2027 Nissan KicksMotorTrend - MotorTrendCool exterior designAffordable starting priceGood standard featuresAWD slower than FWDQuestionable safety scoresGruff engineEntry-level vehicles can still have style and personality—just see the Nissan Kicks. This subcompact SUV sits at the bottom of Nissan's lineup but stands out with distinctive design and thoughtful touches.This is the second-generation of Kicks, which went on sale for 2025. Small affordable SUV rivals to the Kicks include the Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Subaru Crosstrek.What's NewThe 2027 Kicks is expected to carry over largely unchanged from the 2026 model. However, Nissan could introduce a new Rock Creek Edition to give the little SUV a more rugged vibe.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.What We ThinkLooks cool, doesn't it? The current Kicks has standout design for a small entry-level SUV, much more stylish than the original model.Value remains strong as equipment increases; Nissan gives it competitive tech and driver assist features. Although it's larger inside than before, it's still a subcompact. There's not a lot of back-seat or cargo space, and the driver's seat ergonomics aren't great.Around town, the Kicks has nimble handling. However, its acceleration is slow—oddly, slower with AWD than with FWD, an unusual quirk. Braking performance doesn't inspire confidence, either. Nissan would do well to bring a Kicks hybrid to market, but if and when that might happen remains unclear.AdvertisementAdvertisementSome Kicks rivals provide a more refined and high-quality experience. Even so, the Kicks succeeds as an appealing, practical, value-oriented subcompact SUV.Top-Ranked Competitors:Honda HR-VSubaru CrosstrekToyota Corolla CrossHyundai KonaMotorTrend TestedEvery Kicks uses a 2.0-liter I-4 engine that produces 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. That engine is connected to a CVT automatic, with FWD standard and AWD available.In MotorTrend testing, the Kicks FWD accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds—not very quick. But the Kicks AWD was even slower, hitting the 60-mph mark in 10.4 seconds. Braking distances are long; both variants needed about 130 feet to stop from 60 mph.MPGs and RangeFuel economy for the Kicks is rated at 28/35 mpg city/highway with FWD and 27/34 mpg with AWD. Driving range on a full tank of gas is 369 miles with FWD and 372 miles with AWD; the AWD model has a slightly larger gas tank than the Kicks FWD.Safety Ratings and FeaturesIn NHTSA testing for 2026, the Kicks earned four stars out of a possible five as its overall crash safety score.Standard FeaturesEvery Kicks comes with front and rear automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.Available FeaturesThe high-end Kicks SR gains intersection collision mitigation, lane keep assist, and upgraded adaptive cruise control.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThere's a decent amount of space inside the Kicks, but some rivals offer more. Notably, choosing AWD for the Kicks reduces the SUV's cargo capacity by quite a lot.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery new Kicks has a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that's compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 7.0-inch gauge cluster display is also standard. All models have two front-row USB-C ports.Sound SystemA four-speaker audio system is equipped on the S and SV grades. The SR gets a six-speaker setup but can be equipped with an optional 10-speaker Bose premium system.Available UpgradesA wireless charging pad is equipped on the Kicks SV and SR. The high-end Kicks SR also gains a 12.3-inch gauge cluster display, two USB-C ports for the rear seats, a 360-degree camera, and automatic climate control.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 Kicks starts at approximately $25,000 in entry-level S trim. This base model has 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, black plastic door handles, LED headlights and taillights, and a chrome-accented grille.AdvertisementAdvertisementInterior appointments include cloth upholstery, manually adjustable seats, a soft-touch steering wheel, and sun visors. Keyless entry with push-button start, one-touch windows, and cargo area illumination add convenience.Recommended TrimSince the Kicks SR can be had for under $30,000, this high-end version is our pick in the range. It adds 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED headlights, a painted grille, and side mirror turn signal repeaters.Inside, it gets premium cloth and leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear-seat armrest, a six-speaker audio system, 12.3-inch gauge display, and 360-degree camera.New Nissan Kicks Rock Creek EditionAnticipation is building for the return of Nissan's legendary Xterra off-road SUV, but the automaker could be working on a smaller rugged crossover, too. The Kicks Rock Creek Edition has already been revealed in Japan and is likely to come to the United States, as well.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis won't be a true trail beast; instead, it's mostly an aesthetics package that gives the Kicks a tougher appearance. A bolder grille, orange trim accents, and tires with thicker sidewalls help the Kicks Rock Creek look the part. It could also get a built-in roof rack to carry more adventure gear.The Japanese Kicks Rock Creek uses a hybrid powertrain, which the version sold in the United States might not get, but all-wheel drive could be standard.
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