2023 Nissan Kicks Evaluation, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

Nissan’s 2023 Kicks is a tiny SUV with a equally tiny price ticket. No disgrace there. It’s strictly an on-roader because of its easy underpinnings and lack of accessible all-wheel drive. The Kicks’ inside is on the very least sensible and cargo-friendly, particularly with its rear seats folded down. All fashions include the identical 122-hp four-cylinder, front-wheel drive, and continuously-variable computerized transmission (CVT). Acceleration is poky, we’ll admit, however its lethargy is much less noticeable when driving round city. At the least its gasoline effectivity is economy-car frugal. If you’d like extra energy and refinement you’ll should pay extra for autos just like the Mazda CX-30 and the Volkswagen Taos. The Kicks’ reasonably priced worth, although, makes it engaging to finances consumers, and people drivers received’t discover they should make compromises on the subject of infotainment and driver-assistance tech, as Nissan presents quite a lot of these options as commonplace.

What’s New for 2023?

Nissan has made no adjustments to its tiniest crossover for the 2023 mannequin yr. The Kicks carries over with the identical three trim ranges and out there options as final yr’s mannequin.

Pricing and Which One to Purchase

The Kicks is well-equipped even on the base S trim stage, which features a host of ordinary driver-assistance options. We would spring for the mid-range SV; it provides fascinating gadgets akin to the brand new 8.0-inch infotainment show, adaptive cruise management, 17-inch wheels, and a center-console armrest.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

Each 2023 Kicks mannequin is powered by a 122-hp four-cylinder engine that gives barely satisfactory acceleration. A repeatedly variable computerized transmission (CVT) handles shifting duties and drives the entrance wheels; all-wheel drive shouldn’t be provided. If the leisurely 9.7-second jog to 60 mph makes the Kicks sound gradual, that is as a result of it’s. Nonetheless, the take a look at outcomes we recorded are solely half the story. Round city, it feels surprisingly perky, as long as you are keen to push deep into the throttle and let the engine rev. The Kicks is nimble and extra enjoyable to throw round than some bigger SUVs, however it’s no thrill trip on a twisty street. The suspension is tuned for consolation, and it supplied a well-cushioned trip even over the pitted and crumbling roads round our places of work in southeast Michigan. The steering is direct and correct, however there’s little or no suggestions that comes up from the street to the driving force’s fingers.

Gas Financial system and Actual-World MPG

The Kicks has earned wonderful EPA fuel-economy rankings of 31 mpg metropolis and 36 mpg freeway; in our 75-mph real-world highway fuel-economy test, it sipped gasoline extra like an economic system automobile than an SUV. Its 37-mpg outcome tied with the Toyota C-HR. Regardless of its stellar lead to our take a look at, the tiny 10.8-gallon gasoline tank abbreviates its cruising vary. For extra details about the Kicks’ gasoline economic system, go to the EPA’s website.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

Inside styling is much less fashionable than the outside design, however it the Kicks is well-built, seems to be grown-up, and has a user-friendly inside. An adult-sized rear seat means it could haul folks and cargo with out the cramped feeling one would possibly expertise in rivals such because the C-HR. Splashes of shade all through the cabin do a pleasant job of breaking apart the monotony of what would in any other case be an all-black inside. Regardless of its small dimension, the Kicks impressed us with its ends in our cargo exams, matching and beating some bigger rivals. We managed to suit 19 of our carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded. Small-item storage is at a premium within the cargo space and the again seat, however front-seat occupants will not discover the pinch because of massive door pockets and a big glovebox.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Nissan’s infotainment system shouldn’t be among the many most stunning interfaces in the marketplace at present, however it’s intuitive and straightforward to study. We want a few of the on-screen icons had been bigger and simpler to actuate whereas driving however, total, the system is intuitive. The bottom Kicks S comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity whereas the mid-range SV and the top-spec SR get an 8.0-inch show, an additional USB-C port, and entry to Nissan’s NissanConnect telematics and concierge system. Consumers of the SR can order the non-obligatory Premium package deal, which provides a Bose stereo system and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Nissan offers a number of ordinary driver-assistance technology, and automatic emergency braking is commonplace throughout the vary. For extra details about the Kicks’ crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:

• Commonplace automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Commonplace lane-departure warning
• Accessible adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Nissan presents an entirely common guarantee package deal. Drivers who want higher-mileage safety ought to take into account the Kia Soul and its industry-best powertrain guarantee, and those that choose complimentary scheduled upkeep protection could be within the C-HR.

• Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled upkeep

More Features and Specs