“Excellent gas mileage and Apple car play is sweet. It is easy to get in and out of the vehicle even for my mom who uses a wheelchair. Truck is adequate to bring home groceries. My large dog would like more space when she rides in the back. It has been a good experience so far. If the car proves reliable, I will be over the moon.”
2018 Nissan Kicks: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Nissan Kicks was an all-new model for the U.S. market and the start of its first U.S. generation. It debuted as a city-friendly small crossover with front-wheel drive, a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, and standard automatic emergency braking.
About the 2018 Nissan Kicks
1st generation in the U.S., first model year.
Nissan positions the Kicks as a city-sized crossover with bold styling, an elevated seating position, strong fuel economy, and more tech than shoppers might expect at this size. The official brochure leans on connected features, easy parking, and expressive styling, while reviewers highlight its value, visibility, and useful cargo space. Its core appeal is giving buyers crossover practicality and modern safety tech without the size or cost of a larger SUV.
The S is the simple entry trim, with a 7-inch touchscreen, push-button start, and the same engine and transmission as the rest of the lineup. The SV adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, while the sporty-looking SR stands out with LED headlights, distinctive exterior details, and a 360-degree camera.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The U.S. lineup debuted with one setup across all trims: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. AWD was not offered.
Styling
The new model introduced the Kicks’ upright small-crossover shape, bold Nissan front-end design, and a sportier-looking SR trim with LED lighting and distinctive exterior details.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking was standard on every trim at launch. The SV added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SR featured a 360-degree camera.
Tech
Every trim debuted with a 7-inch touchscreen. The SV added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch driver information display.
Structural
The new small-crossover body provided a roomy cabin and 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.
2018 Nissan Kicks specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT Xtronic | Auto, CVT Xtronic | Auto, CVT Xtronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 125 hp | 125 hp | 125 hp |
| Torque | 115 lb-ft | 115 lb-ft | 115 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 25.3 cu-ft | 25.3 cu-ft | 25.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Nissan Kicks an all-new model?
Yes. The 2018 Kicks was Nissan’s first U.S. model year for this small crossover and marked the beginning of its first U.S. generation.
Does the 2018 Nissan Kicks have all-wheel drive?
No. Every 2018 Kicks uses front-wheel drive with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission.
What safety feature is standard on every 2018 Nissan Kicks?
Automatic emergency braking is standard on every 2018 Kicks trim. The SV also has blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, and the SR has a 360-degree camera.
How do the 2018 Nissan Kicks S, SV, and SR trims differ?
The S covers the essentials, the SV focuses on comfort and technology, and the SR adds sportier styling and upscale details. Key SV features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and extra driver alerts; SR highlights include LED headlights and a 360-degree camera.
Is there a 2017 U.S. Nissan Kicks to compare with the 2018 model?
No. The 2018 Kicks was the first U.S. model year, so there is no 2017 U.S.-market Kicks predecessor for a direct year-to-year comparison.
2018 Nissan Kicks Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Nissan Kicks.
4.1
2018 Nissan Kicks
(370 reviews)
“The Nissan Kicks is fun to drive. I love the safety features of lane warning and blind spot warning. Heated seats are awesome. CarPlay is a great feature.”
“The Nissan Kicks is a great affordable mini SUV that provides a ton of cargo space in a compact format. Great gas mileage and modern interior with Apple CarPlay on select models. Would definitely recommend to first time buyers or someone needing a new vehicle for their daily commute.”