Nissan Kicks: Features, Dimensions, Specs, & MPG Review
The Nissan Kicks is a small SUV that fits perfectly in busy cities. It came to North America in 2018. Many people love it because it saves gas and looks great. The price is good too. You get lots of features without spending too much money. This SUV works well for new car buyers and people who live in cities. It’s easy to park and drive every day. The Nissan Kicks gives you the high seating of an SUV. But it stays small enough to handle tight streets.
Why People Choose the Nissan Kicks
This SUV stands out from other small crossovers. It mixes style with smart features. The design catches your eye right away. But it also delivers real value.
Main reasons buyers pick this SUV:
- Sharp looks with bold front grille.
- Uses less gas than most SUVs.
- Costs less than similar vehicles.
- Fits five people comfortably.
- Comes with modern safety tools.
- Fun color choices available.
- Built for city streets.
- Easy to drive and park.
Size and Space Details
The outside measures 169 inches long. This makes it easy to squeeze into parking spots. The width is 69 inches. That’s narrow enough for city lanes. The height reaches 62 inches. You can fit it in most parking garages.
Exact Measurements
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 171.9 inches |
| Width | 70.9 inches |
| Height | 64.2 inches |
| Distance between wheels | 104.9 inches |
| Ground clearance | 8.4 inches |
| Weight | 2,672 to 2,754 pounds |
| Trunk space (seats up) | 25.3 cubic feet |
| Maximum cargo room (seats down) | 55.7 cubic feet |
Engine Power and Performance
A 2.0-liter engine sits under the hood. It makes 141 horsepower. The torque output is 140 lb-ft. These numbers work fine for daily driving. The engine focuses on saving fuel rather than raw speed.
Engine facts:
- Type: 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- Power: 141 horses
- Torque: 140 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT automatic
- Drive wheels: Front only
- City fuel use: 28 mpg
- Highway fuel use: 35 mpg
- Combined average: 31 mpg
- Gas tank size: 11.8 gallons
- Zero to 60 mph: About 9.5 seconds
- Top speed: 115 mph
Suspension and Wheels
The front uses independent struts. The rear has a beam setup. This combination gives a smooth ride. The steering uses electric power assist. It feels light in your hands.
Chassis details:
- Front setup: Independent strut design
- Rear setup: Torsion beam style
- Steering: Electric power assist
- Turning circle: 34.8 feet
- Front brakes: 11.6-inch ventilated discs
- Rear brakes: 11-inch solid discs
- Tire size: 205/55R17
- Wheels: 17-inch steel or alloy
Inside Features and Tech
The cabin looks nicer than you’d expect. Good materials fill the space. Everything sits where you need it. The controls make sense right away.
Screen and Phone Connection
A touchscreen sits in the middle. You can connect your phone easily. The system works with both iPhone and Android devices.
Tech you get:
- Screen: 7 or 8 inches
- Apple CarPlay: Standard feature
- Android Auto: Comes included
- Bluetooth: For calls and music
- USB ports: Multiple charging spots
- Sound system: Six speakers standard
- Premium audio: Bose option available
- Satellite radio: SiriusXM ready
- Voice control: Hands-free commands
- Wheel buttons: Easy reach controls
- Wireless charging: On some models
Comfort Options
Five adults fit inside comfortably. The seats support you well. Climate control keeps everyone happy. Many features usually cost extra elsewhere.
Comfort items:
- Seats: Five people total
- Front seats: Bucket style with good support
- Material: Cloth or upgraded fabric
- Temperature: Manual or automatic control
- Heated seats: Available up front
- Warm steering wheel: Optional feature
- Power windows: One-touch driver side
- Keyless entry: Standard feature
- Push start: On equipped models
- Folding seats: 60/40 split rear
- Rear legroom: 33.2 inches
- Front headroom: 39.9 inches
- Rear headroom: 38.3 inches
Storage Spaces
Small bins and pockets appear everywhere. You’ll find spots for drinks, phones, and bags. The trunk hides extra storage under the floor.
Places to store things:
- Center console: Large bin with armrest
- Cup holders: Multiple locations
- Door bins: Big enough for bottles
- Glove box: Standard size
- Seat pockets: Behind front seats
- Floor storage: Hidden compartment
- Cargo hooks: Keep bags secure
- Privacy cover: Hides your stuff
Safety Equipment
Protection comes standard on this SUV. Crash test scores look good. Many safety tools come on every model. You don’t pay extra for basic protection.
