The 2019 Nissan Kicks comes powered with a standard 1.6L inline-4 engine with Xtronic CVT combined with an FWD system that generates 122 horsepower and 114 foot-pounds of torque. The inline-4 engine helps the SUV reach 60 mph in 9.9 seconds and can reach a quarter-mile at 17.4 seconds. The maximum speed of the car is 115 mph.
If you happen to drive the Kicks, you’ll notice that the engine feels feeble and underpowered, and it struggles to gain momentum. However, if you keep your expectations aside about the engine churning out good performance, the engine is smooth and responsive. Priced competitively in the market, the engine does just fine with coping with the daily needs and being a price-friendly SUV, which is great for families and individuals alike.
Models
|
2019 Nissan Kicks
|
2019 Honda HR-V
|
2019 Hyundai Kona
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2019 Mazda CX-3
|
MSRP
|
$18,640
|
$20,620
|
$19,990
|
$20,390
|
Engine
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1.6L inline-4
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1.8L inline-4
|
2L inline-4
|
2L inline-4
|
Drivetrain
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FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
Transmission
|
CVT w/OD
|
CVT w/OD
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6-Speed Automatic
|
6-speed Automatic
|
Power (hp. @ RPM)
|
122 @ 6300
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141 @ 6500
|
147 @ 6200
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148 @ 6000
|
Torque (lb.-ft. @ RPM)
|
114 @ 4000
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127 @ 4300
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132 @ 4500
|
146 @ 2800
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0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
9.8
|
10.1
|
9.4
|
8.8
|
Quarter-Mile (seconds)
|
17.4
|
17.8
|
16.9
|
16.6
|
Top-Speed (MPH)
|
115
|
121
|
123
|
119
|
The Nissan Kicks offers the least power and torque out of all the SUVs here, whereas the Mazda is the most powerful. However, the Hyundai is not too far behind either. However, the same cannot be said for Honda as it's the slowest of the group even though it boasts better power figures than the underpowered Mazda. When comparing the price range, the Honda HR-V is the most expensive option in the segment.
How does the 2019 Nissan Kicks handle?
The Kicks does a good job when it comes to handling. The steering is responsive, precise, and smooth. Being an SUV that weighs as light as 2,639 pounds, it is an easy-to-maneuver SUV and has negligible amounts of body roll on curves and twisty roads. It comes with a longer wheelbase than its rivals, but the compact dimensions give it an advantage in not only efficient steering but also having civilized behavior in the city.
Braking Performance
All the models of the SUV come equipped with disc brakes that offer adequate stopping power. The Kicks is priced very competitively, however, that doesn’t hamper the brakes fitted by the automaker. It comes with 10.2” of discs on the front and 8” inches discs on the rear, which is further programmed with ABS, EBD, and Automatic Emergency Braking. The SUV comes to a stop from 60 mph at 133 feet, which is on par with the segment.
Models
|
2019 Nissan Kicks
|
2019 Honda HR-V
|
2019 Hyundai Kona
|
2019 Mazda CX-3
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
|
10.2
|
11.5
|
11
|
11.7
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
|
8
|
11.1
|
10.3
|
11.9
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
2639
|
2906
|
2890
|
2809
|
60-0 (feet)
|
133
|
127
|
129
|
136
|
The Nissan is the lightest SUV in the competition, while Honda is on the heavier side. However, Honda stays ahead of the Nissan with the aid of bigger brake rotors. The Kona also does a great job of braking, taking only 129 feet to come to a halt. When comparing the braking distance from 60 mph of all the SUVs in the competition, the Mazda CX-3 takes the most distance at 136 feet.