By Russ Heaps
Updated September 26, 2025
The 2026 Nissan Kicks matches a bargain price with advanced technology and excellent fuel economy.
Typically, subcompact SUVs gin up about as much excitement as microwaved oatmeal. However, there’s much about the 2026 Nissan Kicks to stir the soul. Having received a full makeover for 2025, the Kicks now lays claim to available all-wheel drive (AWD) and better-than-average ground clearance. We must also admit that we like the rugged styling. Furthermore, Nissan has stuffed it with all manner of advanced tech. Yet, the Kicks remains a real bargain within its class.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this collection of subcompact SUVs, including the Nissan Kicks.
Coming off 2025’s redesign, the Kicks is mostly unchanged for 2026. Of note, though, the 12.3-inch touchscreen is now standard across all grades. Nissan has also made a Cold Weather Package available for the SV and SR trims. It bundles the usual suspects: heated seats, heated outboard mirrors, and the much-appreciated rear seat HVAC vents.
The 2026 Nissan Kicks starts at $23,925 for the base S trim. The top-line SR starts at $28,155.
We’d forget the entry-level S trim, spending another $1,700 on the SV. It adds remote start, advanced proximity keyless entry, wireless phone charging, and bigger 17-inch wheels. As far as sales numbers go, the SV and SR grades go out the door at about the same brisk pace. Opting for all-wheel drive will set you back $1,500, regardless of the trim.
Historically, the Kicks has been on the low end of the subcompact SUV pricing spectrum.
Before buying a new Kicks subcompact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values of the previous generation were just a fraction below average. Remember: Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.
The 2026 Kicks delivers 141 horsepower – about average for the class. For example, the Kia Seltos makes 146 hp, while the Chevy Trailblazer settles for 137 hp. All in all, the Kicks behaves much as you would expect for a subcompact SUV.
We embarked on a 4-day, 1,400-mile Cannonball Run from Greenville, South Carolina, to Delray Beach, Florida, and back in an all-wheel-drive Nissan Kicks SR with the Premium Package. Our conclusion: This is a terrific little crossover for road trips. Is it quick? Well, no. Is it super comfortable? No, but quite comfy enough. Is it quiet? Yes, with a qualification. Is it roomy enough for people and all their stuff? An emphatic, yes!
Granted, it was a 3-night stay for two older guys, but the Kicks swallowed us and our suitcases, hanging clothing bags, and other assorted odds and ends, and begged for more. Even with the second-row seat in place, the rear cargo area is quite spacious. Sorry, delivering only 141 hp, there is no way to frame the Kicks as quick. However, it can muster sufficient thrust for launching from freeway ramps free of drama. Moreover, we were amazed that in spite of the horsepower handicap and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the adaptive cruise control effortlessly maintained its preset speed, no matter if the terrain was flat or hilly.
Both front and rear seats are of Nissan’s Zero Gravity variety, influenced by the space program. After spending about nine and a half hours in them, we were still relatively fresh. Although there is a bit of engine roar under hard acceleration, it’s not overwhelming. What we did find mind-numbingly annoying was the tire noise on anything other than baby-bottom-smooth pavement. This was an issue on I-95 through Georgia, where the pavement is primarily that pebbly asphalt. Crossing into South Carolina and Florida from Georgia was akin to being dropped into a sensory deprivation tank.
Oh, and we averaged 32 mpg on a trip that was about 90% freeway.
Fuel Economy
Here’s where the rather mundane engine performance and CVT really pay off. With front-wheel drive (FWD), the Kicks delivers an estimated combined mileage of 31 mpg. This drops to 30 mpg with all-wheel drive. These numbers are tied with or better than every other gasoline-only subcompact SUV rival.
To match the adventurous exterior, Nissan has graced the new Kicks with a classy interior. In the top SR trim, at least, which comes with a dual-display unit that incorporates a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen — both measuring 12.3 inches. Other trims have a 7-inch driver’s display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
After that treat for the eyes comes a treat for a lower region. The aforementioned Nissan Zero Gravity seats — renowned for their comfort — are standard in both rows. The bigger body of the new Kicks results in more space for its occupants. There are increases (albeit by an inch or so) in shoulder room and rear legroom from the last-gen model. That said, the Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V are still a bit more accommodating for those with longer legs.
Cargo space varies according to trim and whether or not the specific vehicle has all-wheel drive. The largest luggage area behind the rear seats is 30 cubic feet, expanding to 60 cubic feet with those seats folded. These figures are better-than-average for the class. To compare, the previous Kicks had 25.3/53.1 cubic feet. Nissan also claims a widest-in-class cargo area opening, at 40.3 inches, which will make loading something like a stroller an easier task.
