Key Features of the 2026 Nissan Kicks

2.0-liter 4-cylinder with CVT and available All-Wheel Drive

The latest Kicks moves with ease thanks to a 2.0-liter engine that produces 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain is tuned for prompt response in stop-and-go traffic and confident merging at speed, while the continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot without frequent gear hunting. Front-wheel drive is standard, and available all-wheel drive enhances traction with drive modes that include Normal, Eco, Sport, and Snow (AWD). In independent testing, an AWD Kicks reached 60 mph in 9.0 seconds, which is right on target for the class. The AWD configuration also brings a more compliant rear suspension than the front-drive version’s torsion-beam setup, lending reassuring composure on pockmarked pavement and during quick lane changes.

Standard Driver Assistance with Automated Emergency Braking

Nissan equips the Kicks with a robust suite of driver-assistance features to support awareness in traffic and tight parking lots. Standard technologies include Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane-Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. These systems work together to help you stay informed of vehicles in adjacent lanes, alert you to potential hazards when backing out, and even assist braking if a sudden stop is necessary. Available Adaptive Cruise Control with a lane-centering feature adds another layer of calm to highway driving by helping maintain distance and assisting with steering support. It all adds up to a small SUV that feels big on confidence.

12.3-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Infotainment is a strong suit for the Kicks, especially in SV and SR trims that upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The interface is crisp, logically organized, and angled toward the driver for quick glances. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come online with these trims, simplifying daily routines by eliminating cord clutter. Connectivity and charging are equally thoughtful: SV and SR provide a pair of USB-C ports up front, and SR adds two more for rear-seat passengers. Audiophiles will want to seek out the available 10-speaker Bose system with headrest-mounted speakers for the front seats, transforming podcasts, playlists, and turn-by-turn prompts into an immersive listening experience that punches above the segment.

Zero Gravity Seats and Flexible Cargo Space

Whether you are commuting, carpooling, or heading out for errands, comfort and space matter. The Kicks incorporates Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats for rear passengers and a supportive seating position up front. This design helps reduce pressure points on longer drives, so you arrive more refreshed. Cargo space is smartly executed for a subcompact SUV: front-wheel-drive models offer 29 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 59 cubic feet with the rear seats folded; AWD models provide 24 and 50 cubic feet, respectively. In real-world testing, an AWD Kicks fit eight suitcases behind the rear seats and 21 carry-ons with the seats folded, underlining its day-to-day practicality.

Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Snow (AWD)

Flexible drive modes help the Kicks adapt to your day. Normal mode calibrates the powertrain for balanced response, Eco prioritizes efficiency-minded behavior for light-footed commutes, and Sport sharpens throttle mapping for a livelier feel merging onto fast-moving highways. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Kicks adds Snow mode, which helps manage wheel slip and traction on slick, wintry surfaces. The result is a small SUV that feels surprisingly versatile, whether you are threading through city streets, taking a rainy detour, or heading out early on a frosty morning.