Nissan Kicks: Price, Specs, Features & Review
The Nissan Kicks is a small SUV for buyers who want an affordable entry price, good fuel economy, modern cabin technology, and a vehicle that is easy to park. It seats five and offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
For 2027, every Kicks has a 141-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a starting MSRP of $22,790 before destination and other charges. Front-wheel-drive models return an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined, while all-wheel-drive models return 30 mpg combined. The new Rock Creek configuration adds a tougher look and features intended for slippery, unpaved routes.
The Kicks makes the most sense for commuters, first-time SUV buyers, and small households. Its main trade-offs are modest acceleration and a rear seat that may feel tight for taller adults.
WheelPedia Rating: 8.1/10
The Nissan Kicks earns an 8.1/10 WheelPedia Rating. Its low starting price, standard large touchscreen, useful cargo area, and available AWD give it a strong case among small SUVs. The SV FWD is the best balance of price and daily-use features for most buyers.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 8.3/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and Ownership | 7.7/10 | 15% |
| Performance and Driving | 7.3/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and Practicality | 7.8/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 8.1/10 | 15% |
| Features and Technology | 8.8/10 | 10% |
| Price and Value | 8.8/10 | 10% |
| Overall WheelPedia Rating | 8.1/10 | — |
See how we rate cars for the full methodology.
Key Highlights
- Starts at $22,790 MSRP in the United States, before destination and other charges.
- Comes in S, SV, and SR grades, plus a Rock Creek package-based AWD configuration.
- Uses a 141-hp, 140-lb-ft 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Offers FWD or AWD across the S, SV, and SR grades.
- Returns up to an EPA-estimated 28 city / 35 highway / 31 combined mpg.
- Has a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, according to Nissan’s current consumer-facing specifications.
- Provides up to 30.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats in an S or SV FWD.
- Offers 8.4 inches of ground clearance.
- Adds ProPILOT Assist on SR.
- Best for buyers who want a well-equipped, city-friendly SUV at a relatively low price.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | 2027 Nissan Kicks |
| Vehicle type | Subcompact SUV |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Engine | 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder |
| Output | 141 hp / 140 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| Best EPA-estimated fuel economy | 31 mpg combined |
| Cargo space behind rear seats | 23.9–30.0 cu. ft., depending on configuration |
| Maximum cargo space | Up to 60.0 cu. ft. in select FWD configurations |
| Length | 171.9 in. |
| Width | 70.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 104.6 in. FWD / 104.9 in. AWD |
| Ground clearance | 8.4 in. |
| Starting MSRP | $22,790, plus destination |
Expert Tip
Check cargo space before choosing AWD. Nissan lists 30.0 cubic feet behind the rear seats for S and SV FWD models, but 23.9 cubic feet for AWD models.
About the Nissan Kicks
The Kicks is Nissan’s smaller, lower-priced SUV option for drivers who want a raised seating position and a liftgate without moving to the larger Rogue. Its short overall length makes it a practical fit for crowded streets and parking spaces.
The 2027 lineup has three core grades: S, SV, and SR. Each can be ordered with FWD or AWD. Nissan also prices a Rock Creek AWD configuration, built around an AWD-only package for the SV, that adds its own styling and traction-focused features. Calling it a completely separate engine or powertrain would be misleading: it uses the same 141-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the rest of the Kicks lineup.
The Kicks is gasoline-powered. Nissan does not list a Kicks Hybrid or Kicks EV in this U.S. lineup.
Price and Trims
These are Nissan’s published starting MSRPs for the 2027 Kicks. Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, registration, options, accessories, and dealer charges. Nissan’s current specs page lists a $1,575 destination charge; check the window sticker and purchase paperwork for the exact vehicle.
| Configuration | Starting MSRP | Best for |
| S FWD | $22,790 | Lowest purchase price |
| S AWD | $24,290 | Lowest-priced AWD Kicks |
| SV FWD | $24,490 | Best mix of price and convenience |
| SV AWD | $26,490 | SV equipment with AWD |
| SR FWD | $26,990 | Added driver assistance and sportier cabin |
| SR AWD | $28,790 | SR features with AWD |
| SV Rock Creek AWD | $28,840 | Distinct styling and added light-trail features |
The $28,790 SR AWD base MSRP comes from Nissan’s 2027 press pricing.
Engine, Powertrain, and Performance
Every 2027 Kicks has a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. It runs on regular unleaded gasoline and pairs with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). There is no upgraded engine on SR or Rock Creek.
FWD models have Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. AWD models add Snow mode. The Rock Creek package adds an Off-Road mode and hill descent control to help manage traction and speed on suitable low-grip surfaces. Those features broaden the Kicks’ usefulness, but they do not turn it into a heavy-duty off-road vehicle.
The engine’s output is suited to ordinary commuting, errands, and steady highway travel rather than quick acceleration. A test drive with your usual number of passengers is the best way to judge whether its response meets your needs.