We’ve already forgotten what the previous Kicks looked like. Which says a lot about how stunning this generation’s design is, and how not-at-all-stunning the previous model was. If this is Nissan’s new design philosophy, we’re excited to see what future models will look like.
Size-wise, the revamped Kicks grew by about an inch in each direction. It’s now similar to the Kia Seltos; however, both are smaller than the Honda HR-V. The Kicks is also more like an SUV than a hatchback, with ground clearance of 8.4 inches (a hike of 1.4 inches). It’s not as much as the Subaru Crosstrek, but darn close.
Available all-wheel drive
The second-generation Kicks boasts all-wheel drive on its options list for the first time. It is a must-have feature in regions where it snows, thanks to the enhanced traction it delivers on slick roads. We applaud Nissan for adding it.
Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen
For 2026, all three trims get a generous 12.3-inch digital infotainment touchscreen display. It makes finding and controlling systems much easier.
Nissan Safety Shield 360
Standard on every new Kicks, this bundle of advanced safety and driver-assist tech includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam assist. Also standard is rear park assist.
Adaptive cruise control
We love that, at this price point, standard on every Kicks trim is adaptive cruise control, which slows and accelerates to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front once the speed has been set. It’s reliable and holds the set speed uphill and down.
Available ProPilot Assist
Standard on the range-topping SR grade, this semi-autonomous driver-assistance system allows the Kicks to brake, accelerate, and steer itself under certain conditions. It takes advantage of other SR-standard advanced systems like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot intervention, and Intersection Assist, which kicks in when making a left turn across oncoming traffic.
Intelligent Key
A programmable key fob, this feature is a more complex take on keyless entry systems that automatically unlock the vehicle without engaging the fob. In other words, you can unlock the Kicks by simply operating the door or liftgate handle as long as the key fob is on your person. Standard starting on the SV trim, it also includes push-button start.
A 4-cylinder engine motivates the Kicks, generating 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. This goes to a standard front-wheel-drive configuration, although the Kicks offers the option of all-wheel drive (featuring a Snow mode) with all three trims.
3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty
Nissan’s new-vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles, including roadside assistance. These terms are typical for the class. There’s no free scheduled maintenance.
Safety
The Nissan Kicks earns the Top Safety Pick accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars. The standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control. We’re also happy that blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is part of this array as well. The top SR trim gains ProPilot adaptive cruise control/lane-keeping/steering assistance.
Lease a new 2026 Kicks for $299 a month for 36 months with $2,809 due at signing.
Interior Ambient Lighting | Port Installed |
---|
Curb Weight | 2987 lbs. | ||
---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 125.6 cu.ft. | ||
EPA Total Interior | 125.6 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 11.9 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 39.7 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 42.7 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 8.4 inches | ||
Overall Length | 171.9 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 inches | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 30.0 cu.ft. | ||
Wheel Base | 104.6 inches | ||
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 3902 lbs. | ||
Width with mirrors | 70.9 inches |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
---|---|---|---|
Privacy Glass | Available | ||
LED Headlights | Available | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
City | 28 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 35 mpg | ||
Combined | 31 mpg |
Drivetrain | FWD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available |
Horsepower | 141 @ 6000 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 140 @ 4000 rpm | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
Basic | 3 years / 36000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
![]() New Nissan Kicks | ![]() New 2026 Ford Expedition MAX | ![]() New 2026 Ford Expedition | ![]() New 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $23,220 | $67,515 | $64,515 | $40,105 | |
KBB.com Rating | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 | |
Consumer Rating | 1.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.9 | |
Fuel Economy | City 28/Hwy 35/Comb 31 MPG | N/A | City 16/Hwy 24/Comb 19 MPG | City 36/Hwy 36/Comb 36 MPG | |
Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | |
5 Year Cost To Own 5-Year Cost to Own includes out of pocket expenses like fuel and insurance, plus the car’s loss in value over time (depreciation). | $46,526 | N/A | $85,538 | $62,455 | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 | 8 | 6 | |
Basic Warranty | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | |
Horsepower | 141 @ 6000 RPM | 400 @ 5200 RPM | 400 @ 5200 RPM | 227 @ 5500 RPM | |
Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, 3.5 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | |
Drivetrain | FWD | 2WD | 2WD | FWD |
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is an impressive blend of affordability and style in the subcompact SUV space. Let’s look at what you’ll find inside.
Learn about the 2025 Nissan Kicks and decide if this subcompact SUV is right for you and your family.
Nissan recently redesigned its Kicks SUV for 2025, but will continue to sell the old model as the Kicks Play.
No. Every new Kicks generates its thrust from a 141-horsepower 4-cylinder combustion engine.
Yes, all-wheel drive is available across all three Kicks trim levels.
The Nissan Kicks offers an impressive 8.4 inches of ground clearance.