What's New
The 2020 Nissan Kicks is a compact crossover that makes no qualms about its lack of adventurous outdoor attitude – this is an urban runabout. For the new model year, all trims receive the Nissan Safety Shield 360 bundle of safety features as standard. This includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more.
While the Kicks debuted in the 2018 model year, the subcompact crossover market has expanded considerably since. This pits the Kicks against several other stylish and practical alternatives.
Choosing Your Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is available in three trims: S, SV, and SR. The base model starts at $19,965 including destination, while the SR only tops out at $22,215.
Engine Choices
The Kicks is motivated by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a continuously variable transmission, per usual with Nissan. Front-wheel drive is standard, and there is no option of all-wheel drive.
While the powertrain has lackluster get-up-and-go performance, the Kicks receive a good EPA-estimated 31 miles per gallon city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 combined.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The urban-minded Nissan Kicks offers seating for five, but that will be a stretch if three adults try to fit in the back. Cargo room is generous at 25.3 cubic feet with the rear seat up, or 32.3 with it folded down. For comparison, the Honda HR-V only has 24.3 cubic feet of space behind its rear seat, but that expands to 58.8 with it out of the picture.
Safety Features
The Kicks receives additional standard safety equipment for 2020. With Nissan Safety Shield 360 present, all models receive automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
In a move that puts it above many other makes and models, the Kicks also comes standard with rear automatic braking. The SV also includes a driver alertness monitor, while the SR adds a surround-view camera system as standard.
Connectivity
The Kicks features a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth and three total USB ports. Unfortunately, you have to upgrade to the SV to unlock Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as satellite radio.
The S meets the general expectations of a base vehicle at this price point. It comes with 16-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights, a six-way manual driver seat, and a four-way manual front passenger seat, which all serve as reminders that greater things require more money. However, it does get standard power side mirrors, push-button start, remote keyless entry, and cruise control.
The Kicks SV trim is well worth the upgrade in our opinion, with features like the better infotainment system, remote start, and automatic temperature control included. The exterior is enhanced with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and heated side mirrors as standard.
The top-of-the-line SR trim is distinguished visually by its LED headlights, a dark chrome grille, fog lights, black side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a rear spoiler. Inside, sport seats are dressed up with orange accents and stitching, while the steering wheel and shifter are wrapped in leather.
The SR Premium Package is offered for $1,000 and includes heated front seats, leatherette seating, a vehicle security system, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.
Compare Kicks Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 Nissan Kicks SV provides the practical features that make it easier to live with on a daily basis, so we'd start our shopping there. Keep in mind that the SR also includes better headlights, fog lights, and added style for a relatively small price increase.