From an ownership-cost perspective, fuel economy can matter more than horsepower for a daily commuter.
For example, consider two drivers traveling 15,000 miles annually. A vehicle that consumes significantly more fuel can add hundreds of dollars per year to operating costs, depending on gasoline prices.
This is why the Kicks' modest engine should not automatically be interpreted as a disadvantage.
For its target customer, efficiency is more important than acceleration.
4. Ride and Handling
The Kicks is engineered primarily for urban and suburban driving.
Its relatively compact dimensions make it easy to:
park,
navigate narrow streets,
maneuver in shopping centers,
make U-turns,
and operate in crowded American cities.
Owners on Edmunds frequently mention handling, steering and ride quality as positive characteristics. (Edmunds)
However, some drivers may notice more road and tire noise than they would in a larger, more expensive SUV.
The trade-off is predictable:
small dimensions + reasonable price + large wheels = potentially firmer ride and more road noise.
That is not necessarily a defect; it is part of the Kicks' market positioning.
5. AWD Makes the New Kicks More Competitive
One of the biggest changes introduced with the second-generation Kicks was the availability of Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
That gives the Kicks a major advantage for buyers in regions where winter weather, rain and slippery roads are common.
Nissan says the AWD system is intended to help provide traction in slick conditions. (Nissan USA)
This does not transform the Kicks into an off-road vehicle.
Instead, think of AWD as an additional traction tool for:
snow,
rain,
gravel roads,
steep driveways,
and slippery surfaces.
For buyers in states such as Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota or parts of the Northeast, AWD can make the Kicks more appealing.
6. Ground Clearance
The 2026 Kicks has 8.4 inches of standard ground clearance, according to Nissan. Nissan positions this as higher than several leading competitors, including the Hyundai Kona and Chevrolet Trax. (Nissan USA)
This is useful for American buyers dealing with:
snow,
potholes,
steep parking ramps,
rough suburban roads,
and unpaved access roads.
Again, ground clearance should not be confused with serious off-road capability.
The Kicks remains a city-focused crossover.
7. Interior: Surprisingly Upscale
Perhaps the biggest transformation in the redesigned Kicks is inside the cabin.
The interior is considerably more modern than the previous generation, with available large displays, improved materials and a more contemporary dashboard.
Nissan offers features including:
NissanConnect infotainment,
wireless Apple CarPlay,
Intelligent Cruise Control,
available 360-degree camera technology,
advanced driver-assistance systems.
Nissan's 2026 model information specifically highlights the NissanConnect 12.3-inch infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay integration. (Nissan USA)
What American owners say
Edmunds owner feedback is particularly interesting here.
Several owners praise:
interior design,
comfort,
technology,
spaciousness,
infotainment,
and overall value. (Edmunds)
One owner described the interior as unusually luxurious for the class, while another praised the vehicle's comfort and technology. (Edmunds)
This is one of the Kicks' strongest selling points.
8. Cargo and Practicality
The Kicks isn't a large SUV, but it uses its footprint effectively.
Edmunds reports cargo capacity ranging from approximately 23.9 to 30.0 cubic feet, depending on configuration/measurement. (Edmunds)
That is enough for normal shopping, luggage and everyday family requirements.
The Kicks makes more sense for:
one or two adults + occasional passengers
than for:
a large family regularly carrying five adults and lots of luggage.
For buyers who need significantly more cargo capacity, stepping up to a compact SUV may be worthwhile.
9. Safety: A Strong Point, With an Important Caveat
Safety is one of the Kicks' more complicated areas.
The 2025 redesign earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for vehicles built after July 2024. (IIHS Crash Testing)
IIHS testing shows:
Good small-overlap front performance,
Good side-impact performance,
Good headlights,
Good pedestrian front-crash prevention,
Standard blind-spot detection,
Standard rear automatic braking.
However, the updated moderate-overlap front test received a Poor rating, particularly because of rear-passenger protection and restraint performance. (IIHS Crash Testing)
That means consumers should avoid interpreting "Top Safety Pick" as "perfect in every crash scenario."
Why this matters
Modern crash testing is becoming increasingly demanding.
A vehicle can perform very well in several categories while still exposing weaknesses in a particular test.
For buyers with children or frequent rear-seat passengers, this is worth investigating before purchasing.
10. Reliability: Should Buyers Be Concerned?
The second-generation Kicks is still relatively new, so long-term reliability data are naturally limited.
This is an important distinction.
