NISSAN’S ALL-NEW KICKS – AFFORDABLE. PRACTICAL. FUN.

NISSAN’S ALL-NEW KICKS

AFFORDABLE. PRACTICAL. FUN.

Americans yearn for affordable, economical, high-value cars, so it is no wonder that quarterly sales of the second-generation Nissan Kicks were up 47% from a year ago.

The Kicks appeals to budget-conscious buyers, urban drivers, and first-time car owners, starting at $21,765 for a base model to $25,565 for the top-tier SR Premium. Its compact size, efficient powertrain, and modern features make it a strong contender for those seeking a reliable and economical vehicle.

Cabin: functional, modern

The Kicks’ cabin emphasizes functionality and simplicity. Hard plastics dominate the interior, but the design remains clean and user-friendly. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system are easy to read, intuitive, and integrate with wireless phones.

Affordable at the dealership and frugal at the gas pumps, the Kicks is a lovely urban vehicle but would not be a top-five choice for travel. Front row comfort is adequate, with supportive seats and decent headroom, though rear seat space feels tight for taller passengers.

The Kicks has the largest cargo capacity in its class, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it suitable for grocery runs or short trips. Available features like wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system add convenience, though the overall cabin lacks the premium feel of some competitors.

As Edmunds notes, the Kicks offers “a straightforward and practical interior that prioritizes value over luxury,” making it a practical choice for cost-conscious buyers.

Powertrain: efficient, adequate, outdated

The 2024 Kicks features a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup delivers 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for city driving but struggling on highways or steep inclines. 

The Interwebs are full of whining and gnashing of teeth over CVTs, but these transmissions are not fundamentally flawed from an engineering standpoint. Developed for sawmills in the 19^th century, CVTs are belts around two wheels that adjust closer or further apart to provide an infinite range of ratios. 

Lighter and always in the right gear, CVTs provide seamless shifts and improved fuel efficiency. The Kicks does just that, delivering an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined (31 city/36 highway).

CVTs work best under lighter loads, so towing is not their forte. They do require fluid changes every few years.

The fundamental weakness in the Kick’s driveline is what is not there. Conventional wisdom is that salespeople run Nissan, while at Honda, Toyota, and Subaru engineers are running the show.

Engineers understand that hybrids improve efficiency and reliability, but Nissan has never developed one. Key competitors in the Kicks’ price range do and are delivering more than 50 mpg; that’s a 50% increase in fuel efficiency.

Ride and handling acceptable

The Kicks prioritizes comfort over sportiness, with a suspension tuned to effectively absorb bumps and rough roads. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. However, a lack of power becomes apparent during highway merging or passing maneuvers, which require aforethought.

Car and Driver describes the Kicks as “a competent city cruiser with a focus on comfort and ease of use,” highlighting its suitability for urban environments rather than spirited driving.

Safety: Solid, but competitors better

The 2024 Kicks earns a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and includes a suite of standard safety features, such as:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Rear automatic braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-departure warning

Upgrades include a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control. Still, lane-keep assistance is not available at any cost. This feature reduces the chances of the two most lethal accidents: rollovers and head-ons. It is standard on many brands.

Nissan backs the Kicks with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Predicted reliability scores from Consumer Reports are average, with no significant maintenance issues reported. Depreciation should be moderate.

Plenty of competitors

The Kicks holds its own in a crowded field. Key players:

Kia Soul

• Price Range: $19,790 – $27,890
• Powertrain: 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (147 hp)
• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 28 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
• Cargo Room: 24.2 cubic feet
• Strengths: Spacious interior, unique styling, excellent warranty
• Weaknesses: Less advanced safety features, average fuel economy

Mazda CX-30

• Price Range: $23,225 – $34,305
• Powertrain: 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (186 hp)
• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 24 MPG city / 31 MPG highway
• Cargo Room: 20.2 cubic feet
• Strengths: Luxurious interior, engaging handling, advanced safety features
• Weaknesses: Smaller cargo space, higher starting price

Hyundai Kona

• Price Range: $23,085 – $32,085
• Powertrain: 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (147 hp)
• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 30 MPG city / 35 MPG highway
• Cargo Room: 19.2 cubic feet
• Strengths: Modern technology, efficient powertrain options, affordable pricing
• Weaknesses: Less passenger space, limited cargo capacity

Chevrolet Trax

• Price Range: $22,595 – $24,395
• Powertrain: 1.2L 3-cylinder engine (137 hp)
• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 24 MPG city / 32 MPG highway
• Cargo Room: 21.6 cubic feet
• Strengths: Affordable price, spacious cargo area, easy maneuverability
• Weaknesses: Weak acceleration, below-average interior quality

Toyota Corolla Cross (non-hybrid)

• Price Range: $24,035 – $29,560
• Powertrain: 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (169 hp)
• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 31 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
• Cargo Room: 26.5 cubic feet
• Strengths: Excellent fuel economy, spacious interior, solid reliability
• Weaknesses: Mediocre acceleration, noisy engine

Toyota Corolla Cross (hybrid)

• Price Range: $28,395 – $31,580
• Powertrain: 2.0L 4-cylinder engine + electric motor (194 hp)
• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 53 MPG city / 52 MPG highway
• Cargo Room: 25.5 cubic feet
• Strengths: Outstanding fuel efficiency, smooth ride, advanced safety features
• Weaknesses: Less cargo space than the non-hybrid model, higher price

VW Taos

• Price Range: $25,940 – $38,305
• Powertrain: 1.5L 4-cylinder engine (158 hp)
• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: 28 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
• Cargo Room: 27.9 cubic feet
• Strengths: Refined interior, advanced safety features, spacious cargo area
• Weaknesses: Smaller rear seats, higher starting price

Toyota’s Corolla Cross Hybrid is the clear value leader despite its higher cost. The EPA, for example, estimates that a Kicks will cost $1,500 a year in gasoline and the Cross Hybrid around $800, a difference of $3,500 over five years. The Toyota is also the hands-down winner in predicted reliability and resale value.

The actual purchase price, however, might be a dealmaker. A lower one means lower payments. Every $1,000 borrowed on a four-year note adds $23 a month. According to Car Edge.com, if Nissan turned off the lights at the Kicks assembly plant in Aquascallentes, Mexico today, it would still have enough sitting on lots around the country to last 165 days.

In contrast, Toyota, which builds the Corolla Cross in Alabama, has less than a month’s supply flowing through the logistics chain, so the only way to buy one is to order and wait. One suspects a Nissan dealer might prove the more motivated seller.

At the right price, a 2024 Nissan Kicks is a smart option in the subcompact crossover segment.