Text by Tom Appel
2026 Nissan Kicks SR AWD
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Color: Arctic Ice Blue
Country of manufacture: Mexico
Seating capacity: 5
Miles driven: 201
Real-world fuel economy: 30.1 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | B- |
| Fit and Finish | B+ |
| Fuel Economy | B+ |
| Value | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B+ |
| Tall Guy | B* |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 141-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Type | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 55% city, 45% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 27/34/30 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular
Base price: $28,160 (not including $1495 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Premium Package ($1600),Cold Weather Package ($300), Interior Electronics Package ($400), Illumination Package ($790), special 2-tone paint ($800), cargo mat ($95), floor mats ($205), ground lighting ($590), illuminated headliner ($460), 19-inch alloy wheels ($620)
Price as tested: $35,515
Pros and Cons
The great: Roomy, practical, value priced
The good: Fuel economy, sporty handling
The not so good: Noisy cabin, no surplus of power, little options can add up
Review
My father purchased a 1970 Chevrolet Nova back in, well, 1970. At the time, the Nova was considered a compact car, and had found a huge audience not only with the general public, but with commercial and law-enforcement fleet operators as well.
The popular Chevy was generally considered to be reliable, and—appealing to the most cost-conscious consumers—could be ordered with virtually no extra equipment.
My father, famously a miser, ordered his car with just three options: 307-cubic-inch V8 engine, automatic transmission, and AM radio.
The Nova was both an entry-level “starter” car, as well as a frugal person’s basic transportation. And ours served the family well for 150,000 miles.
Luxury Bargain
I mention the Nova because the 2026 Nissan Kicks can be had in what, by contemporary standards, is pretty basic trim, but, unlike the Nova, can also be had in near-luxury form. And, we’re happy to report, even in its most-opulent state of trim, can still be had for less than $36,000.
And while the 1970 Nova could be gussied up with such niceties as FM radio and air conditioning, it in no way approached with topline Kicks for comfort and convenience.
Nissan’s smallest and most-affordable crossover, the Kick’s was completely redesigned for the 2025 model year. For ’25, the Kicks grew in size, picked up some power, and became available with AWD for the first time.
My point: Basic transportation need not be “basic” anymore, and driving a very nice car need not be expensive.
Prices and Trim Levels
For 2026, the Kicks is offered in three trim levels:
- S ($23,925)
- SV ($25,665)
- SR ($28,155)
A quick note on prices: Despite U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles—the Kicks is built in Mexico—Nissan has largely held the line on Kicks prices. Depending on trim level, bases prices rose between $480 and $600 for 2026, keeping the Kicks safely on our value list.
AWD
Going with AWD adds just $1500 to the price of the S and SR, and $1650 to the price of the SV. Also, the Cold Weather Package ($300)—which is the only way to add heated seats—is now available on the SV. For 2025, it was only offered on the topline SV.
Engines
All Kicks models are powered by a 2.0-liter 141-horsepower 4-cylinder engine mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automatic transmission. And, as you might expect at this price level, the engine runs fine on regular-grade gasoline.
Test Car
Consumer guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2026 Kicks SR loaded with options. Our AWD test car, including extra-cost 2-tone paint, the Cold Weather Package, and feature-packed Premium Package came to $35,515.
Cabin Design
Starting inside, you’ll find a roomy, modern, and nicely finished environment that feels anything but entry level. The one-piece digital display panel that runs from behind the steering wheel actually houses two screens, one being the instrument panel, the other the primary touchscreen. We like the tidy single-piece look, which is clean and keeps the dashboard clutter free.
Room and Comfort
Cabin materials are impressively high-grade, and assembly quality is also worthy of note. The Kick’s offers up plenty of room for four adults, and even taller passengers will find adequate space in both seating rows. Though 2nd-row knee space may be limited behind taller front-row occupants.
Power and Performance
Underway the Kicks acquits itself well, with good power from a stop, and enough muscle to pass slower vehicles in city driving. The 2.0-liter engine is no powerhouse, and in our fully-loaded AWD test car, power was wanting when it came time to charge onto the highway and merge with fast-moving traffic. We’re not calling the Kicks slow, but suggesting that if power is a primary attribute for you, consider something along the lines of the sprightly Mazda CX-30.
Ride and Handling
That said, the Kicks is fun to drive. The little Nissan handles well, serving up good control in corners, and reassuring brake feel. And, its tidy size makes for easy parking and garage maneuverability.
On the road the Kicks settles in nicely, and is much quieter and smoother riding than the previous generation crossover—though that said–isn’t especially quiet. This is a shame, as the available Bose-brand audio system, which comes as part of the Premium Package is impressive, and would be at home in a car or crossover costing $20,000 more.
Value
We were impressed enough by the 2026 Kicks that we named it a Consumer Guide Best Buy. And while a nicely equipped Kicks can be had for around $30,000, anyone shopping for something less entry-level will find a fully loaded Kicks SR a fine way to live the luxury life for what amounts to Nova money.
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