The 2018 Nissan Kicks has garnered a better reputation among the masses than the SUV it replaced, the Juke. Building on the same, the 2020 Kicks comes mostly unchanged against the 2018 version barring the hike in the prices. The Kicks packs in copious amounts of interior and cargo. especially with the rear seats folded up, ranks as the best in this segment. The Kicks also get Apple Car Play and Android Auto as standard and contrast stitched upholstery, which adds to the looks of the overall dull cabin.
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Semi-independent rear torsion beam suspension w/anti-roll bar
brake rotors (f/r)
59.8/60.4
dimensions
wheelbase
103.1 in.
length
169.1 in.
width
69.3 in.
height
62.4 in.
curb weight
2639 lbs.
ground clearance
7 in.
capacity
passenger volume
93.9 cu ft.
cargo volume
53.1 cu ft.
payload capacity
944 lbs.
performance
zero to 60 mph
9.8 sec.
zero to 100 mph
10.4 sec.
standing ¼-mile
17.4 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
31/33/36 mpg
highway range
388.8 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
3 yr. / 36000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
powertrain warranty
60 months. / 60000
corrosion warranty
5 yr. / unlimited
roadside assistance
3 yr. / 36000 mi.
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Aspen White
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The 2020 Nissan Kicks is essentially the same car as its predecessor as Nissan decided not to fiddle, with the design or the SUV in general. The Kicks still gets its power from a 1.6L 4 Cylinder motor that generates 125hp and 115lbs-ft of Torque.
2020 Nissan Kicks Angular Front View
2020 Nissan Kicks Angular Rear View
6.0/10 Features
4.0/10 Engine and Performance
6.0/10 Fuel Economy
4.0/10 Interior
5.0/10 Exterior
6.0/10 Safety
5.2/10 Final Verdict
2020 Nissan Kicks Features
6.0/10
The 2020 Nissan Kicks is being offered in 3 trim levels, to be specific the S, SV and the top of the line SR with customization alternatives on all the 3 trims. Engine and power continue to be the same as before in all trims and so does the CVT transmission, which comes in as standard in all the trims. Nissan also offers Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning as standard in all the trims.
Trims
S
SV
SR
Price
$18,540
$20,250
$20,870
Features
7" Touch Screen Display with 3 USB Ports, Bluetooth, AUX Input
Adds/Upgrades these from S
Adds/Upgrades these from SV
Cruise Control
17'' Aluminum Alloy Wheels
17" Aluminum Alloy Wheels
Powered Outside Mirrors
Powered Heated ORVM
Turn Indicators on ORVM
Roof Rails
Automatic Climate Control
Nissan Intelligent Key
Illuminated Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
Rear Passenger Under Seat Heater Ducts
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob
AM/FM 6 Speaker Audio
Sirius XM Radio
Intelligent Around View Monitor
60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seats
7" Advanced Drive-Assist Display
Automatic LED Headlamps and Fog Lamps with LED Signature
Driver's Armrest
Nissan Connect System
Rear Roof Spoiler
One-Touch Up/Down Power Windows
Apple Car Play and Android Auto
Sport Cloth Seat Trim with Orange Accents
Push Button Start
Cargo Cover
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt And Telescopic Adjust Steering Wheel
Variable Intermittent Front and Rear Wiper
Rear Seat Center Armrest
We Recommend
Since the price difference between the Mid "SV" and the "SR" trims is around $500, going for the top "SR" trim is a smart choice as you will get a fully loaded Kicks with some premium features, without paying a lot of price for the same.
2020 Nissan Kicks Engine and Performance
4.0/10
"You should have enough muscle to easily get going from a stop, but you'll have to mash the pedal when speeding up to merge or pass on the highway"- cars.usnews.com
Engine and Transmission
There isn't a lot to state when we are discussing the Engine of the 2020 Nissan Kicks. However, this is an aggressively priced product and is more focused towards the market. Keeping this fact in mind, the Kicks' engine doesn't disappoint when taken this fact into consideration and is the least dull among the competition.
It has the least motor output in the class when you see it on paper but that compromise has been done to favor better fuel efficiency figures. With regards to power to weight ratio, the Kicks does well and the engine ensures that it doesn't run out of breathe when performing that odd overtaking maneuver.
