2022 Nissan Kicks SR

Nissan Kicks is so much fun to drive, but it could use a little more oomph than its 122 max horsepower and 114 lb-ft peak torque. Its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is married to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and this powertrain achieves a fuel economy rating of 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for a combined 33-mpg average.

Putting the power discussion aside, 2022 Kicks’ standard package does come with a remarkable feature list, including Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Automatic Braking. All this and more added to a whole host of entertainment technologies makes for a fun and safe driving experience.

In 2021, Kicks adopted its beautiful Double V-motion grille, LED taillights, and fog lights. The hatchback is topped with black painted rails and shark fin antenna, resting on 17-inch alloy wheels. The whole package makes for an attractive exterior.

Following the major redesign in 2021, the 2022 Kicks is a minor update that carries the same features forward.

Inside the line-topping SR model, there is the 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display in the instrument panel behind the steering wheel, and a beautiful 8-inch color touchscreen on top of the center stack. The instrument cluster display is fully customizable to show only the data the driver wants to see. The NissanConnect infotainment system is loaded with connectivity support, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, plus Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming. The eight-speaker Bose Personal Plus audio system is another perk for the top-of-the-line model..

Remote engine start, Nissan Intelligent Key, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and sport cloth seat trim are also standard on the SR. On the driving assistance front, you get Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Driver Alert, Intelligent Cruise Control, and Automatic Brake Hold on top of the standard set. Who says you cannot drive a fun car and do it safely? Kicks proves you can.

Admittedly, the seats were a little short and too narrow for me. In the back, the 60/40 split bench seat can handle two medium sized passengers. The cabin’s headroom is in short supply in the front and back. The rear seats offers 33.5 inches of legroom, and you have 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind. Fold the seats down and you get 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

Kicks is for a young, fun-seeking, educated, and upper mobile type of individual. Someone who wants to drive a fairly priced vehicle that is inexpensive to operate and loaded with entertainment technology and safety features.

The Kicks line starts with the $19,800 S model. Even the SR has an MSRP of $22,340. By the time you read this column, gas may well have reached $5 a gallon and gas mileage becomes a bigger consideration. I averaged 38 mpg my week of driving the Kicks.

Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles Basic Coverage
5 years/60,000 miles Powertrain Coverage
5 years/unlimited miles Corrosion Coverage

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].