Are Nissan Kicks Good Cars? An Honest Review

Yes, for the right buyer – the Nissan Kicks is a good car if you want a cheap, simple, and easy-to-drive small SUV. The question “are Nissan Kicks good cars” gets asked a lot, and the answer depends on what you need from your daily driver.

I’ve spent time with this little SUV. It has clear strengths and some big weaknesses. It’s not for everyone, but it fits a certain person perfectly.

If you want a no-fuss ride for city life, keep reading. We’ll look at the good and the bad in plain talk.

What Is the Nissan Kicks?

The Nissan Kicks is a small SUV, or what they call a subcompact crossover. It sits below the bigger Rogue in Nissan’s lineup.

It’s made for city driving and tight parking spots. The Kicks is tall like an SUV but small like a hatchback. This gives you a good view of the road.

It comes with one engine choice and front-wheel drive only. There is no all-wheel drive option here. That’s a key point for some buyers.

The inside is basic but tries to be modern. You get a simple dashboard and seats for five people. Cargo space in the back is decent for its size.

Nissan aims the Kicks at first-time buyers and city dwellers. The price tag is its main weapon. It’s one of the cheapest new SUVs you can buy today.

So, are Nissan Kicks good cars for this role? For basic transport, they make a strong case. Let’s dig deeper.

What Makes the Nissan Kicks Good?

First, let’s talk about the good stuff. The Kicks does several things very well for the money.

It gets great gas mileage. The small engine sips fuel. You’ll make fewer stops at the gas station, which saves you cash every month.

The ride is comfortable for a cheap car. It soaks up bumps and potholes better than you might think. Nissan tuned the suspension for comfort, not sporty handling.

Visibility is fantastic. The big windows and tall seating let you see all around the car. This makes parking and lane changes much easier and less stressful.

Standard safety tech is a plus. Even the base model comes with automatic emergency braking. This is a big deal for a budget-friendly vehicle.

The infotainment system is simple to use. The touchscreen responds well, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. You won’t fight with a confusing menu.

So, are Nissan Kicks good cars in these areas? They excel at being simple, cheap to run, and easy to live with. That’s a winning combo for many.

Where the Nissan Kicks Falls Short

Now for the not-so-good parts. The Kicks has some clear limits you need to know about.

The engine is weak. It has just enough power for city streets but struggles on highways. Passing slower traffic or merging requires careful planning.

There’s no all-wheel drive option. If you live where it snows a lot, this is a deal-breaker. You’re stuck with front-wheel drive only.

The interior feels cheap. You’ll find a lot of hard, scratchy plastic. It’s built to a low price point, and you can tell when you touch things.

It’s not for long trips. The seats get uncomfortable after an hour or two. The noisy engine and lack of power make highway cruising a chore.

Cargo space is okay, but not great. If you have a big family or need to haul gear, look at something larger. The Kicks is best for light grocery runs.

Given these points, are Nissan Kicks good cars for everyone? No, they are not. They serve a specific, simple purpose.

Nissan Kicks Reliability and Cost

Let’s talk about keeping it running. A cheap car isn’t good if it breaks all the time.

The Nissan Kicks has a decent reliability record so far. It uses a simple engine and transmission that Nissan has used for years. Simple parts often mean fewer problems.

Repair costs should be low. Common parts are easy to find and won’t cost a fortune. This is a key reason many people ask, “are Nissan Kicks good cars?”

According to NHTSA, the Kicks has good safety ratings. This matters for insurance costs and your peace of mind.

Fuel costs are a big win. The high MPG rating means you spend less each month. In today’s world, that’s a major selling point.

Depreciation is average. It will lose value like most cars, but its low starting price helps. You won’t lose a huge amount of money in the first few years.

So, are Nissan Kicks good cars for your wallet? Yes, they are cheap to buy and cheap to own. That’s a strong argument in its favor.

Who Should Buy a Nissan Kicks?

This car is perfect for a specific person. If this sounds like you, the Kicks could be a great fit.

Buy it if you are a new driver. The easy handling, good visibility, and safety tech make it a confident first car. The low price is easier on a young buyer’s budget.

Buy it if you mostly drive in the city. The small size is great for parking. The weak engine isn’t a problem when you’re just going from light to light.

Buy it if you are on a tight budget. The Kicks gives you a new car warranty for very little money. It’s hard to find another new SUV at this price.

Buy it if you want the simplest car possible. You get in, you drive, you park. There are no complex modes or settings to figure out.

Buy it if you drive alone or with one passenger. The back seat is fine for kids, but adults won’t love long rides back there.

For these buyers, the answer to “are Nissan Kicks good cars” is a clear yes. It hits the right notes for a simple urban life.

Who Should Avoid the Nissan Kicks?