Models
Nissan Kicks S suv
Honda HR-V LX suv
Hyundai Kona SE suv
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i suv
Mazda CX-3 Sport suv
Buick Encore 1SV suv
MSRP
$18,540
$21,515
$21,035
$22,870
$21,365
$24,195
Engine
1.6L i4 Regular Unleaded
1.8L i4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L i4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L flat4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L i4 Regular Unleaded
1.4L i4 Turbocharged
Transmission
Continuously variable automatic
Continuously variable automatic
6 Speed automatic
6 Speed manual
6 Speed automatic
6 Speed automatic
Horsepower
125 hp@ 5800rpm
141 hp @ 6500 rpm
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
148 hp@ 6000rpm
138 hp@ 4900rpm
Torque
115 lb/ft@ 4000rpm
127 lb/ft@ 4300 rpm
132 lb/ft@ 4500 rpm
145 lb/ft@ 4000 rpm
146 lb/ft@ 2800rpm
148 lb/ft@ 1850rpm
A CVT Transmission comes in as the only transmission option for the 2020 Kicks. Nissan Engineers have done well when it comes to keeping the "Rubberband Effect" to the minimum level in the Kicks. The transmission also isn't sluggish on the shifts and does manage to do it correctly in most instances.
Acceleration
The Kicks isn't the best car, to do 0-60mph sprints and the engine hasn't been tuned to do the same. However, when coming off a red light, the Kicks' motor doesn't feel that slow. Pulling off the overtaking maneuvers won't be a tough task and slot the Kicks in the right gear and it won't disappoint you.
Models
Nissan Kicks S suv
Honda HR-V LX suv
Hyundai Kona SE suv
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i suv
Mazda CX-3 Sport suv
Buick Encore 1SV suv
0-60 MPH
9.9 sec
9.3 sec
10 sec
9.2 sec
8.8 sec
7.8 sec
Quarter mile
17.6 sec
17.3 sec
17.3 sec
N/A
16.6 sec
N/A
Engine
1.6L i4 Regular Unleaded
1.8L i4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L i4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L flat4 Regular Unleaded
2.0L i4 Regular Unleaded
1.4L i4 Turbocharged
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
5.3
6.0
6.6
6.1
6.1
6.3
People looking for a faster accelerating SUV have other options to go for like the Buick Encore. Other SUVs in the segment have similar acceleration figures and the Kicks is better or similar in performance against them.
Ride and Handling
The Nissan Kicks has exceptional ride quality and floats over all undulations and potholes effortlessly. The suspension guarantees the ride quality isn't startling or unsteady and is a standout amongst the competition.
The steering isn't one of the better qualities of the Kicks. It is a run of the mill Nissan in feel and that implies, it doesn't offer much feel and feedback at slow city speeds. When you accelerate, however, the electronic steering weighs up well and offers better input.
One of the beneficial things in the Kicks is its turning radius, which is among the best in the segment. It makes taking U-Turns a breeze and without much fuss.
Braking
The braking performance of the Kicks is average. It does not have the biggest brakes or the shortest 60-0mph stopping distance, which is 133 feet. There is no noticeable nosedive in regular driving conditions. However, when applied during emergencies, you will feel a nosedive, which is acceptable in the segment.
Model
Nissan Kicks S suv
Honda HR-V LX suv
Hyundai Kona SE suv
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i suv
Mazda CX-3 Sport suv
Buick Encore 1SV suv
Brake Front (in.)
10.2
11.5
11
11.6
11
11.8
Brake Rear (in.)
8
11.1
10.3
10.8
11.1
10.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)
2639
2902
2890
3113
2809
3237
60-0 MPH (ft.)
133
127
175 (70-0)
N/A
135
N/A
The Automatic Emergency Braking adds to the braking prowess of the Nissan and the lightweight body shell adds to the braking effectiveness.
2020 Nissan Kicks Fuel Economy
6.0/10
With the fuel prices rising globally, fuel efficiency and MPG figures are in the mind of a lot of crossover SUV buyers. The Nissan engineers had detuned the engine of the Kicks in favor of better fuel economy and that is what the tests have shown.
