2020 Nissan Kicks review
Nissan Kicks highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Thrifty performance
- Generous cargo capacity
- Abundant driver aids
Cons
- No available all-wheel drive option
- Sluggish acceleration
- Noticeable highway road noise
Mileage (EPA estimate)
31 city, 36 highway, 33 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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A feel-good compact crossover.
If you're shopping for an SUV that's equal parts style and practicality, then the 2020 Nissan Kicks could be exactly what you're looking for. This subcompact crossover has dimensions perfectly suited to urban corridors and packed parking lots. The Nissan Kicks also has personality, with eye-catching exterior colorways and a sporty driver's cockpit. Whether you're driving around town or hitting the highway to see friends and family, the Kicks has some impressive fuel economy figures as well. This clever blend of fun and functionality means the 2020 Nissan Kicks is a delightful addition to urban lifestyles. Keep reading to learn more about what it has to offer.
All Nissan Kicks years
What is new for the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
- Kicks trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.
- The S trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
2020 Nissan Kicks trims
S
Features 16-inch steel wheels, rearview monitor, seven-inch touchscreen display, driver seat armrest, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, Siri® eyes-free, Bluetooth functionality, six-speaker audio system, USB connection ports, hill start assist, traction control system, rear cross-traffic alert, remote keyless entry, and more.
SV
Adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, automatic temperature control, rear passenger under-seat heater ducts, silver roof rails, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, rear door alert, intelligent driver alertness, and more.
SR
Adds dark chrome grille, fog lights, rear roof spoiler, LED headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Intelligent Around View® monitor, Prima-Tex™ dash, and more.
Nissan Kicks photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Nissan Kicks
1. A full roster of driver-assistance features
For the 2020 model year, additional driver aids have been added to the Nissan Kicks list of standard features. Driving through urban landscapes means pedestrians, traffic signals, and other vehicles are all around you. Nissan's 360 driver-assistance aids support you on every journey, day or night. Included as standard are features such as pedestrian detection, high-beam assist, forward collision warning, and more. Courteous driving is a Nissan Kicks priority.
2. A seriously stylish interior
Climb into the driver's seat of the 2020 Kicks, and you'll immediately notice the style accents and high-tech features. The D-shaped steering wheel comes with illuminated audio and Bluetooth® controls, while the adjacent central seven-inch touchscreen is your passenger's entertainment gateway. Every 2020 Kicks has a charcoal interior colorway, giving the 2020 Kicks an upscale edge.
3. The available Premium Package
Available as an option when new on the range-topping Kicks SR trim, the Premium Package is a sensory experience. For your aural enjoyment, the optional audio upgrade—to the eight-speaker Bose® Personal Plus system—includes UltraNearfield™ speakers built into the driver seat headrest.
Find comfort on cold days with the Premium Package's heated front seats and simulated leather upholstery. Rounded out with a vehicle security system for additional peace of mind, this valuable set of upgrades is worth seeking out.
4. Colorways that pop
With plenty of popping colors, including a vivid orange and vibrant blue, your Kicks can brighten every journey, and be an easy find in the mall parking lot. Would you rather make a subtle hint to your fun side? Look for one of the 2020 Kicks' classy monochrome exteriors. It's an available accessory option that adds colorful interior and exterior accents in white, black, red, orange, or blue.
5. An impressive engine
Driving an SUV does not mean gas-guzzling is a given. The 2020 Kicks has a 1.6L engine that's perfectly suited to give your SUV some oomph while managing your fuel economy for fewer fill-ups over time. The 2020 Kicks with the 1.6L engine delivers an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Nissan Kicks, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The uniquely boxy Kia Soul is a five-seat compact SUV with a generous interior. 2017–2019 models are powered by a choice of three engines, the standard 1.6L four-cylinder or a choice of two optional upgrades, a 2.0L four-cylinder, or 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder. From 2020, the 2.0L engine becomes the standard powertrain.
Passengers will be delighted with the 2017–2021 Soul too, it has a high seating position with great visibility, while rear-row legroom is a generous 39.1-inches for 2017–2019, and 38.8-inches from 2020.
Notable standard features for the 2017–2021 Kia Soul base trim model include:
Bluetooth connectivity
Six-speaker audio system
Hill-start assist
The 2017–2021 Honda HR-V has plenty to offer 2022 shoppers with a busy and active lifestyle. All models for these years are equipped with a 141-horsepower 1.8L four-cylinder engine and standard FWD—with all-wheel drive an available option if your locale calls for it.
2017–2021 FWD models are also equipped with a generous 24.3 cu-ft of cargo storage. Need to add more space for hauling? Cargo space can extend up to 58.8 cu-ft thanks to the 2017–2021 HR-Vs Magic Seat® rear-row. Because it can fold away horizontally and vertically, the HR-V can accommodate bulky, long, or tall standing items.