Driving Experience
The Kicks’ 171.9-inch length and published 34.8-foot turning diameter point to a vehicle that should be easy to place in city traffic and parking lots. Its 8.4 inches of ground clearance may also be useful on uneven entrances and rougher roads, although ground clearance alone does not determine off-road ability.
There is an important mechanical difference between drivetrains: FWD models use a twist-beam rear suspension, while AWD models use a multilink rear setup. Buyers who are sensitive to ride quality should test the drivetrain and wheel size they intend to purchase.
The CVT and 141-hp engine favor smooth, economical daily use over strong passing performance. If you spend much of your time on fast highways or carry a full load regularly, compare the Kicks with more powerful small SUVs before deciding.
Fuel Economy
Nissan lists the following EPA-estimated fuel-economy figures for the 2027 Kicks. Actual mileage varies with traffic, weather, tires, load, and driving habits.
| Drivetrain | City mpg | Highway mpg | Combined mpg |
| FWD | 28 | 35 | 31 |
| AWD, including Rock Creek | 27 | 34 | 30 |
AWD carries a modest one-mpg combined penalty. The larger practical trade-off for many buyers is cargo volume: the AWD layout reduces space behind the rear seats compared with FWD.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The Kicks seats five and has a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Nissan lists 42.7 inches of front legroom and 34.5 inches in the second row. That gives front occupants generous adjustment room for a small SUV, but taller rear passengers should try the seat before purchase—especially if a tall driver normally sits ahead of them.
A 12.3-inch center touchscreen is standard across the 2027 range. Nissan’s current consumer-facing comparison lists wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all four configurations shown. The SV and SR add a wireless charging pad, while SR gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument display in place of the seven-inch display fitted to the lower grades.
The S uses cloth seating and manual climate control. SV adds premium cloth, automatic temperature control, wireless phone charging, and remote start. SR receives sport-style seating, a more distinctive interior, extra driver-assistance features, and access to an optional 10-speaker Bose Personal Plus audio system.
Rock Creek brings its own seat design, heated front seats, heated mirrors, and a heated steering wheel as part of its package. Some connected services and audio functions may require activation or a subscription.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
The Kicks measures 171.9 inches long and 70.9 inches wide. Its wheelbase is 104.6 inches with FWD and 104.9 inches with AWD. Those dimensions help explain its appeal to drivers who want SUV seating and cargo access but do not want the footprint of a larger family crossover.
Cargo space depends considerably on the drivetrain:
| Configuration | Behind rear seats | Rear seats folded |
| S or SV FWD | 30.0 cu. ft. | 60.0 cu. ft. |
| SR FWD | 29.2 cu. ft. | 58.5 cu. ft. |
| AWD models | 23.9 cu. ft. | 50.1 cu. ft. |
These are Nissan’s 2027 measurements. The FWD Kicks offers particularly useful space for its short exterior length. AWD buyers give up 6.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared with an S or SV FWD, so bring any bulky item you regularly transport when you inspect the vehicle.
Nissan does not promote the Kicks as a towing-focused SUV. If pulling a trailer is part of your buying plan, confirm the exact vehicle’s approved towing guidance before assuming it can handle the job.
Exterior Design
The Kicks has a bold, upright shape that makes it look more substantial than its dimensions suggest. LED headlights and daytime running lights are standard. S uses 16-inch steel wheels; SV has 17-inch steel wheels as standard, with alloy-wheel choices available; and SR brings a sportier exterior treatment.
Rock Creek is the most visually distinct version. Its package includes exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels, a different grille, gloss-black accents, amber daytime running lights and accent lighting, and a roof rack with crossbars.
Nissan rates the rack and crossbars for up to 165 pounds, subject to its loading guidance. The package also adds equipment with practical uses, including heated mirrors, a spare tire, and an around-view camera system.
Safety Features and Ratings
Nissan lists automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, driver-attention alerts, and intelligent cruise control among the 2027 Kicks’ standard assistance features. Driver-assistance systems have operating limits and do not replace attentive driving.
Rear cross-traffic alert is not the same as rear automatic braking.
Rear automatic braking is not standard on S; Nissan lists it as available on SV through equipment such as the Rock Creek package and standard on SR. ProPILOT Assist is an SR feature, not a lineup-wide feature.
The IIHS lists a 2026 Kicks Top Safety Pick for vehicles built after June 2026. On its detailed ratings page, IIHS says several underlying crashworthiness evaluations apply to 2027 models, including Good ratings for the small-overlap front and side tests.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
Nissan lists a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also lists five years of corrosion-perforation coverage with unlimited mileage and roadside assistance for three years/36,000 miles. Check the warranty booklet for exclusions and full coverage terms.
