“For the money it is a great vehicle, great MPG, handling, and storage. The backup and 360 cameras are great as well.”
2020 Nissan Kicks: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Nissan Kicks is that Nissan Safety Shield 360 becomes standard on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light update with the same engine, front-wheel-drive layout, and S, SV, and SR lineup as before.
About the 2020 Nissan Kicks
1st generation, third U.S. model year, final pre-refresh year before the 2021 styling update.
Nissan positions the Kicks as a small crossover for city life: expressive styling, easy parking, useful cargo space, strong fuel economy, and approachable tech at a lower price point than larger SUVs. It is aimed especially at singles or couples who want SUV ride height and practicality without giving up maneuverability. Versus many rivals, the Kicks leans more on value, safety content, and everyday usefulness than on power or rugged capability.
The S is the straightforward entry model, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system. The SV adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, remote start, and a digital instrument display, while the style-focused SR brings LED headlights, a surround-view parking camera, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
What changed, by category
Safety
Nissan Safety Shield 360 becomes standard across the lineup. It includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. SV and SR also gain Rear Door Alert.
2020 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 | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/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 | 122 hp | 122 hp | 122 hp |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft | 114 lb-ft | 114 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 53.1 cu-ft | 53.1 cu-ft | 53.1 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 | |||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| 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
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
The biggest change is standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 on every 2020 Kicks. The suite adds automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Is the 2020 Nissan Kicks substantially different from the 2019 model?
No, the 2020 Kicks is a light update rather than a redesign. Its main improvement is making the full safety suite standard, while the engine, front-wheel-drive layout, and three-trim structure carry over.
Does every 2020 Nissan Kicks have automatic emergency braking?
Yes, every 2020 Kicks has automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection as part of its standard safety suite. Rear automatic braking is also standard across the lineup.
Did the engine or drivetrain change for the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
No, the engine and drivetrain carry over for 2020. Every trim uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.
Does every 2020 Nissan Kicks have Rear Door Alert?
No, Rear Door Alert is included on the 2020 Kicks SV and SR, but not on the base S trim.
2020 Nissan Kicks Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Nissan Kicks.
4.0
2020 Nissan Kicks
(941 reviews)
“Make sure to avoid the Nissan Kicks year 2021 because it has a recall. Model 2020 is better and more comfortable to drive.”
“Super fun to drive while at the same time, it is extremely safe and has a ton of very cool features.”