All-New Nissan Kicks Review

The Nissan Kicks is the latest subcompact suv that slots in under the size of the Qashqai , or Rogue Sport model introduced last year. This is aimed as a city runabout with front wheel drive only. The Kicks is really a replacement for compact hatchbacks or compact cars like the Nissan Versa Note or Sentra. The Nissan Kicks crossover starts at roughly $18,000 and runs up to roughly $25,000. Every Kicks utility comes with standard forward collision warning with autonomous braking. Powering the all-new Kicks is a 1,6L 4-cylinder with 125hp and a CVT powering the front wheels only. The 2018 Kicks is offered in a range of five exterior colours - plus five two-tone combinations. Three of the two-tone colour schemes utilize a black roof and contrasting body colours (white, orange or red), along with an orange roof/grey body combination and a white roof/blue body combination.

[@aprilstraw6536]

Proud owner of a 2019 Kicks

[@vickied8815]

THEY SAY THIS VEHICLE IS BEST FOR FIRST TIME DRIVERS BUT I BOUGHT THE RED KICKS YESTERDAY AND I AM 60 YEARS OLD. ITS GIRLIE AT ANY AGE. I HOPE IT DOES WELL!!!

[@ner019]

Why you screaming?

[@christianeruel1619]

Thanks for the video. Accurate description. Did the test drive and purchased. As you said, perfect for empty nester wanting small CUV with good looks and reasonably priced. Shared your views overall.

[@kellingtonlink956]

Zack.. Very well said. You presented quite a lot of information over a relatively short video. Very well thought out, including the video shots. Thanks.

[@debclark1091]

I love my kicks. Miss the console. Actually did well in snow

[@2020anaki]

I bought SV in June and love it. Very good on mileage

[@leeh9520]

Have you heard all of the negative reviews on the Nissan CVT transmission? I wanted to buy a kicks until I started reading about how unreliable nissans transmission is Have you had any problems are you at all concerned?

[@leeh9520]

Just wondering if you have a comment about all of the negative comments about the Nissan CVT transmission failure rate I was going to buy a kicks but haven't yet because of Nissans transmission failure rate .

[@swanblake]

Zac loves himself this Nissan. Can't wait to see it in his garage.

[@Motormouth...]

For my kids maybe

[@JogBird]

i was hoping that wagons would make a come back, but the whole trend to suvs is here to stay

[@rightlanehog3151]

Don't give up hope to #SaveTheWagon

[@manufacturingdefect1287]

Awesome review for a funky looking little SUV

[@houston750007]

Awesome! I saw your Murano video then checked out your previous vids and found this. I got a lot of good info.. gotta rewatch to see fuel efficiency.. Looked it up: 31 city / 36 highway ... impressive

[@Candid1ify]

Bought one, am extremely pleased with it`s performance . SV model 2018 no problems handles extremely well does everything I wanted and then some. Fuel advertised as 7.7/ 100 k lol I am averaging 6.8 huge fuel savings. As for 2 wheel / all wheel drive, if you , live / work in a city handles it just fine. If you like to stomp on the pedal find another vehicle

[@goclunker]

LOL. A Dodge Grand Caravan will smoke you alive. Think about that

[@Candid1ify]

@@goclunker You know I looked at a Dodge Caravan but the gas mileage was not so good as what I am driving. Not all that concerned with being the fastest on the road either, high speed means less gas milage.

[@goclunker]

@@Candid1ify gas mileage means getting creamed by an idiot or 18 wheeler, when you can't get out of the way. If you were really so concerned about gas mileage, why didn't you buy a 1994 corolla and saved 20k????

[@Candid1ify]

@@goclunker You really have no idea of what you talking about do you

[@goclunker]

@@Candid1ify LOL. The Versa, Versa Note and Kicks are the SLOWEST new cars I've ever driven. Good luck to you in defensive driving, you'll need it

[@flakeu]

I really think Nissan got a winner. I know it could be an insignificant point but I hate seeing they didn't give a central armrest for the front passenger.

[@fredbillie]

I drove the car. It is NOT a winner. Why?because it has a VERY rough ride and is too noisey.

[@knockali]

Excited to see this car

[@gman917]

Can you get this beauty with a 6 speed Manual transmission

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

Love it, have a Versa that is roomy, reliable, great gas mileage. Offer more color choices!

[@tubetop123]

Why so much hate? Are you guys paying to make this car? If it doesn't sell, does it cost you money? I think more choices is a good thing.

