By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 29, 2018) Nissan just introduced a new subcompact crossover utility vehicle intended primarily for younger buyers. Nissan’s newest and smallest utility vehicle, called Kicks, carries the strong DNA of the brand’s other utility-vehicle offerings, most noticeably Rogue Sport.

A replacement for Nissan’s quirky Juke, the front-wheel-drive only Kicks is marketed as a crossover but lacks the all-wheel drive option found in many of its competitors. It’s also available with just one engine choice — a 125-horsepower non-turbocharged four-cylinder with an automatic CVT with simulated shift points.

Kicks is offered in a choice of three trim levels: The base S starts at just $17,990; mid level SV at $19,690; and SR at $20,290. We drove the SR in an attractive Cayenne Red body color and optional contrasting black roof ($150).

Nissan offers what they call “Color Studio,” with 12 pieces of the car — including the roof spoiler, rearview mirrors, door handles, wheel inserts and more — customizable in five colors.

The well equipped SR comes loaded with standard features like blind spot warning, Intelligent Key, attractive quilted sport cloth seat trim with contrasting color accents and stitching, push-button start, LED headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, around view exterior camera, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, remote engine start, rear-cross traffic alert, seven-inch touchscreen with navigation, fog lights, and a surprisingly good Bose audio system with speakers in the driver’s headrest.



After a weeklong test in and around the streets and highways of Phoenix, Ariz., these are a few of my impressions:

At just 2,670 pounds, the Kicks is light and the 125 horses are enough to zip around urban streets with ease. However, getting up to a necessary speed to merge onto the Interstate can be challenging, requiring the gas pedal to be punched all the way to the floor. The overall combined fuel economy of 33 mpg earns it best-of-class in its competitive set.

Ride quality is impressive and the cabin is quiet, other than under hard acceleration. The Kicks is not a sport or performance vehicle but handling delivered a mostly poised experience with confidence, and an acceptable amount of lean through curves, with a solid and balanced feel. The steering is light but precise and brakes equal to the task.

A few of its strongest high points are the much “roomier than you think” cabin, a surprisingly comfortable ride, and the ease of driving, handling, and especially parking. We also like the simple and easy-to-use operating controls with straightforward knobs and buttons for audio and climate control and most other functions. Tilt and telescoping steering is standard. There are enough power ports for your devices; Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard on upper trim levels.

The cabin in our SR was attractive. To be sure, there was ample hard plastic, but it was well executed with a matte finish. There’s no covered center console or center armrest, the emergency brake is the old-style pull handle, headliner is finished in “mouse fur,” and there’s no sun or panoramic roof option. There is a pull down armrest for the driver’s right arm.

Forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking come standard on all trim levels. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all but the base S and, surprisingly, it comes with a spare tire where most vehicles in its class do not.

Overall, there is a fun factor here with just enough utility, ample standard operational and safety features, a roomy interior front and back, all while delivering function, fashion, flair, and fuel economy at a bargain price.

If you’re looking for the best value in the subcompact segment, you should definitely put Kicks on your shopping list.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $17,990 - $20,290
Price as Tested: $21,630
Powertrain: 1.6-liter, 125 horsepower four-cylinder engine with an automatic CVT
Seating: 5

Crash Test Ratings: Not yet rated

Competes With:
Fiat 500X
Ford EcoSport
Hyundai Kona
Jeep Renegade
Mazda CX-3
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Fab Features
Loaded with standard features
Class leading fuel economy
Superb bang-for-the-buck value