Is the Nissan Kicks a Good Car? A Fun Look at the 2026 Nissan Kicks

Short answer: yes, the Nissan Kicks is a good car for drivers who want a roomy, affordable SUV that parks easy and treats your wallet kindly. It will not win any stoplight drag races, but honestly, that was never the plan.

The Kicks is one of the best value picks in the world of subcompact SUVs. It sips gas, packs in safety features, and now offers all-wheel drive for the very first time. For folks around Clear Lake, League City, and Webster who want a small SUV that does not cost a fortune, it ticks a lot of boxes. Clear Lake Nissan keeps plenty on the lot, so checking one out in person is easy.

What Changed With the New Nissan Kicks

The 2025 Nissan Kicks got a full redesign, kicking off the second-generation model. It grew about 3 inches longer and got wider and taller, so the cabin no longer feels like a clown car.

The 2026 Nissan Kicks carries those upgrades forward and piles on even more standard tech. In short, the current Kicks is bigger, bolder, and smarter than the boxy little runabout from a few years back.

Here is what stands out:

  • A stronger engine borrowed from the Nissan Sentra

  • All-wheel drive offered for the first time ever

  • A larger touchscreen with a wireless phone connection on every trim

  • Best-in-class ground clearance of 8.4 inches

The Powertrain: No Rocket, and That Is Fine

Under the hood sits a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. That power runs through a CVT, which is short for continuously variable automatic transmission.

This powertrain gets the Kicks to 60 mph in about 10 seconds. That is slow on paper, but it feels perfectly fine for daily driving around town. Merging onto I-45 takes a little planning, not a prayer.

Front-wheel drive comes standard, and all-wheel drive is the new optional upgrade. The older 2021 Nissan Kicks and 2024 Nissan Kicks used a smaller 1.6-liter engine with less pep, so the new one is a real step up.

Want more muscle and space? The Nissan Rogue is the natural next size up.

Fuel Economy You Will Actually Notice

Gas mileage is one of the Kicks' biggest bragging rights. The front-wheel-drive model earns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined, which is great for running errands all over the Bay Area.

The all-wheel-drive version dips just slightly to 30 mpg combined. Either way, the strong fuel economy means fewer stops at the pump and more money left for tacos.

Tech That Keeps Up With Your Phone

The 2026 Kicks now comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on every model, even the base S model. That is a big jump from the tiny screen older versions used.

Better yet, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across the board. No tangled cords needed to pull up maps or your favorite playlist.

You also get two USB-C ports up front to keep devices charged. It is a small touch that makes the daily commute a lot smoother.

Safety Features for Peace of Mind

Every Kicks comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a full bundle of driver-assistance features. These tools work quietly in the background so you can focus on the road.

Standard safety features include:

  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection

  • Blind spot warning

  • Lane departure warning

  • Rear cross-traffic alert when you are backing out

  • Intelligent cruise control, a form of adaptive cruise control

Step up to the SR trim and you can add ProPilot Assist. This helps with steering and keeps you centered in your lane on the highway, which is a nice perk on long drives down I-45.

Cargo Space and Comfort

For a small SUV, the Kicks swallows a surprising amount of stuff. Front-wheel-drive models offer up to 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60 cubic feet with them folded.

All-wheel-drive models trade a little cargo space for the extra hardware. Nissan's comfy Zero Gravity seats also help long drives feel shorter, which your back will thank you for.

What Does the Nissan Kicks Cost?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks has an MSRP starting around $22,730. That makes it one of the most affordable SUVs you can buy brand new.

Trims are simple: the S model, the mid-level SV, and the sporty SR. If your budget runs tighter, you can browse choices under $20,000 or scan the used inventory for an earlier Kicks.

Want to see the full lineup? Take a look at the new inventory to compare trims and colors.

How the Kicks Compares to Rivals

The subcompact SUV class is crowded, but the Kicks holds its own. It often costs less than its main rivals while offering more cargo room and higher ground clearance.

Here is how it lines up against the competition:

  • Hyundai Kona: sportier, but pricier

  • Hyundai Venue: cheaper, but smaller and front-wheel drive only

  • Kia Soul: fun and boxy, but no all-wheel drive option

  • Honda HR-V: roomy and smooth, but it costs more

  • Chevrolet Trax: a strong value pick and a close call

For shoppers who put value first, the Kicks is tough to beat.

Is the Nissan Kicks Reliable?

Reliability is a strong point for the Kicks. The simple powertrain has few fancy moving parts to fuss over, which tends to mean fewer surprise repair bills.

Some early owners mentioned minor touchscreen quirks, but most reviews are upbeat. Backed by Nissan's warranty, the Kicks is built to be a dependable daily driver for years.

So, Is the Nissan Kicks a Good Car?

Yes. For drivers who want an affordable, fuel-sipping small SUV with modern tech and strong safety features, the Kicks is a smart buy. Just do not expect it to act like a sports car, and you will love it.

FAQ

Is the Nissan Kicks good on gas?

Yes. The front-wheel-drive model gets about 31 mpg combined, and the all-wheel-drive version gets around 30 mpg combined. That is solid gas mileage for a subcompact SUV.

Does the Nissan Kicks have all-wheel drive?

The 2025 and 2026 Nissan Kicks offer all-wheel drive as an option for the first time. Front-wheel drive is still the standard setup on every trim.

Is the Nissan Kicks a reliable car?

The Kicks has a good reputation for reliability thanks to its simple powertrain and proven engine. Routine maintenance helps it stay dependable for the long haul.

How much does a Nissan Kicks cost?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks has an MSRP starting around $22,730. Final pricing depends on the trim, options, and any current offers.

What is the difference between the old and new Kicks?

The second-generation Kicks is bigger, more powerful, and better equipped than the 2021 or 2024 models. It also adds all-wheel drive and much larger screens.

Ready to Take One for a Spin?

The best way to know if the Kicks fits your life is to get behind the wheel. Our team at Clear Lake Nissan is happy to help you find the right trim and color.

Get directions here before you head over or you can also contact us to schedule a test drive. We can’t wait to see you!