[@ronch550]

tubetop123 yeah. Nissan isn't forcing them to buy one. Personally though, the Kona would be my first choice but the Kicks just might be my second choice. If I were buying in this category, that is. I just don't like how they omitted the center console between the seats. I don't like armrests like that. And that rear camera was probably supplied by Clever Dog. 😁

[@mannygarcia8222]

Nissan juke

[@arlenegamble9146]

tubetop123 hi

[@karthisg]

It cost more because we are watching.. this model everyday in our streets and that gives to much mental stress and therefore we visit clinic and indirectly cost to us .. so stop making this model ... For god sake ..🤣

[@fredykanongataa3426]

Why hate! Rather than walking 😂

[@CortinasAndClassics]

Much better looking than the Nissan Puke.

[@darrenoriley2947]

Welcome back Zack, thought maybe you retired. Where's the video with your lovely wife and gorgeous Benz you promised me?? Lol

[@essexranger]

Retired Police Officer here....wanna know how many fatal car crashes occur everyday where cars with rear disc brakes fitted have failed to stop in time? It’s all to do with the nut attached to the steering wheel (by his or her hands)

[@Motormouth...]

Agreed

[@MichaelWebber]

Most people don't shop safety, but automatic emergency braking is important to me now. I'd rather get the Honda HRV, but the HRV didn't have ANY AEB or lane assist in 2018, and in 2019 adds it only to the expensive trims.

[@ssdivizion]

Great review,bravo for the information you presented,greetz from Europe,Macedonia

[@Hellanissan7]

Looks better than the rogue sport

[@CheapRick]

I went to the Nissan dealership when they were closed and snuck into one. I want one so bad. It’s literally a versa

[@jacquelinehunter3104]

Like to design like the layout like the colors it comes in very sporty very cute and hatchback design is close to little baby SUV I would purchase one learned some good information about it

[@chomihai]

Great review again! Please do more videos.

[@andrewang17]

i like nissan as always, honda is funny looking, and toyota treats canadian market as third world

[@andrewang17]

Between Nissan and Subaru. I always can find something

[@jsilverchannel]

sun and moon I like more Nissan products than any other car brand. The looks/design, features, the drive comfort

[@andrewang17]

J Silver exactly. I guess we pay what we got. The reliability is one issue

[@jsilverchannel]

sun and moon I've owned 4 Nissan vehicles so far. Had the first one for 5 years and the 2nd for over 6 years. I've had zero issues with all of them!

[@andrewang17]

Test drive 2018 pathfinder. I like that car a lot. I think is away better than a pricey MDX

[@IngCesarJimenez]

We love Zack

[@glennkennedy441]

Excellent styling and design BUT......come back to me when 4X4 is available.

[@mistertee5000]

Smart move, Nissan. This will sell well. And nobody buying this car knows the difference between drum and disc brakes anyways, nor do they care.

[@jsilverchannel]

mistertee Exactly. It's not like this vehicle weighs 4000 or 5000 lbs and needs rear disc brakes

[@alissamills5902]

mistertee can you explain it to me? (Not being a smart ass legit question as to why this is bad because i thought I liked this car but keep seeing comments like this)

[@HLMAX]

Why pick on the Kicks? Many compact cars have rear drum brakes. The Versa, Sentra, Corolla, Fit, to name a few, all have rear drum brakes. Low weight cars doing normal driving, rear drum brakes works just fine.

[@poplaurentiu4148]

First of all this car looks better than Nissan Juke (in my opinion), secondly is not an SUV since it can not have a 4x4 traction system so, is more like a small cross-over.. having drum brakes on the rear is not just economic saving cost the drums shoe wear last longer than discs pads, beside the shoes are protected compared to exposed discs that can crack, bend or deformed if for example when the car is washed after a long trip the discs need to cool before wash otherwise in contact with the water might deform, get oval or can crack and that could lead to major costs bills at service to replace them early, drums require less maintenance over the same period of time (let's say after 5-10 years) so, as many others mentioned many small light vehicles use drums brakes for the rear axle so I don't see a real problem about this..

[@v10moped]

exactly. Practical people don't care about rear disc brakes

[@JunHanh2gether4ever]

I am expecting the 2019 Ford focus hatchback hit the market

[@AqshinMahmudov]

Amazing car!

[@nickolastiguan]

1:45 those rear drum brakes though

[@michaelreyes8670]

Did they fix their issues with the CVT?

[@leeh9520]

yes

[@diannemaloney5501]

Why is there no Heated Steering Wheel offered?