Model
Nissan Kicks S suv
Honda HR-V LX suv
Hyundai Kona SE suv
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i suv
Mazda CX-3 Sport suv
Buick Encore 1SV suv
MPG (city)
31
28
27
23
29
26
MPG (highway)
36
34
33
29
34
31
MPG (combined)
33
30
30
25
31
28
Range (miles) (city/highway)
334.8/388.8
370/449
356/436
382/481
368/432
364/434
Tank Capacity (gal)
10.8
13.2
13.2
16.6
12.7
14.0
The 2020 Nissan Kicks returns an amazing 33 MPG of combined fuel efficiency which ranks amongst the best in class. The 10.8 gallon Fuel Tank, however, tends to be a downside to the package as the overall range is limited because of the same.
2020 Nissan Kicks Interior
4.0/10
"The Kick's interior styling and makeup is a mixed bag - there are plenty of hard plastics in this Nissan, but it doesn't look or feel cheap. The overall design is fairly sleek and modern, and the interior remains quiet even when cruising at highway speeds" -Cars.usnews.com
Seating and Comfort
The seating and comfort is a territory Nissan wants to gloat about with the new 2020 Kicks. The seats have taken motivation from NASA's "Zero Gravity" structure which makes short drives and day to day errands a truly comfortable proposition. There are custom adjust armrests for both driver and passenger and the second-row seats have a 60/40 split function. The rear seats can easily seat 2 grown-ups but seating 3 abreast won't be the most suitable choice.
Model
Nissan Kicks S suv
Honda HR-V LX suv
Hyundai Kona SE suv
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i suv
Mazda CX-3 Sport suv
Buick Encore 1SV suv
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
40.7/53/43.7
39.5/56.8/41.2
39.6/55.5/41.5
39.8/56.7/43.1
38.4/53.5/41.7
39.6/54.2/40.8
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.5/53.2/33.2
38.3/54.5/39.3
37.8/54.5/34.6
38.0/55.6/36.5
37.2/50.4/35.0
38.8/52.6/35.8
The seats have contrast stitching and have decent padding for people to be comfortable on short trips. The plastics on use, however, tend to justify the pricing of the Kicks as they don't make the cabin look premium from any angle.
Cargo Volume
The cargo volume also ranks in as one of the strongholds of the 2020 Nissan Kicks. The Kicks offers a massive 25.3cu.ft. storage space. Fold the seats as per the 60/40 configuration and that space multiplies to a whopping 53cu.ft.
Model
Nissan Kicks S suv
Honda HR-V LX suv
Hyundai Kona SE suv
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i suv
Mazda CX-3 Sport suv
Buick Encore 1SV suv
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
25.3
24.3
19.2
20.8
12.4
18.8
Interestingly, the boot of the 2020 Nissan Kicks houses a spare tire that comes in really handy when the tires suffer a puncture. The boot can house lots of luggage and even have space left for adding some more.
Infotainment System
Nissan hasn't made many changes to the infotainment system of the 2020 Kicks. That being said, 2018 was pretty decently loaded with features and the 2020 edition continues to pack in the same.
Interior Features
Surround View Camera
Push Button Start
Leather Upholstery
Steering Mounted Illuminated Controls
Dual Zone Climate Control
7" Capacitive Touchscreen System
Blind Spot Monitoring
Sirius XM Satellite Radio
Radio Data System
Android Auto and Apple Car Play as standard "SV" and "SR"
2020 Nissan Kicks Exterior
5.0/10
"Maybe it's because it calls to mind Volvo's great little XC40, but I found the Kicks attractive in a way that doesn't translate to the larger Nissan Rogue. The Juke, regardless of how you felt about its looks, was eye-catching; the Kicks brings quirk in a more modern-looking package" -Thedrive.com
Design and Dimensions
The dimensions of the Nissan Kicks is similar to what the competition looks like. With a low curb weight and high ground clearance, the Nissan Kicks offers a 'Big' SUV feel both from within and the outside and has an upper hand over the competition in this aspect.
