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Nissan Kicks: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Nissan Kicks is an everyday compact SUV known for its city-friendly size, useful cargo space, good fuel economy, bold styling, and value-focused safety and phone tech.
Since its 2018 U.S. debut, the Kicks has focused on giving shoppers SUV ride height and practical space in a small, easy-to-park package. The first generation emphasized efficiency, value, and steadily broader standard safety and phone features rather than strong performance. The 2025 redesign made it larger, more powerful, and more polished without changing its everyday, city-friendly mission.
Strengths
- Its compact size makes it easy to place on busy streets and in tight parking spaces.
- It combines a higher SUV-style seating position with genuinely useful cargo room; the 2026 model has about 30 cubic feet behind the rear seat.
- Fuel economy remains a strong point, with the 2026 gas model rated at 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- Automatic emergency braking was standard from the 2018 launch, and a broader safety suite became standard across the lineup for 2020.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard on every trim for 2021, and recent models have pushed further into large-screen and wireless phone connectivity.
- The second generation brought a more substantial cabin and a 141-horsepower engine, addressing the original model’s modest power without abandoning its practical focus.
Who it's for
The Kicks best fits commuters, couples, and small households that want a practical SUV without the bulk of a larger model such as the Rogue. It is especially well suited to crowded streets, tight parking, errands, and daily driving. Used shoppers should treat 2025 as the main dividing line: earlier models are simpler and more efficiency-focused, while the redesigned version is roomier, stronger, and more modern inside.
Nissan Kicks lineup
The Kicks has consistently used a simple S, SV, and SR trim ladder. Pick the S for the most straightforward value, especially from 2020 onward when a broad safety suite became standard. The SV is the middle choice for shoppers who want more convenience and technology without moving to the top trim, while the SR represents the lineup’s more style-focused, fully equipped end. For 2026, the S gained the larger touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, narrowing the technology gap between it and the higher trims.
Nissan Kicks generations
From 2018 to 2026, the Kicks spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2025, following the 1st Generation (2018–2024).
2nd Generation (2025–Present)
The second-generation Kicks is larger and uses a stronger 2.0-liter engine. It also brings first-time AWD, larger screens, better cabin materials, and a standard suite of driver-assistance features.
134 In Stock
2026
The base S gains a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The design, engine, and AWD system carry over.
2025New generation
Full redesign with a larger body, a 141-hp 2.0-liter engine, first-time AWD, larger displays, and upgraded cabin materials.
1st Generation (2018–2024)
The original U.S. Kicks is a city-friendly small crossover with a 1.6-liter engine, an automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. A 2021 refresh sharpened the styling and made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup.
257 In Stock
2024
Final year of the original Kicks, with the same design, powertrain, and S, SV, and SR trims.
2023
The trim lineup, powertrain, and main equipment carry over from 2022.
2022
Mostly a carryover year after the 2021 refresh, with only minor Nissan badge updates.
2021Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, updated cabin trim, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim.
2020
The full Safety Shield 360 driver-assistance suite becomes standard across the lineup. The design and powertrain remain unchanged.
2019
The original trim lineup, 1.6-liter engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive carry over.
2018New generation
First U.S. model year, with a 1.6-liter engine, automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, and standard automatic emergency braking.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan Kicks.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Kicks an SUV?
Yes. The Nissan Kicks is a small four-door SUV with seating for five. Its compact footprint is aimed at drivers who want SUV ride height and cargo room without moving to a larger vehicle.
What is the Nissan Kicks known for?
The Kicks is known for being city-friendly, easy to park, and practical for its size. Newer models also emphasize large screens, wireless phone connectivity, everyday safety features, and useful cargo space.
How much passenger and cargo space does the Kicks have?
The redesigned Kicks seats five and has 29.2 to 30 cubic feet of cargo room, depending on the version. It also provides 34.5 inches of rear legroom, making it useful for errands and small households.
Who is the Nissan Kicks a good fit for?
The Kicks suits commuters, city drivers, and small households that value easy parking, a raised seating position, and flexible cargo room. It is the smaller alternative for shoppers who find a Rogue larger than they need.
How many generations of the Nissan Kicks are there?
There are two U.S. generations. The first ran from 2018 through 2024. The second began with the 2025 redesign, bringing a larger body, a stronger engine, upgraded displays, and the Kicks' first all-wheel-drive option.
Is the Nissan Kicks a hybrid?
No. U.S. Nissan Kicks models use gasoline four-cylinder engines rather than a hybrid system. The redesigned generation has a 2.0-liter engine rated at 141 horsepower.
Does the Nissan Kicks have all-wheel drive?
Yes, but only on the second generation. First-generation Kicks models from 2018 through 2024 are front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive first joined the lineup with the 2025 redesign.
What engine does the Nissan Kicks use?
It depends on the generation. The 2018–2024 Kicks uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Redesigned models from 2025 onward use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 141 horsepower.
Nissan Kicks Reviews
What owners are saying about the Nissan Kicks.
4.2
Nissan Kicks
(5,273 reviews)
“The ride is very smooth. The gas mileage is great. Turning and braking and acceleration are good.”
“If you're considering this car, go for it! It's so comfortable and convenient. It fits just about everywhere & is very easy to park (especially parallel). It's makes the smoothest U-turns. Also, excellent on gas & cost!”
“I love almost everything about this car, especially the handling and visibility, tech features and creature comfort of heated seats and steering wheel, remote start, and bose sound system. I absolutely miss AWD and would love this car in hybrid version.”
“Make sure to avoid the Nissan Kicks year 2021 because it has a recall. Model 2020 is better and more comfortable to drive.”
“Good safety features and comfort, and really appreciate that sometimes my mileage reaches up to 41 mpg. I wish it was taller/had better road clearance though (in order to have a higher vantage point while driving).”
Sources
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2026 / 2026 Nissan Kicks Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2025 / 2025 Nissan Kicks Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2024 / 2024 Nissan Kicks Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2023 / 2023 Nissan Kicks Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2022 / 2022 Nissan Kicks Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Nissan Kicks Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2020 / 2020 Nissan Kicks Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2019 / 2019 Nissan Kicks Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Nissan Kicks Brochure En