[@DLK262]

I think it looks great.

[@xanth987]

I’m starting to think they axed the Juke and make this so if you want more power and Awd, you have to go to the rogue or murano

[@queenbea5495]

Is this car as slow as a versa ? I’m thinking of buying a car and I’m between Getting this Nissan kick , Honda Civic , Honda hatchback , or anyone else suggest any good mini suv ?

[@artvoy1]

If this replaces the Juke it’s taking a giant step back. It looks decent enough but it lost its personality with its plain vanilla style. Less horsepower - Fail No AWD option - Fail At least have them optional. Had my hopes up for an improved model that built on what the Juke had but all they did was take everything away that made the Juke fun and safe to drive in all weather conditions.

[@MrSpacebuddy]

For the price this is a good vehicle

[@ronch550]

3:08 - look at the engine bay, near the back that's nearest the cabin. If you look well enough you'll see that there seems to be holes that don't look regularly shaped. Like the holes were torn in. Is this right?

[@darrendavenport3334]

Yes, it comes complete with chewed rat holes for better performance

[@waldo2565]

You had me going until you described the drivetrain. How many cars have less horsepower than this? And mated to a CVT. Blecch.

[@Jan96106]

I get 4--43.8 MPG on the expressway. Not blecch at all.

[@Chuck59ish]

Wouldn't do any good in the winter in Saint John, NB, it takes the city up to a week sometimes to clear all the snow from the city streets let along the out lying areas.

[@meugzy]

Good review Zack. Quebec roads😂😂 really bad. Whelcome.

[@sweetsendaedreamr]

How many people can sit in the back..3 or just 2 adults?

[@exionem]

No manual version... which is a MUST with such an anemic engine.Make it with a MANUAL transmission NISSAN.

[@TMM6900]

Did honda/acura buy nissan multi media display / camera?

[@normt5463]

In the States you can get a Trax with AWD and add a $300 ecu for almost 200 hp/trq and see almost 40 mpg. A tin box is a tin box, .ight as well make it fast.

[@mituljariwala9821]

Norm T how? Who does the horsepower upgrade?

[@toyota420xp]

With awd the Trax is 24 city 30 highway

[@Barobran92]

They could’ve at least added LED DRL’s and a sunroof.

[@kharrell8356]

Crash test results???? Where would it rate?

[@mannygarcia8222]

Bring back the juke

[@jazzyjock]

People dont understand that this type of car by Nissan is meant to be for a younger demographic. The fact that you critisize Nissan for something like this is really dumb...

[@Kittygeek13]

I bought the car and I actually like it but yes there should have been more horsepower but so far that’s my only complaint

[@fredbillie]

And you apparently do not mind the very rough riding qualities?

[@Ferda1964]

this maybe practical for shopping in Vancouver or Victoria but the rest of Canada gets mountains of snow and without AWD this dandy SUV is a no no

[@denisrousseau9071]

What is the tow capacity ? none or 500 kilos ?

[@miguel90744]

I work at Nissan & drive these cars all day- 5 days a week, I think they gotta step it up with the horse power for the price of the vehicle. Nissan is falling behind their competition.

[@asifshauket]

What about fuel economy

[@bigw8549]

Get rid of the cvt transmission.

[@LauDanielS]

Anybody else find the number of utility vehicle variants Nissan offers oddly redundant?

[@BCJDM]

Kicks Nismo, add the Recaros, manual trans, and turbo motor from the Juke nismo

[@goclunker]

Why? How about a NEW 180sx instead of a Versa Appliance?

[@jtralongo1]

Toyota has already had to admit not having AWD on the CH-R has really hurt sales. It will be interesting to see if the same applies to the Kicks.

[@HLMAX]

Nissan has the AWD Qashqai/Rouge Sport. Toyota's next size up is the RAV4, which is comparable to the Rouge. Nissan is smart to not offer AWD for the Kicks, to keep prices low. Step up to the Qashqai/Rouge Sport for AWD, which is comparable to the CH-R in price. Between the CH-R and Kicks, the Kick is better value and more practical. Less stylish thou.

[@cosmoray9750]

So the Kicks is build on Sentra platform ?

[@francismartinez6049]

Cosmo Ray no it’s on the Versa’s platform. A Sentra would have a more sophisticated suspension and actually ride better

[@peruprofundodance]

Zack, you might want to check the description for this video. Kicks or Spark?

[@Motormouth...]

Thanks for this. Must have been some crazy auto correct!

