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2023 Nissan Kicks review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Nissan Kicks highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient
  • Intuitive controls
  • Standard advanced driver-assist features

Cons

  • Tight rear seats
  • No all-wheel drive
  • Slow acceleration

Mileage (EPA estimate)

31 city, 36 highway, 33 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

The 2023 Nissan Kicks is a compact, fuel-efficient front-wheel-drive crossover

The Kicks is the smallest crossover in the Nissan lineup and is the only SUV the company offers without all-wheel drive. Introduced in 2018, the five-passenger Kicks received fresh styling and upgraded features in 2021, which helped it to stay competitive with similar models like the Toyota C-HR, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen Taos. For the 2023 model year, the Kicks remains primarily unchanged from the previous year. Nissan offers the Kicks in three trim levels: S, SV, and SR. Powering all versions is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, delivering an EPA-estimated 36 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov. With a long list of advanced driver-assist features as well as tech features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, the Kicks is a good value compared to its competitors.

All Nissan Kicks years

What is new for the 2023 Nissan Kicks?

  • Leatherette & Cloth features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The S trim now comes with Smart Key, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment.
  • The SV trim now comes with Remote Start, Satellite Radio Ready, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The SR trim now comes with Overhead Airbags as standard equipment.

2023 Nissan Kicks trims

Curious how Nissan Kicks trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

  • 122-hp, 114-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
  • Cruise Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • View our Nissan Kicks S inventory

SR:

SV:

Nissan Kicks photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Nissan Kicks

What We Like

Technology: The base-level Kicks gets a seven-inch color display that is easy to read and use; higher trims get an eight-inch screen. With physical volume and tuning knobs, the infotainment system provides quick access to phone and other audio sources. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto integration is standard on all trim levels, and there are multiple USB ports to keep devices charged for all passengers.

Storage: The Kicks is small but offers reasonable storage and cargo-carrying capacity. With 25.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, the Kicks has more space than many of its competitors. Rear seats don’t fold completely flat, but they do fold enough to haul large items. There’s also good storage for small items in the center console between the front seats.

Value: With its low starting price and a long list of standard features, the Kicks is a remarkable value among compact crossovers. While there is a lot of plastic in the door panels and other surfaces, overall, the Kicks doesn’t feel cheap—especially when looking at the higher-level SR with its premium interior and available Bose® audio system.

What Needs Improvement

Comfort: Seating in the Kicks is not at the same level as in competitors. The front seats offer little in the way of support, especially for the upper back. The rear seat is subpar, with a hard bench and upright seatbacks. Road noise is also an issue at higher speeds.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.8 out of 5

4 customer reviews

Nissan Kicks features and specs

S 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • 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
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control

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

63.3"

Leg room

F 43.7"/R 33.5"

Head room

F 40.4"/R 38.5"

Front tires

P205/60HR16

Rear tires

P205/60HR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Nissan Kicks FAQ

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