Model
Nissan Kicks S suv
Honda HR-V LX suv
Hyundai Kona SE suv
Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i suv
Mazda CX-3 Sport suv
Buick Encore 1SV suv
Curb weight (lbs.)
2639
2902
2890
3113
2809
3237
Length(in)
169.1
170.4
164.0
175.8
168.3
168.4
Width(in)
69.3
69.8
70.9
71.0
69.6
69.9
Height(in)
62.4
63.2
61.0
63.6
60.7
65.3
Ground clearance (in)
7
7.3
6.7
8.7
6.1
6.2
Wheelbase (in)
103.1
102.8
102.4
104.9
101.2
100.6
Track width (in) F/R
59.8/60.4
60.4/60.6
62/62.4
61/61.2
60/59.9
60.7/60.6
The long wheelbase of the Kicks helps it gain an advantage over the competition in terms of the generous cargo space and interior space on offer. In terms of the exterior looks and design, we must say that the designers at Nissan have done a commendable job for making the Kicks look both stylish and compact. The Kicks has big unpainted fenders while the contrasting roofs, add an extra bit of character and style to the compact SUV. The tail of the Kicks have Boomerang taillamps that look both funky and offer great visibility to the cars behind.
Exterior Features
Auto On/Off LED Headlamps with LED Accents
LED Fog Lamps
Contrasting Roof Color Scheme
17" Aluminum Alloy wheels
Body-Colored Heated ORVM
Roof Rails on all variants
Front Parking Sensors
External Front and Rear Windshield Wipers
2020 Nissan Kicks Safety
6.0/10
Inexpensive cars compromise on safety is the common notion among the people when buying vehicles like the Kicks. But with the Kicks, Nissan has proved that all frugal and thrifty vehicles don't compromise on the safety of the occupants inside.
The Kicks packs in features like Automatic Emergency Braking and Collision Warning as Standard while features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Keep Assist are available in the higher trims.
Other Safety Features include
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Side Door Guard Beams
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
LATCH System
Front Seat Belts Pre tensioners with Load Limiters
Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control
Front, Side, and Roof Mounted Airbags for Front and Rear Seat Passengers
IIHS Ratings
The IIHS has given a good rating to the 2020 Nissan Kicks because of its good set of standard safety features and good structural rigidity
2020 Nissan Kicks Competition
Nissan Kicks vs. Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V has been in the compact SUV space for a while and has been quite a mass favorite. The Honda and the Nissan offer nearly the same space in the interiors , however, Nissan has a better Ground Clearance. Handling is pretty similar to both the cars so it's pretty much the same in both the cars. The HR-V beats the Kicks hands-on when it comes to performance but Nissan has traded off its performance for fuel-efficiency. The Kicks beats the Honda hands down in terms of MPG/Fuel Efficiency. So if a frugal SUV with good practicality is your preference, the Nissan has the edge.
Nissan Kicks vs. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul has been the best selling compact crossover in the segment for a while now because of its looks, customization options, safety, and other features. The Nissan has tried to copy a few tricks from the book of the Soul like customization options and safety. The Kia, despite these, has an upper hand in terms of the overall looks both in the interiors and the exteriors. The Nissan Kicks, however, looks the funkier than the 2 and the cavernous boot and huge interior space make it the more practical of the two.
Nissan Kicks vs. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is the only car in this segment to offer a turbocharged engine and it delivers impressive performance and great driving dynamics. The Hyundai also comes with multiple engine options and the option of AWD. The Nissan is a bit subdued as compared to the Hyundai in terms of engine and performance but it more than makes up for it with its unprecedented practicality and fuel economy. The Kicks also offers a massive cargo space with its seats folded up and liberates more than double the space offered with the seats folded up.
2020 Nissan Kicks Final Verdict
5.2/10
The 2020 Nissan Kicks carries forward a lot of stuff, over its predecessor but comes with an increased price tag. The Kicks gets a lot of cool features and clever customization options for people who like their cars, to be funky and stylish. The interiors are built to a cost but the standard equipment and safety list is better than the rivals. The Kicks still have the highest cargo space in the segment and enormous interior space. The 2020 Nissan Kicks is hence the aptest buy for a person, who is looking for an SUV in a compact silhouette with the flexibility of a hatchback around City.