On the other hand, some people should look elsewhere. The Kicks won’t meet their needs at all.

Avoid it if you drive on highways a lot. The lack of power becomes frustrating and can feel unsafe when merging. You’ll want more engine for this job.

Avoid it if you need all-wheel drive. Snowy or muddy roads require more grip. The Kicks doesn’t offer that, so you’ll need a different model.

Avoid it if you have a big family. The small cabin and cargo area will feel cramped fast. You’ll need more space for people and their stuff.

Avoid it if you want a “nice” interior. The cabin uses budget materials that look and feel cheap. You’ll be disappointed if you like a plush feel.

Avoid it if you take road trips. The firm seats and engine noise will wear you out over hundreds of miles. A more comfortable car is a better choice.

For these drivers, are Nissan Kicks good cars? No, they are a poor match. Their needs are outside what this small SUV can do.

How It Compares to Other Small SUVs

Let’s see how the Kicks stacks up against rivals. The market is full of small SUVs these days.

The Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos cost a bit more. But they offer more power and available all-wheel drive. You get more car for your money.

The Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross are more refined. They feel better built and hold their value well. They also cost more to buy upfront.

The Chevrolet Trax is a direct price rival. It also has a weak engine but offers more interior space. It’s another option for budget-focused shoppers.

According to FuelEconomy.gov, the Kicks leads the pack in gas mileage. This is its biggest competitive advantage over these other models.

So, are Nissan Kicks good cars compared to the rest? They win on price and fuel economy but lose on power and features. It’s a trade-off.

Common Complaints and Praise

Owners have spoken. Here’s what real people like and dislike about their Kicks.

People love the gas mileage. This is the number one compliment. In a time of high gas prices, sipping fuel is a huge benefit.

They like the easy parking. The short body and tight turning circle make city life simple. You can fit into spots bigger SUVs have to pass by.

They praise the standard safety tech. Automatic emergency braking has saved a few fender-benders. It’s great to have this on the base model.

On the flip side, owners hate the lack of power. Trying to accelerate up a hill or pass a truck is a slow process. You need to floor the gas pedal.

They complain about road noise. The cabin lets in a lot of sound from the tires and wind. It’s not a quiet place on the highway.

The cheap interior materials draw criticism. Things feel flimsy and scratch easily. It doesn’t feel like it will age well over many years.

Looking at these points, are Nissan Kicks good cars in the eyes of owners? They are good at specific things, and owners accept the trade-offs for the low price.

Final Verdict: Are Nissan Kicks Good Cars?

Let’s wrap this up. The Nissan Kicks is a tool for a specific job.

It is a good car for the right person. That person wants cheap, simple, basic transport with great gas mileage. They drive mostly in the city and don’t need power.

It is a bad car for the wrong person. If you need power, all-wheel drive, space, or luxury, you will be very disappointed. Look at other models instead.

The value is strong. For under twenty thousand dollars, you get a new SUV with a warranty and modern safety tech. That’s hard to beat on paper.

The FTC advises knowing what you need before you buy. The Kicks is a lesson in this. It meets basic needs and ignores extra wants.

So, are Nissan Kicks good cars? My final answer is a conditional yes. They are good for a budget-minded, city-centric driver who values simplicity above all else.

Test drive one with your needs in mind. Feel the weak acceleration on an on-ramp. Enjoy the easy parking downtown. Then you’ll know if it’s good for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nissan Kicks good cars for new drivers?

Yes, they are great for new drivers. The easy handling, good visibility, and safety features build confidence. The low price is also easier on a young person’s budget.

Are Nissan Kicks good cars in snow?

Not really. They only come with front-wheel drive. Good snow tires will help, but a car with all-wheel drive is a much better choice for heavy winter weather.

Are Nissan Kicks good cars for families?

Only for very small families. The back seat and cargo space are limited. A family of four with young kids might manage, but a larger family will want a bigger vehicle.

How long will a Nissan Kicks last?

With proper care, it should last many years. The simple mechanical parts are known to be reliable. Following the maintenance schedule in the manual is key to a long life.

Are Nissan Kicks good cars for highway driving?

They are okay for short trips. The lack of power makes merging and passing difficult. For long highway commutes, a more powerful car is a safer and less stressful choice.

What is the biggest problem with the Nissan Kicks?

The weak engine is the biggest issue for most people. It lacks the power for confident driving in many common situations, like highway merging or climbing hills.

Conclusion

So, are Nissan Kicks good cars? The answer is not a simple yes or no. It’s a “yes, but only if…” kind of car.

It fills a niche perfectly. If your life fits that niche, you’ll be happy. You’ll save money on gas and enjoy easy parking every day.

But know its limits before you sign the papers. Take it on a real test drive that mimics your daily route. Then you can decide if the Nissan Kicks is a good car for you.