Overview
Nissan’s 2023 Kicks is a small SUV with a similarly small price tag tag. No shame there. It’s strictly an on-roader thanks to its basic underpinnings and absence of readily available all-wheel drive. The Kicks’ interior is at the pretty the very least realistic and cargo-welcoming, especially with its rear seats folded down. All models come with the exact 122-hp four-cylinder, entrance-wheel push, and continually-variable automated transmission (CVT). Acceleration is poky, we’ll admit, but its lethargy is fewer apparent when driving all around city. At minimum its gas effectiveness is overall economy-vehicle frugal. If you want extra energy and refinement you are going to have to pay out far more for autos like the Mazda CX-30 and the Volkswagen Taos. The Kicks’ economical cost, while, helps make it attractive to price range consumers, and people drivers won’t discover they have to make compromises when it will come to infotainment and driver-assistance tech, as Nissan offers a whole lot of these attributes as common.
What’s New for 2023?
Nissan has produced no alterations to its tiniest crossover for the 2023 model year. The Kicks carries around with the exact three trim levels and readily available characteristics as previous year’s model.
Pricing and Which Just one to Invest in
The Kicks is nicely-equipped even at the foundation S trim stage, which contains a host of typical driver-aid functions. We might spring for the mid-vary SV it adds fascinating things these kinds of as the new 8.-inch infotainment screen, adaptive cruise manage, 17-inch wheels, and a heart-console armrest.
Engine, Transmission, and General performance
Each 2023 Kicks model is driven by a 122-hp 4-cylinder engine that delivers hardly adequate acceleration. A continuously variable computerized transmission (CVT) handles shifting responsibilities and drives the entrance wheels all-wheel push is not provided. If the leisurely 9.7-2nd jog to 60 mph will make the Kicks audio sluggish, which is for the reason that it is. Nevertheless, the take a look at results we recorded are only half the tale. About town, it feels remarkably perky, so very long as you might be ready to press deep into the throttle and allow the engine rev. The Kicks is nimble and additional entertaining to toss about than some larger sized SUVs, but it is no thrill experience on a twisty street. The suspension is tuned for comfort, and it supplied a properly-cushioned ride even above the pitted and crumbling roadways close to our offices in southeast Michigan. The steering is immediate and correct, but there’s incredibly small opinions that will come up from the road to the driver’s fingers.
Gas Economy and Real-Entire world MPG
The Kicks has attained exceptional EPA fuel-economy scores of 31 mpg city and 36 mpg freeway in our 75-mph real-earth freeway gas-economic system test, it sipped gas extra like an financial state car or truck than an SUV. Its 37-mpg outcome tied with the Toyota C-HR. Regardless of its stellar final result in our check, the small 10.8-gallon gas tank abbreviates its cruising variety. For more information and facts about the Kicks’ gas economy, stop by the EPA’s site.
Interior, Convenience, and Cargo
Inside styling is a lot less stylish than the exterior structure, but it the Kicks is perfectly-designed, appears to be developed-up, and has a consumer-welcoming inside. An grownup-sized rear seat means it can haul individuals and cargo devoid of the cramped feeling just one may possibly experience in rivals these kinds of as the C-HR. Splashes of coloration all through the cabin do a nice work of breaking up the monotony of what would usually be an all-black inside. Inspite of its smaller size, the Kicks amazed us with its effects in our cargo exams, matching and beating some much larger rivals. We managed to healthy 19 of our carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded. Small-item storage is at a premium in the cargo space and the back seat, but entrance-seat occupants will never see the pinch thanks to substantial door pockets and a massive glovebox.
The Car or truck and Driver Variation
Infotainment and Connectivity
Nissan’s infotainment method is not among the most lovely interfaces on the sector nowadays, but it is really intuitive and uncomplicated to study. We want some of the on-display icons were more substantial and a lot easier to actuate when driving but, total, the procedure is intuitive. The base Kicks S will come with a 7.-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity though the mid-variety SV and the prime-spec SR get an 8.-inch display, an more USB-C port, and access to Nissan’s NissanConnect telematics and concierge process. Buyers of the SR can order the optional Premium offer, which adds a Bose stereo program and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
How to Acquire and Preserve a Automobile
Protection and Driver-Aid Attributes
Nissan offers a host of regular driver-guidance engineering, and automated unexpected emergency braking is standard across the vary. For more information and facts about the Kicks’ crash-take a look at outcomes, check out the National Highway Site visitors Basic safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance policy Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) internet websites. Critical basic safety options incorporate:
- Standard automated unexpected emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Normal lane-departure warning
- Accessible adaptive cruise control
Guarantee and Maintenance Protection
Nissan presents a wholly average guarantee package deal. Drivers who will need greater-mileage security should take into consideration the Kia Soul and its field-most effective powertrain warranty, and individuals who favor complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage could possibly be intrigued in the C-HR.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty handles 5 many years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Technical specs
Requirements
2021 Nissan Kicks
Car or truck Style
front-engine, entrance-wheel-travel, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
Base Rate
$20,595
Motor Kind
DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, immediate gasoline injection
Displacement
98 in3, 1598 cm3
Electric power
122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque
114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
constantly variable computerized
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 103.1 in
Duration: 169.1 in
Width: 69.3 in
Height: 63.3–63.4 in
Passenger volume: 94 ft3
Cargo quantity: 25 ft3
Suppress pounds (C/D est): 2700–2750 lb
Overall performance (C/D EST)
60 mph: 9.6 sec
100 mph: 36.5 sec
1/4 mile: 17.4 sec
Major velocity: 110 mph
EPA Fuel Economy (C/D EST)
Combined/metropolis/freeway: 33/31/36 mpg
More Functions and Specs