If you are on the market for an SUV but don't have a big budget, the Nissan Kicks might be the one for you. It's got a lot of technology to offer for a subcompact crossover SUV. In this post, we did in-depth research about what makes the Nissan Kicks so attractive.
Unfortunately, all three trim levels (S, SV, and SR) of the latest 2022 Nissan Kicks don't have a 4-wheel drive configuration. This has been the trend even on previous Nissan Kicks models. However, the 1.6L inline-4 engine employs Nissan's Xtronic CVT, which drives the front wheels making the car fuel-efficient.
Even if there is no 4-wheel drive configuration for the Nissan Kicks, it packs a lot of advanced technology to make up for it. Let's take a closer look at all the bells and whistles this car has to offer. Read on!
Looks Department
The first thing you will notice on the new 2022 Nissan Kicks is the bold and aggressive front fascia. The oversized V-Motion and the sharply curved headlights with signature accents make the Nissan Kicks stand out in any setting.
The S and SV trim levels come with halogen headlights, while the SR trim comes with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED fog lamps.
On the side of the car, all three trim levels come with power side mirrors with added heating capabilities for the SV and SR trims. The SR also is the only trim among the three with a side mirror with LED integrated turn signals.
And when it comes to the wheels, the S trim comes with a 16-inch steel wheel with wheel covers, while the SV and SR trim come with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. All-wheel options come with blackwall all-season tires.
Cabin Comfort
Despite its apparent compact size, the Nissan Kicks sure does have a lot of cabin and cargo space. All seats are adult-size, giving you peace of mind for your passengers on the second-row, even if there is luggage. The S and SV trim comes with cloth seats, while the SR comes with sport cloth seats with orange accents.
If you go for the SR trim, Nissan also offers you the option to upgrade the seat fabric to their signature Prima-Tex™-appointed seats with orange accents. Prima-Tex™ is a leatherette fabric that mimics the qualities of genuine leather but at a fraction of the cost of genuine leather.
You also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel for additional comfort. Heating capabilities on the steering wheel and front-row seats are also available for upgrade.
Metallic accents complement the whole interior of the S and SV trims for a sleeker look. Meanwhile, black Prima-Tex™ accents with orange stitching are used on the interior of the SR trim for an even sportier feel and look.
Cargo space is pretty decent on the Nissan Kicks compared to other subcompact SUVs. Behind the second-row seats, you are guaranteed 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Due to its compact sizing, however, cargo versatility can be an issue on the Nissan Kicks. But that is to be expected, especially on these types of SUVs.
Infotainment
In terms of infotainment, the Nissan Kicks has some tricks up its sleeves. The S trim comes with a 7-inch color touch-screen display, while the SV and SR come with a NissanConnect® 8-inch touch-screen display.
NissanConnect® is a service app that allows you to remotely control car functions using your smartphone or smartwatch. The infotainment console is loaded with a bunch of software that will suit both Android and Apple users.
Apple Carplay and Android Auto are both available across all three trim levels. Nissan, however, added Siri Eyes Free. This additional comfort and connectivity for Apple device users.
Siri Eyes Free is a feature unique to iOS mobile devices only. It allows you to integrate your Apple device into the vehicle's navigation, audio, and voice recognition systems. So now you can safely use your iOS apps without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
Additional infotainment features that come standard across all three trim levels include:
- USB A ports (additional USB C for SV and SR trims)
- Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
- Audio system with six speakers
- Audio streaming via Bluetooth
- Illuminated controls on the steering wheel
Bose audio system is also available for upgrade on the Nissan Kicks, but only for the SR trim. You can upgrade your audio system to Bose Personal® Plus audio with eight speakers, including Bose UltraNearfield™, which are speakers located on the driver's headrest.
Driving Safety
Japanese manufacturers have always been known to jam their vehicles with the latest and greatest technology in terms of driving safety. And Nissan is not an exception. When it comes to the Kicks, you are guaranteed a lot of features that would provide safety and comfort along the road.
Here's a list of the driving assistance and safety technology you can expect from all three Nissan Kicks trims.
- Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- High Beam Assist
- Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control
- Rear Sonar System
Some safety features are only available on either SV, SR, or both trims. These features include:
- Automatic Brake Hold
- Intelligent Driver Alertness
- Intelligent Around View Monitor (SR trim only)
- Integrated Dynamics Control Module (SR trim only)
For such a small and compact vehicle, the Nissan Kicks sure does offer a lot of assurance in driving safety.
Engine Capability
There is only one engine option across all three trim levels of the Nissan Kicks. A 1.6L 4-cylinder DOHC engine capable of producing 122hp at 6,300 rpm and 114 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
As mentioned earlier, the engine employs Nissan's Xtronic CVT making the car fuel-efficient. Nissan also boasts that their Xtronic CVT offers rapid but seamless acceleration, giving you a much smoother ride.
When tested for zero to sixty mph, the Nissan Kicks clocked at a leisurely time of 9.7 seconds, which is what you would expect for this type of engine. Not a phenomenal result, but because of the Xtronic CVT and the suspension, driving around the city at low to medium speeds makes for a comfortable ride.
Are Nissan Kicks Fuel Efficient?
Despite its small tank of just 10.8 gallons, the Kicks delivered excellent results in fuel economy. According to the EPA, this vehicle can deliver a return of 31 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. That equates to just 3.0 gallons per 100 miles on the road.
For a vehicle that is in the subcompact SUV category, the Nissan Kicks is, for sure, a pretty fuel-efficient option.
What Is CVT?
A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) provides smooth and seamless ratio changes without the noticeable gear change "jolt" on conventional transmissions.
Conventional engine transmissions usually use a set of fixed gears that represent a ratio change. Meanwhile, CVT engines utilize a set of pulleys and a steel belt to mimic a ratio change. It achieves this feat by continuously adjusting the diameter of the drive pulley to execute a ratio change under the needs of the engine.
Because of the stepless shifting, CVT engines can avoid shift shocks, a common phenomenon with a conventional transmission.
What Is The Difference Between CVT and Xtronic CVT?
Nissan's very own Xtronic CVT technology further improves the standards of a CVT engine. Nissan claims that the Xtronic CVT improves dynamic performance and provides powerful acceleration. With a 30% faster response time compared to regular CVTs, you can expect that an engine with Xtronic CVT can provide instantaneous acceleration.
Fuel efficiency is also greatly improved when using Xtronic CVT. With an increase of up to 10% in fuel efficiency compared to standard CVTs.
How Much Does The 2022 Nissan Kicks Cost?
One of the things that makes the Nissan Kicks very attractive to potential buyers is the relatively competitive price tag. Prices for the S trim level start at around $19,800, while the SV trim level starts at $21,650. Even the highest trim level, the SR, starts at just $22,340, making it a budget-friendly option to potential buyers.
For just an additional $1,200, however, Nissan also offers a premium package for the SR. Added features like vehicle security system, cargo cover, Bose audio system, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and NissanConnect® with Wi-Fi Hotspot are included in the premium package.
To Wrap It Up
While the Nissan Kicks does not offer a 4-wheel drive configuration, it sure does make for it in terms of features and pricing. With an excellent fuel efficiency rating, a ton of driver safety technology, and that competitive price point makes the Nissan Kicks an appealing option to buyers that work within a budget.
So, if you are looking for a subcompact SUV loaded with safety features but do not see a necessity for off-roading capabilities, then the Nissan Kicks might just be for you. Drive safe!
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