A new vehicle can have:
good initial owner satisfaction,
few reported problems,
and excellent warranty coverage,
without having enough years of data to establish long-term durability.
American owner feedback for the 2025 model is mixed.
Edmunds currently shows an average consumer rating of about 3.9/5 from 20 owner reviews. Positive reviews frequently mention comfort, fuel economy, handling and appearance. (Edmunds)
But some owners have reported early electronic or quality-control problems.
For example, one owner reported dashboard/display issues shortly after purchase, while another described vibrations and interior assembly concerns. (Edmunds)
That doesn't establish a systemic reliability problem, but it does suggest that buyers of early production vehicles should inspect their vehicles carefully.
11. Recalls and Quality-Control Issues
Potential buyers should also check the VIN for outstanding recalls before purchasing a used or leftover 2025 Kicks.
NHTSA records show several campaigns involving certain 2025 Kicks vehicles.
One campaign involved incorrect GVWR/GAWR information on certification labels. NHTSA documentation identified approximately 37,003 affected vehicles in the United States. (NHTSA Static)
Another recall involved certain center information display units. The NHTSA report identified potentially affected 2025 Kicks vehicles produced during a specified manufacturing period. (NHTSA Static)
These recalls don't mean every Kicks is unreliable.
They do demonstrate why checking the VIN and confirming that recall repairs have been completed is an important part of the buying process.
12. 2025 vs. 2026 Nissan Kicks
For shoppers deciding between model years, the 2025 and 2026 Kicks are closely related because 2025 introduced the second generation.
The 2026 model continues with the same basic formula:
2.0-liter four-cylinder,
141 hp,
140 lb-ft,
CVT,
FWD,
available AWD,
modern technology,
and three primary trims.
The 2026 model starts at $22,730 before destination and other charges. (Nissan USA)
Should you buy a 2025?
A discounted 2025 can make sense if the dealer offers a meaningful price reduction.
But buyers should:
Check the VIN.
Verify recalls.
Confirm software updates.
Inspect the infotainment system.
Test the CVT under different conditions.
Check for unusual vibration or interior rattles.
A heavily discounted 2025 could potentially represent better value than paying substantially more for a newer model.
13. Nissan Kicks vs. Its Main Competitors
The Kicks competes in one of the most crowded parts of the American automotive market.
| Model | Major advantage | Potential disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Kicks | Price, efficiency, technology, AWD | Modest acceleration |
| Hyundai Kona | Strong technology and powertrain choices | Can become expensive with options |
| Chevrolet Trax | Spacious cabin and attractive pricing | Larger footprint |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | Reputation and practicality | Performance is not its specialty |
| Honda HR-V | Comfortable, refined driving | Higher pricing in some configurations |
| Subaru Crosstrek | AWD and versatility | Higher starting price |
The Kicks' strongest argument is not that it dominates every competitor.
Instead, it offers a well-balanced package at a relatively accessible price.
14. Who Should Buy the Nissan Kicks?
The Kicks makes the most sense for American buyers who prioritize:
✅ Fuel economy
Good efficiency makes it attractive for commuters.
✅ Affordable SUV ownership
It provides crossover styling without moving into a much more expensive compact SUV.
✅ Technology
The available infotainment and driver-assistance features are competitive for the segment.
✅ Easy city driving
Its compact dimensions make parking and urban maneuvering simple.
✅ AWD availability
This expands its appeal to buyers who experience snow or frequent rain.
✅ Styling
The redesigned exterior is considerably more distinctive than the previous Kicks.
15. Who Should Avoid It?
The Kicks may not be ideal if you prioritize:
❌ Fast acceleration
The 141-hp engine is adequate but not exciting.
❌ Heavy highway driving with frequent passing
Drivers who regularly carry passengers and luggage may want more power.
❌ Serious off-roading
Despite 8.4 inches of ground clearance and available AWD, this is still a subcompact crossover.
❌ Maximum rear-seat space
A larger compact SUV may be more appropriate for a growing family.
❌ Proven long-term reliability data
The second-generation Kicks hasn't been on the market long enough to provide extensive long-term ownership data.
16. Best Nissan Kicks Trim?
For many buyers, the SV is likely the sweet spot.
The base S keeps the purchase price low, while the SR adds a more premium appearance and additional equipment.
But the SV can provide a better balance between:
price + technology + comfort + equipment.
The SR makes more sense for buyers who care strongly about appearance and premium features.
For buyers in snowy regions, AWD may be worth prioritizing over cosmetic upgrades.
