Test Vehicle: 2018 Nissan Kicks SV
MSRP: $19,690, Price as Tested: $21,425
Overall NHTSA Rating: New, Not Yet Rated
MPG: 31 City / 36 Hwy
Should I add it to my car shopping list? Yes!
2018 Nissan Kicks Review
| Pros & Cons | What’s New |
|---|---|
| It offers great styling both inside and out | All new model for 2018. |
| Great standard safety features & technology | Nissan Kicks Car configurator at NissanUSA.com |
| Great value! | |
| If you’re doing a lot of highway driving you’re going to want more horsepower | |
| I wish Nissan offered an AWD version of the kicks | |
| The front passenger doesn’t get an armrest and the window sill isn’t broad enough to support my elbow. |
Q. Should I put the Nissan Kicks on my car shopping list?
A. It’s a pretty stylish crossover but the main reason I think it should be on your shopping list is value. Nissan has come up with a very good value proposition with the new Kicks. Lots of standard safety and technology features.
Exterior Styling [usr 4.0]
Interior Styling [usr 4.0]
Performance [usr 3]
Features [usr 3]
Safety [usr 3.5]
The Kicks Comes in Three Well-Equipped Models
The 2018 Nissan Kicks is available in three well-equipped models – Kicks S, Kicks SV and Kicks SR. Among the list of standard features found on Kicks S are Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, three USB ports, keyless entry, push button start, roof rails and Intelligent Auto Headlights (I-AH).
Kicks SV includes a long list of additional features – Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Nissan Intelligent Key™, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, body color heated outside mirrors and outside door handles, tonneau cover, Automatic Temperature Control, Easy Fill Tire Alert, 7.0-inch Advanced Driver Alert Display, SiriusXM® satellite radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Remote Engine Start10 and more.
Kicks SR adds a sporty flair with the addition of LED low beam headlights with LED signature accents, fog lights, black heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather shift knob, SR seat fabric with interior trim and accents, front and rear bumpers with body color inserts, rear roof-mounted spoiler, dark chrome grille accents, Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM)8 and more.
Here’s how the sticker price worked out on our Kicks SV test car with it’s 1.6L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder Engine w/ CVT putting out 125 hp and 115 lb-ft of torque.
Standard Features: $19,690
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Body color outside door handles
7.0-inch touchscreen
NissanConnect with Navigation featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
SiriusXM satellite radio
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Remote engine start
CVT shifter trim painted w/chrome accents Chrome parking brake button
Optional Features:
Premium Paint w/Two Tone (Body/Roof),
Monarch Orange w/ Super Black Roof: $545
Floor Mats: $215
Destination & Handling: $975
Total: $21,425
I wanted to point out two quick gripes. First, I like to rest my left elbow on the window sill. The window sills have been narrowed to give better shoulder room. The problem is now it’s pretty uncomfortable for my elbow and my elbow wants to slip off. The second gripe is the narrow width of the drivers side right armrest and the lack of an armrest for the passenger. It’s very common in the subcompact segment for manufacturers to leave out things like center consoles, armrests, etc. so just make sure you’re paying attention when you test drive smaller, less expensive cars. It may or may not be a deal breaker for you but I wanted to point it out.
My final word on the Kicks comes back to Value. This is a lot of car for the money. You get current generation safety technology, styling and great gas mileage. All in all this makes the Kicks a great value and an SUV you should definitely test drive.
Video: Nissan Kicks Overview, Features & Comparison
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