Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Nissan Kicks SR AWD
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Coloration: Arctic Ice Blue
Nation of manufacture: Mexico
Seating capability: 5
Miles pushed: 201
Actual-world gasoline economic system: 30.1 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | B- |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gasoline Financial system | B+ |
| Worth | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Client Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B* |
| Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 141-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Kind | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT computerized |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 55% metropolis, 45% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 27/34/30 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Common
Base worth: $28,160 (not together with $1495 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: Premium Package deal ($1600),Chilly Climate Package deal ($300), Inside Electronics Package deal ($400), Illumination Package deal ($790), particular 2-tone paint ($800), cargo mat ($95), ground mats ($205), floor lighting ($590), illuminated headliner ($460), 19-inch alloy wheels ($620)
Value as examined: $35,515
Execs and Cons
The nice: Roomy, sensible, worth priced
The nice: Gasoline economic system, sporty dealing with
The not so good: Noisy cabin, no surplus of energy, little choices can add up
Overview
My father bought a 1970 Chevrolet Nova again in, effectively, 1970. On the time, the Nova was thought-about a compact automotive, and had discovered an enormous viewers not solely with most of the people, however with business and law-enforcement fleet operators as effectively.
The favored Chevy was usually thought-about to be dependable, and—interesting to probably the most cost-conscious shoppers—may very well be ordered with just about no additional tools.
My father, famously a miser, ordered his automotive with simply three choices: 307-cubic-inch V8 engine, computerized transmission, and AM radio.
The Nova was each an entry-level “starter” automotive, in addition to a frugal particular person’s fundamental transportation. And ours served the household effectively for 150,000 miles.
Luxurious Discount
I point out the Nova as a result of the 2026 Nissan Kicks might be had in what, by up to date requirements, is fairly fundamental trim, however, not like the Nova, can be had in near-luxury kind. And, we’re pleased to report, even in its most-opulent state of trim, can nonetheless be had for lower than $36,000.
And whereas the 1970 Nova may very well be gussied up with such niceties as FM radio and air con, it under no circumstances approached with topline Kicks for consolation and comfort.
Nissan’s smallest and most-affordable crossover, the Kick’s was utterly redesigned for the 2025 mannequin yr. For ’25, the Kicks grew in measurement, picked up some energy, and have become out there with AWD for the primary time.
My level: Primary transportation needn’t be “fundamental” anymore, and driving a really good automotive needn’t be costly.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2026, the Kicks is obtainable in three trim ranges:
- S ($23,925)
- SV ($25,665)
- SR ($28,155)
A fast notice on costs: Regardless of U.S. tariffs on imported automobiles—the Kicks is in-built Mexico—Nissan has largely held the road on Kicks costs. Relying on trim stage, bases costs rose between $480 and $600 for 2026, conserving the Kicks safely on our price checklist.
AWD
Going with AWD provides simply $1500 to the worth of the S and SR, and $1650 to the worth of the SV. Additionally, the Chilly Climate Package deal ($300)—which is the one means so as to add heated seats—is now out there on the SV. For 2025, it was solely supplied on the topline SV.
Engines
All Kicks fashions are powered by a 2.0-liter 141-horsepower 4-cylinder engine mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT computerized transmission. And, as you may count on at this worth stage, the engine runs positive on regular-grade gasoline.
Check Automobile
Client information not too long ago spent every week behind the wheel of a 2026 Kicks SR loaded with choices. Our AWD take a look at automotive, together with extra-cost 2-tone paint, the Chilly Climate Package deal, and feature-packed Premium Package deal got here to $35,515.
Cabin Design
Beginning inside, you’ll discover a roomy, fashionable, and properly completed atmosphere that feels something however entry stage. The one-piece digital show panel that runs from behind the steering wheel truly homes two screens, one being the instrument panel, the opposite the first touchscreen. We just like the tidy single-piece look, which is clear and retains the dashboard muddle free.
Room and Consolation
Cabin supplies are impressively high-grade, and meeting high quality can be worthy of notice. The Kick’s presents up loads of room for 4 adults, and even taller passengers will discover sufficient area in each seating rows. Although 2nd-row knee area could also be restricted behind taller front-row occupants.
Energy and Efficiency
Underway the Kicks acquits itself effectively, with good energy from a cease, and sufficient muscle to cross slower automobiles in metropolis driving. The two.0-liter engine is not any powerhouse, and in our fully-loaded AWD take a look at automotive, energy was wanting when it got here time to cost onto the freeway and merge with fast-moving site visitors. We’re not calling the Kicks sluggish, however suggesting that if energy is a major attribute for you, take into account one thing alongside the strains of the sprightly Mazda CX-30.
Experience and Dealing with
That mentioned, the Kicks is enjoyable to drive. The little Nissan handles effectively, serving up good management in corners, and reassuring brake really feel. And, its tidy measurement makes for straightforward parking and storage maneuverability.
On the street the Kicks settles in properly, and is way quieter and smoother using than the earlier technology crossover—although that mentioned–isn’t particularly quiet. It is a disgrace, because the out there Bose-brand audio system, which comes as a part of the Premium Package deal is spectacular, and can be at residence in a automotive or crossover costing $20,000 extra.
Worth
We had been impressed sufficient by the 2026 Kicks that we named it a Client Information Greatest Purchase. And whereas a properly outfitted Kicks might be had for round $30,000, anybody searching for one thing much less entry-level will discover a absolutely loaded Kicks SR a positive technique to reside the luxurious life for what quantities to Nova cash.
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