17. What American Owners Really Like
Looking across available owner reviews, several themes repeatedly appear.
Positive themes
1. Styling
Owners frequently like the redesigned appearance.
2. Fuel economy
Many owners consider the Kicks economical for everyday driving.
3. Interior
The cabin is frequently praised for looking and feeling better than expected at this price.
4. Comfort
Several owners describe the vehicle as comfortable for commuting.
5. Maneuverability
The compact size makes it easy to drive and park.
Edmunds' consumer review database reflects these recurring themes. (Edmunds)
18. What American Owners Don't Like
The complaints are also useful because they reveal where expectations can exceed the vehicle's capabilities.
Common concerns include:
modest acceleration,
road noise,
firm ride with certain wheel/tire configurations,
occasional electronic problems,
and questions about early build quality.
Interestingly, owner opinions about performance are not unanimous.
Some owners find the Kicks perfectly adequate for freeway driving, while professional testing tends to be more critical of the powertrain. (Edmunds)
That difference is important.
The Kicks isn't necessarily slow for normal commuting; it is simply not quick compared with stronger competitors.
19. Automotive Verdict
The redesigned Nissan Kicks is one of the more interesting choices in America's subcompact SUV market.
It succeeds because Nissan focused on the things many everyday drivers actually use:
fuel economy,
technology,
comfort,
styling,
affordability,
maneuverability,
and available AWD.
Its biggest weakness remains performance.
The 141-hp engine isn't designed to deliver exhilarating acceleration, and the CVT reinforces the vehicle's efficiency-first character. Professional testing has highlighted this weakness, while many owners say the performance is perfectly acceptable for ordinary commuting. (Edmunds)
Safety performance is generally encouraging, particularly the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, although the Poor result in the updated moderate-overlap front test deserves attention from safety-conscious buyers. (IIHS Crash Testing)
Overall rating: 8.0/10
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Exterior design | 8.5/10 |
| Interior | 8.5/10 |
| Comfort | 8/10 |
| Fuel economy | 8.5/10 |
| Technology | 8.5/10 |
| Handling | 7.5/10 |
| Performance | 6.5/10 |
| Practicality | 8/10 |
| Safety | 8/10 |
| Value | 8.5/10 |
| Overall | 8.0/10 |
Final Verdict: Is the Nissan Kicks Worth Buying?
Yes—if you understand what it is.
The Nissan Kicks is not a performance SUV. It is an affordable, efficient and technologically modern crossover designed primarily for everyday American driving.
For a young professional, commuter, small family, first-time SUV buyer or someone downsizing from a larger vehicle, the Kicks can be a very logical choice.
The strongest case for the Kicks is the combination of reasonable pricing, good fuel economy, modern styling, useful technology and available AWD.
The biggest reason to consider another vehicle is performance.
If you want an inexpensive SUV that gets you to work, handles city traffic, fits easily into parking spaces and doesn't consume excessive fuel, the Kicks deserves a test drive.
If you want strong acceleration, long-distance comfort with five adults, or a more engaging driving experience, competitors in the small-SUV segment may be better suited to your needs.
Bottom line: The Nissan Kicks is best understood not as an exciting SUV, but as a smart everyday transportation tool with surprisingly premium styling and technology for its price.
Primary & Credible References
Nissan USA — 2026 Nissan Kicks — official specifications, pricing and features. (Nissan USA)
Nissan USA — 2025 Kicks Specifications/Brochure — official engine and drivetrain specifications. (Nissan USA)
IIHS — 2025 Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings — independent crashworthiness and crash-avoidance testing. (IIHS Crash Testing)
NHTSA — 2025 Vehicle Safety Testing — U.S. federal vehicle safety testing information. (NHTSA)
NHTSA — 2025 Kicks Recall Documentation — official recall documentation. (NHTSA Static)
EPA — Fuel Economy Information — federal fuel-economy information and testing context. (US EPA)
Edmunds — 2025 Nissan Kicks Reviews — professional evaluation and American consumer reviews. (Edmunds)
Kelley Blue Book — 2025 Nissan Kicks Consumer Reviews — additional U.S. owner feedback. (Kelley Blue Book)
About the Author
David Mulyana is the founder and editor of AutoReviewUS, an independent automotive publication dedicated to delivering reliable reviews, industry news, buying guides, and expert insights. His work focuses on cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles (EVs), automotive technology, maintenance, and market trends in the United States and around the world.
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