Nissan Kicks review

The Kicks comes in three trims, the base S, the middle SV and the top-tier SR. Each is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All share the same 141hp 2.0-liter in-line four-cyl engine and CVT transmission. Outside of drivetrain, the differences really boil down to a handful of available features, with the only substantial one being the SR’s 12.3-inch touchscreen. 

The S trim is about keeping the price down, trimming the fat in any place it can, even down to available USB ports. SV and SR are where the creature comforts come in. Each have available premium packages that include stuff like a panoramic moon roof, remote engine start, heated front seats and so on. SR’s premium package includes the aforementioned Bose sound system while including a bunch of small things that would otherwise be options. 

While the SR is a very complete package and the Kicks’ best foot forward, the SV FWD starts at $23,680. Even with the premium package adding $1,500 on top of that, it’s still well under the fully loaded SR AWD. Yeah, the extra stability is great in bad weather, but front-wheel drive manages well enough, too. It would be nice to have the big fancy infotainment screens, but if we’re a student pinching the pennies, it’s no big loss. 

What to buy otherwise? The Kia Soul, inexplicably, is still around, thoroughly outliving the giant hamsters that promoted it at its peak 15 or so years ago. Anyway, its staying power is due to much of what the Kicks brings – affordability and a modicum of style not frequent in budget rides. A fresher rival would be the Hyundai Kona. All of which have about the same price point, though cross-shopping features will determine what’s the right fit.