In this video, I talk about the 2020 Nissan Kicks, compare it to the competition, go over the pros and cons, reliability, resale value, pricing, and trim information.
Basics
Exterior Styling
Interior
Size
Reliability
Resale Value
Pros
Cons
Price & Trim
Conclusion
Basics - Nissan Kicks is Nissan’s most affordable and smallest subcompact SUV and sits below the subcompact Rogue Sport. It was first introduced in 2018 in the US and is based off of the Nissan Versa sedan. The 2021 Kicks has not been revealed in the US yet but is expected to get a mid cycle refresh.
The big selling point for the Kicks is the low pricing. The 2020 Kicks starts at $19,070 and goes up to $21,320.
The Kicks is keeping it simple with a single engine choice which is a 1.6L normally aspirated 4 cylinder producing 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels. There’s no all wheel drive available.
While 122 horsepower may sound weak, it’s enough to get the Kicks from zero to 60 miles per hour in 9.7 seconds. It’s a very light vehicle weighing only about 2700 lbs.
Unfortunately in the US, we don’t get the Kicks e-Power version which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor.
Let’s compare the Kicks to other subcompact crossovers that’s near its price range. First, it’s nice that there are multiple options under $20,000. The Kicks is competitive in the horsepower rating for this group. The turbocharged options offer more torque so if you’re interested in more power, look at the Chevy Trailblazer or the Trax.
The CVT in the Kicks is pretty much expected since the majority of Nissan’s vehicles use this fuel saving transmission.
And the Kicks delivers excellent fuel economy of 31 city, 36 highway, 33 combined MPG. That’s best in class and significantly better than the turbocharged competitors.
The Kicks has 7 inches of ground clearance. That’s average for this class. The Kicks is not rated for towing.
Styling
I much prefer the looks of the Kicks over the Trax, Ecosport and the Venue. The two tone paint scheme is an additional $250 to $595 and really makes the Kicks pop.
Interior - Inside, the Kicks interior is contemporary and hip. There’s a modern infotainment center screen with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can even get a Bose audio system. There’s even a flat-bottom steering wheel to make you feel a little bit sporty.
Size - There’s a reason why consumers are buying more SUVs and crossovers over traditional sedans. They are so practical. Let’s get into the numbers. The Nissan Kicks has 40.7” of front headroom and 38.5” of rear headroom. The front legroom is 43.7” and the rear legroom is 33.2”. The space in the front seats are best in class and are on the level of many compact SUVs out there. The rear legroom is on the smaller side so make sure you check it out and see if it fits your needs.
The cargo space for the Nissan Kicks is 25.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 53.1 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The cargo volume is one of the best in the segment. To put this in perspective, the Versa sedan which the Kicks shares the same platform with, is 8 inches longer in length than the Kicks but has 15 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s no wonder the Kicks outsells the Versa 2 to 1.
Reliability - According to a leading nonprofit consumer publication, the 2020 Nissan Kicks is expected to have average reliability.
Crash ratings - According to IIHS (insurance institute for highway safety) the Nissan Kicks has a good safety rating for crash testing.
Resale Value - I was surprised at how well the Nissan Kicks retains its value. The 2 year expected resale value for the 2020 Kicks is 80% of its original price.
Pros -Nissan nailed the important things buyers care about like styling, spaciousness, fuel economy, infotainment, and safety features. Kicks has a lot of space inside, even for taller drivers. There’s a good amount of cargo space as well. You get Nissan’s famous zero gravity seats so you won’t compromise on seat comfort.
Cons - The lack of all wheel drive is the biggest drawback of the Kicks.
Price and Trim - The 2020 Nissan Kicks starts at $19,070 for the base S trim. This includes the driver assistance tech (auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear automatic braking & rear cross traffic alert),
The Kicks SV trim starts at $20,700 and adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, driver alertness, 17” alloy wheels, heated mirrors, roof rails, automatic climate control, remote start, and satellite radio.
The top trim Kicks SR starts at $21,320 and adds LED headlights, fog lights, dark chrome grille, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear roof spoiler, sport cloth seats with orange stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 360 degree camera.
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