Main Safety Package
Nissan calls it Safety Shield 360. This bundle includes several smart features. They watch the road for you. Some can even take action automatically.
Shield 360 features:
- Auto braking: Stops for cars and people
- Blind spot alert: Shows hidden vehicles
- Cross traffic warning: Watches when backing up
- Lane alert: Warns about drifting
- Smart high beams: Switches automatically
- Rear brake assist: Prevents backup collisions
More Protection
Extra safety items come standard too. They protect you in different situations. Everything works together for maximum safety.
Additional safety gear:
- Airbags: Six total around cabin
- Child seat anchors: In rear seats
- Anti-lock brakes: Standard ABS system
- Stability control: Keeps you steady
- Traction control: Maintains grip
- Tire monitor: Checks air pressure
- Backup camera: Shows what’s behind
- Hill assist: Prevents rolling back
- Around view camera: Available 360-degree view
Model Choices
Several versions are available. Each level adds more features. You pick what matters most to you. The base model still includes plenty.
Different Levels
The lineup starts simple and builds up. Higher models add luxury touches. Sport versions get unique styling.
Common versions:
- S: Base with essentials
- SV: Middle choice with extras
- SR: Sport look and feel
- SV Premium: Enhanced comfort
- SR Premium: Top sport model
Extra Features
Upper models include nicer items. Premium packages add luxury. Sport versions look different outside.
Upgrades available:
- Bose speakers: Eight-speaker setup
- 360 camera: See all around
- Wireless charging: No cables needed
- Heated seats: Warm front seats
- Warm wheel: Heated steering
- Two-tone paint: Contrasting roof
- LED lights: Brighter headlights
- Alloy wheels: Better looking
- Nice interior: Better materials
- Auto climate: Set temperature once
What Makes It Different
Many small SUVs compete for buyers. But this one stands apart. It does some things better than rivals. Smart choices make it special.
Saves More Gas
Fuel economy beats most competitors. The engine sips gas slowly. Your wallet stays fuller at the pump.
Gas saving benefits:
- Best mpg: Tops the class
- Lower costs: Spend less on fuel
- Small tank: Still goes 350 miles
- Smart transmission: Maximizes efficiency
- Light weight: Helps save gas
Unique Style
The design grabs attention. It doesn’t look boring. Colors and shapes stand out. You won’t blend into traffic.
Style points:
- Floating roof: Two-tone look
- V-shaped grille: Nissan signature
- Curved lights: Front and rear
- Color options: Twelve choices available
- Body lines: Athletic appearance
- High stance: SUV presence
- Wheel designs: Multiple patterns
Better Value
Price beats many rivals. You get more for less money. Standard features usually cost extra elsewhere.
Value highlights:
- Lower price: Saves thousands
- Safety included: No extra charge
- Good warranty: Standard coverage
- Cheap insurance: Lower premiums
- Holds value: Strong resale
- Easy maintenance: Simple repairs
Daily Driving Life
Real ownership shows the true character. Cities suit this SUV perfectly. Parking is simple. Gas stops happen less often.
Everyday Use
Urban streets feel natural. The small size helps everywhere. Visibility stays excellent. Traffic becomes less stressful.
Daily driving notes:
- Smooth ride: Absorbs bumps well
- Quiet inside: Good insulation
- Easy parking: Fits tight spots
- Light steering: Less effort needed
- Enough power: Handles normal driving
- Transmission feel: Smooth most times
- Highway passing: Adequate but not quick
Long-Term Ownership
The mechanical design stays simple. Parts last a long time. Service costs remain reasonable. Dealers exist everywhere.
Ownership factors:
- Proven engine: Used across models
- Simple layout: Less to break
- Normal maintenance: Standard schedule
- Easy repairs: Common parts
- Many dealers: Service nearby
- Happy owners: Positive feedback
Conclusion
The Nissan Kicks works best for city drivers who want good gas mileage and affordable prices. It’s perfect for first-time buyers and people on budgets. The SUV delivers surprising space and modern safety features. Highway power stays adequate but not exciting. Off-road ability doesn’t exist. However, for urban life, this vehicle excels completely. The combination of efficiency, value, and practicality makes it a smart choice in the small SUV market.
