Many elements make it clear that this target audience was a design directive, rather than a marketing tagline, as is so often the case when trying to characterize a car. (Keep this in mind as we explore the car below, as it explains some facets.)
To that end, Nissan turned to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the Sentra small sedan to replace the 1.6-liter engine found in the previous generation, rather than a pricier turbocharged powerplant. The Kicks is EPA-rated at 31 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive model and 30 mpg combined for AWD versions.
Prices start at $21,830 for the S trim in front drive, climbing to $23,680 for the SV, and peaking at $27,680 for the SR with AWD.
Its competition is a growing legion of small hatchbacks and subcompact SUVs that include the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Venue, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla Cross.
We bought an SV AWD for our test program, but to experience the more premium configuration, we rented an SR AWD from Nissan. Our first drive below is based on weeks spent with both versions.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Nissan Kicks is available to you below. Once we complete 2,000 break-in miles on our SV, we’ll put the Kicks through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.
If you haven’t signed up to be a member yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test.
Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road-test results.
What we bought: 2025 Nissan Kicks SV AWD
Powertrain: 141-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; continuously variable transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $25,330
Options: Splash guards ($250), floor mats ($190)
Destination fee: $1,390
Total cost: $27,160
