Fresh from a 2021 redesign, the 2022 Nissan Kicks is largely carryover for 2022. It’s the perfect subcompact SUV for a city dweller or as a first car. Offering a variety of options and a joie de vivre vibe, it’s one of those vehicles that can bring a smile to your face from 50 paces. It’s the smallest vehicle in the Nissan SUV lineup and offers seating for five, although passengers may find three-across seating in the second row a bit challenging.
The Kicks is available in three trim levels beginning with Kicks S, Kicks SV, and Kicks SR. It gets its motivation from a 1.6-liter inline-4 with continuously variable valve timing. This engine delivers 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. The engine employs Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which drives the front wheels. No turbocharged engine or AWD option is available.
Three Trims
The base 2022 Nissan Kicks S starts under $20,000. It comes with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 safety suite and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 7-inch touchscreen display and three USB ports are standard. The next model up is the SV which adds more features for about $2,000 more.
The high-line 2022 Nissan Kicks SR should start at near $23,000 and includes an 8-inch touchscreen display and intelligent cruise control. Fully loaded models come with an around-view 360-degree monitor and Bose premium audio system. The exterior boasts LED headlights and foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, rear roof spoiler, and 2-tone paint scheme. All in, you’ll be hard-pressed to break $28,000.
Here are the Standout Features on the new Kicks:
- “Double V-motion” grille and available LED headlights.
- Updated interior with new center console, new seating, and trim materials.
- Rear disc brakes added to SV and SR grades.
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Standard 7.0-inch touchscreen with a new 8.0-inch display on SV and SR.
- Three standard USB ports with new available USB Type-C for SV and SR.
- New wheel designs.
- New 7.0-inch driver information display in the meter cluster.
- An array of bold new colors, including new two-tone combinations.
Here’s a look at some of the key features:
1.6-liter 4-cylinder Engine
It’s the only engine available on the Nissan Kicks but is able to provide a solid 122 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 114 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Fed by a dual-injector system, it uses regular unleaded fuel and variable valve timing for power and efficiency from such a small package. It is available solely in front-wheel-drive configuration.
LED Headlamps
The new streamlined LED headlamps and taillamp units provide a refined and elegant look. The lighting elements in front flank Nissan’s chrome V-motion grille signature to give this small SUV an upscale look.
Safety Features
The Nissan Kicks includes valuable safety features like Intelligent Cruise Control, Automatic Brake Hold, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. The list continues with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Advanced Technology
Technology doesn’t suffer on the Nissan Kicks SR. These features include an 8-inch touchscreen display and Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor that gives a bird’s eye view of the area around the CUV. A Bose Personal Plus audio system (included with SR Premium Package) brings eight speakers and Bose “UltraNearField” driver headrest speakers. The available SR Premium package not only adds the Bose audio system but also nets NissanConnect Services with SiriusXM and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
More Nissan Kicks
Read our full review or build and price your own Nissan Kicks. If you’re ready to make a move, take a look at the Nissan Kicks models for sale near you.