The 2017–2021 Honda HR-V base LX trim has these standard features and more:
Five-inch infotainment display
Rearview camera
Four-speaker audio system
A spirited subcompact with a choice of trims and powertrains, the Hyundai Kona is a must-see SUV. The 2018–2021 Kona has two gasoline engine options; the 147-horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder base engine, or an available 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder, found on the Kona's higher trims. From 2019 a fully electric Kona also joined the line-up.
Generous trim levels add tech, passenger comforts and driver assistance aids in clear incremental steps. The 2018–2021 Kona has a sensible amount of storage for a subcompact, from 19.3 cu-ft behind the second row, increasing to 45.8 cu-ft when the rear seats are folded away.
Standard features for the 2018–2021 Hyundai Kona base trim SE model include:
Rearview camera
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Seven-inch infotainment touchscreen
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Ratings & reliability
Nissan Kicks features and specs
SV 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
- Rockford Fosgate Sound
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.6L
Horsepower
122
Torque (ft-lbs)
114
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
10.8
Wheelbase
103.1"
Overall length
169.1"
Width
69.3"
Height
62.5"
Leg room
F 43.7"/R 33.2"
Head room
F 40.7"/R 38.5"
Front tires
P205/55VR17
Rear tires
P205/55VR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Nissan Kicks FAQ
The 2020 Kicks range-topping SR trim adds upgraded finishing and useful tech, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a surround-view parking camera system. It also unlocks access to the Premium package, which tops up the treats available for the Kicks SR, with Prima-Tex™ simulated leather seats, an eight-speaker premium Bose® audio system, and more.
Yes it is. The 2020 Kicks measure L 169.1-inches x W 69.3-inches x H 62.5-inches. The 2020 Rogue comes in at L 184.5-inches x W 72.4-inches x H 68-inches. There are advantages to both of course, with the smaller Kicks being more agile in urban streets and parking lots.
The 2020 Kicks has plenty of features that drivers will appreciate in adverse weather conditions, including standard hill start assist and electric power steering. Pick the 2020 Kicks SR with Premium package, and you'll have heated seats to warm you up on frosty mornings too.
More about the 2020 Nissan Kicks
Color options
Exterior colors:
Aspen White TriCoat
Aspen White/Super Black
Brilliant Silver Metallic
Cayenne Red Metallic
Cayenne Red Metallic/Super Black
Deep Blue Pearl
Deep Blue Pearl/Fresh Powder
Fresh Powder
Gun Metallic
Gun Metallic/Monarch Orange Metallic
Monarch Orange/Super Black
Super Black
Interior colors:
Charcoal
Interior details
The 2020 Nissan Kicks is well suited to singles and couples that desire SUV functionality in an appropriately sized package. Seating five passengers across two rows, it boasts a total passenger volume of 93.9 cu-ft. Also ideal for daily carpooling (and those longer trips where comfort matters most), legroom in both rows is generous, at 43.7 and 33.2 inches for front and rear passengers, respectively.
Seatback pockets for magazines or tech, four cup holders, and four bottle holders take care of passenger storage requirements. Available upgrades add Prima-Tex simulated leather upholstery and heated front-row seating functionality. Cargo space is generous for a compact SUV, with 25.3 cu-ft of fixed storage behind the rear seats, and up to 53.1 cu-ft, when the rear seats are folded down.
Child seat details
All 2020 Kicks have two complete sets of LATCH fixtures (two lower anchors and one upper tether) for the rear-row outboard seats. The rear-row middle seat has an upper tether only.
The top tether anchors are clearly marked and found on the rear of the seatback. Lower LATCH anchors have an indicator to show where they are placed and are easy to reach. The 2020 Kicks can accommodate two seats (all types) in the second row, however, rear-facing and infant seats will likely impact front-row legroom.
Performance
An appealing mix of performance sensibilities could make the 2020 Kicks an easy decision. All trims are powered by a 122-horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder engine paired with front-wheel drive and continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The 2020 Kicks has seven inches of ground clearance and a suspension system that smooths over bumps in the road. The easy handling of its compact dimensions suits busy parking lots and tight turning circles. Fuel economy is another notable feature. The 2020 Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined, ensuring daily errands and longer road trips need fewer fuel stops.
Year comparisons
2018–2022 Nissan Kicks (first generation)
Debuting in 2018 as a brand-new model, the Nissan Kicks is a compact crossover aimed at singles, couples, and families who enjoy city-living and trips away. Following a no-changes year in 2019, 2020 brought about the first noticeable changes, with more standard driver-assistance features added.
For the 2021 model year, the Kicks had a refresh with a new exterior look and an upgraded interior finish. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration became a standard feature for all three trims.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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