A warranty is not a prediction of reliability. It is too early to make a firm long-term reliability claim about the 2027 Kicks based on ownership history for this specific model year. For a new-car purchase, compare insurance quotes for the trims you are considering, check the cost of replacement tires—particularly for larger-wheel configurations—and follow Nissan’s maintenance schedule.
FWD buyers get the strongest combination of fuel economy and cargo space. AWD can be worth its added cost for some road conditions, but good tires remain important in snow and ice.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Low starting MSRP for a five-seat SUV with available AWD.
- Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen.
- Up to 31 mpg combined in FWD form.
- Up to 30.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats on S and SV FWD.
- Useful standard driver-assistance features.
- Rock Creek adds more than cosmetic changes.
What We Don’t Like
- The 141-hp engine is unlikely to satisfy buyers seeking quick acceleration.
- AWD reduces cargo space substantially.
- Rear-seat legroom may be tight for taller adults.
- ProPILOT Assist is limited to SR.
- Some desirable equipment, including rear automatic braking on SV, depends on trim or package selection.
Competitors
The Kicks competes with the Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, and other small SUVs. It is also worth comparing with the smaller Hyundai Venue if your main priority is entry price.
Compare the model year, drivetrain, equipment, and final selling price—not just the advertised starting MSRP.
Should You Buy the Nissan Kicks?
Buy the Kicks if you want an affordable small SUV that does not make you pay extra for a large center screen, offers useful FWD cargo space, and can be ordered with AWD. The SV FWD is the clearest value choice for most drivers. S FWD suits a tighter budget, while SR is worth considering if ProPILOT Assist and its extra driver-assistance equipment are priorities.
Choose Rock Creek if you specifically want its AWD, visibility and parking equipment, heated features, and added control on suitable unpaved routes. It is not the choice for more power: every Kicks uses the same engine.
If you often carry tall rear passengers, need the most cargo space with AWD, or want brisk acceleration, test the Kicks alongside the Kona, Corolla Cross, and HR-V before committing.
FAQs
How much does the 2027 Nissan Kicks cost?
The Kicks starts at $22,790 MSRP for the S FWD. Nissan’s current online comparison lists a $1,575 destination charge, bringing that configuration to $24,365 before taxes, options, registration, and dealer charges.
What trims does the Nissan Kicks have?
The core 2027 grades are S, SV, and SR, each with FWD or AWD. Nissan also offers a priced Rock Creek AWD configuration based on the SV’s AWD-only Rock Creek package.
Is the Nissan Kicks available with AWD?
Yes. AWD is available on S, SV, and SR and included in the Rock Creek configuration.
What engine is in the 2027 Kicks?
Every version has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Xtronic CVT.
Is the Nissan Kicks a hybrid?
No. The 2027 U.S. Kicks lineup covered here uses a gasoline engine; Nissan does not list a Kicks Hybrid or Kicks EV in this lineup.
What is the Kicks’ fuel economy?
FWD versions are EPA-estimated at 28 city, 35 highway, and 31 combined mpg. AWD versions are rated at 27 city, 34 highway, and 30 combined mpg.
How much cargo space does the Kicks have?
S and SV FWD models provide 30.0 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.0 cubic feet with them folded. SR FWD measures 29.2 and 58.5 cubic feet, while AWD models measure 23.9 and 50.1 cubic feet.
Does the Nissan Kicks have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Nissan’s current 2027 consumer-facing specifications list wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the displayed lineup. Because a separate press specification table conflicts on S availability, confirm this feature on a specific S vehicle before purchase.
Does the Kicks have ProPILOT Assist?
Yes, on the 2027 SR. It is a driver-assistance feature that still requires the driver’s attention and control.
Is Rock Creek a separate Kicks engine?
No. Rock Creek is an AWD-only equipment package for the SV, marketed and priced as its own configuration. It retains the standard 141-hp engine.
Is the 2027 Nissan Kicks an IIHS Top Safety Pick?
IIHS lists a Top Safety Pick award for qualifying 2026 Kicks vehicles built after June 2026. Some crash-test ratings on that page explicitly apply to 2027 models, but the 2026 award should not be relabeled as a 2027 award.
What warranty comes with the Nissan Kicks?
Nissan lists a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, subject to the full warranty terms.
Final Verdict
The 2027 Nissan Kicks makes a strong case as an affordable, well-equipped small SUV. Its standard touchscreen, available AWD, good fuel-economy estimates, and generous FWD cargo area cover the needs of many commuters and small households. The SV FWD is the version most buyers should price first.
Its weaknesses are clear, too: acceleration is modest, rear-seat space deserves an in-person check, and AWD takes a meaningful bite out of cargo capacity. Choose the drivetrain based on the conditions you drive in and the space you actually need, then verify the exact equipment and price on the vehicle’s window sticker.
U.S. prices, equipment, fuel-economy figures, and availability can change. Verify the specifications, safety information, warranty terms, and local selling price for the exact vehicle before purchase.