2020 Nissan Kicks SR CVT

Nissan Kicks is a compact crossover that is made for small, narrow, and highly intensive urban roadways and landscapes. Many owners call it very maneuverable, and a “fun car to drive.”

As a part of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility philosophy, the Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced support features is standard across all grades. Above-class standard features include Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, and Rear Sonar System. In addition, Rear Door Alert is now standard on Kicks SV and SR grades.

Nissan Safety Shield includes more safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Hill Stat Assist, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Radar Based Blind Spot Warning, and High Beam Assist.

Kicks is part of Nissan’s adventure-ready sport utility portfolio, joining Rogue Sport, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder, and Armada.

The prime target is singles or couples ‘looking for unique styling, roominess, personal technology smart functionality and advanced safety features at an affordable price.’

Kicks is powered by a sporty 1.6-liter four-cylinder mated to a CVT transmission. It is offered in front wheel drive only. Fuel economy is rated at 31 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, for a 33-mpg combined average. I actually netted nearly 40 mpg for my week of city and highway driving.

Outside, Kicks is fronted by the company’s signature V-Motion grille, available LED headlights, and a floating roof with a “wrap-around visor look” to the wind screen and side glass.

The wide C-pillar is “hidden,” with a black finish that blends into the tailgate glass, helping give the floating roof a distinctive and eye catching appeal.

Personally, I liked the bold wheel arch fenders and rising character line on the side panels that accentuate the car’s stance and inherent strength. All this beauty rests on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Remote Keyless Entry lets you get in quickly. Once inside, Intelligent Drive Alertness (I-DA)and cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls help get to your destination safely and less tired. Automatic Temperature Control keeps you comfortably seated along the way.

The NissanConnect infotainment system on the aforementioned 7-inch touchscreen display was somewhat challenging. The screen was simply too small for me to see properly, while the other gauges were difficult to monitor as well, due to the size and location.

However, the 6-speaker audio system was of great quality and well-balanced. Power windows quickly open up the cabin while your hands grip the leather steering wheel and shift knob. The interior chrome door handles and chrome parking brake button added a special styling and designer elegance. Siri Eyes Free plus both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.

Kicks has nimble handling, contributed by independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar, and torsion-beam rear suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is $21,320 for the SR CVT model.

One option available is the $1,000 SR Premium Package with Bose Personal Plus audio system with 8 speakers including UltraNearfield driver headrest speakers, Prima-Tex appointed seats, heated front seats, and security system.

Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles Basic Coverage Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles Powertrain Warranty
5 years/unlimited mileage Corrosion Perforation Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles Roadside Assistance Warranty

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