[@MarioRoussel]

No word on Fuel Economy?

[@gordonb2780]

US: 31 city / 36 hwy

[@ronch550]

I wish they would sell this in my country. Right now we only have the Juke and it looks like a joke on wheels.

[@Shankovich]

Rear drum brakes...Seriously, this category of vehicle is all about perception. You lose so much for what? Being a few more inches off the ground? "But the seats fold down". Well in this thing they can't even fold down the entire way. Research and crash results have shown time and time again being in a "larger" chassis doesn't leave you safer either, good engineering and systems do. Larger chassis, 125HP engine are you kidding me???? The Corolla has more. If you want some utility get a hatchback; if you just must have an SUV then get a real one, not this crappy in-between of car and full size SUV.

[@Teeebs]

Another Nissan CVT. Well, at least you'll get to know the folks at the Nissan dealer's service department. But probably not in a good way...

[@swanblake]

The perfect car for middle age women who don't buy Subaru. Drum brakes for no extra charge! Nissan is junk. Sad as they use to be exciting and performance oriented. Now they just go for the cheapest pos possible and sell on price.

[@nwinsto602]

MORE LIKE MID 20S ADULTS OR YOUNG EARLY START UP FAMILIES WITH ONE CHILD

[@HLMAX]

Sorry, performance don't pay the bills. Just how many 370Z, Camaro, FRS, etc are sold compare utilitarian cars. SUV and CUV are flying off the shelves. I am sure Nissan know which of their cars sell. I don't track my 300hp car; exactly how often I use all that 300hp, maybe 0.1%. Nice to have, but not needed. Buy a car for my kids, Kicks fits the bill. If you check one out, it is very nice indeed for what you paid. Nissan is going to sell lots of Kicks.

[@zachf355]

qashqai is a much better looking vehicle but it gets the same mpg like the rogue

[@Tully3674]

Having rear drums brakes tells me Nissan is (unknowingly) being transparent that they have cut corners with this car. Even if the difference in performance between rear discs & drums are negligible, there is an expected level of assurance when buying a car. With drum brakes, saving a few dollars is more important to Nissan that conveying safety to their customers. Should I consider a Nissan in the future, well, with this example of craftsmanship, I doubt I'd consider a Nissan. Really disappointed with them.

[@ronch550]

Tully3674 I think Nissan has been obsessed about cutting costs for years and years now, perhaps since Ghosn took over about 20 years ago.

[@misamisatv]

Nissan: The Chrysler of Asia

[@abbaby555]

I thought it was an electric cause it looks so much like the leaf

[@lornaesteban2891]

abbaby555 h

[@MoonInPisces1962]

It seems that it could make a good second vehicle for people who already have a car for highway driving. Its primary role seems to be an inner city car. However, it would not be a good choice as a primary vehicle. It is too under powered for highway driving. It seems that for a little more money, a base model Hyundai Tuscon "SE" would be worth considering as an alternative. The Tuscon has a proven engine and transmission - along with a much better warranty. Also, the Kicks is built in Mexico. The Tuscon, and its Kia sibling the Sportage, are still being built in Korea. Korean built cars seem to have better build quality than Mexican built cars.

[@IKhanNot]

The CVT (as much as I hate them) works in it's favor because it will go about finding the right "ratio" for high speed driving. There's no reason why this vehicle can't do highway speeds especially in North America. If my first car I had years ago, a 1994 Toyota Corolla with 105HP and a 3 speed auto, can do highway speeds then this will be just fine. Both weighed about the same and remember my Corolla only had 3 ratios to choose from. The CVT is infinite. BTW look up Hyundai engine problems. That's the only thing stopping me from looking into the Hyundai brand.

[@Kittygeek13]

I have this car and it’s work perfectly fine on highways but you just have to be little more careful because you just can speed up as fast but you keep the same speed as everyone else

[@kristianhermann5971]

We'll said 👍

[@rightlanehog3151]

It is not the looks, packaging or 'performance' that would exclude this from my list, it is the mediocre Nissan QDR.

[@TheM3csl]

No kicks at all from the engine...😞

[@mozdieloz3826]

Who's Knee-Zaaaann? In UK we make Niss-Anne. Did he call them Day-Sonn back in the '80's.

[@JrVtec]

Another crossover, Great...

[@hotte13469]

So it is a pumped up Nissan Micra... ok...

[@jsilverchannel]

Niclas K nope. It is a lot bigger than a Micra

[@k.c.slawncare6046]

It's on the Versa platform, actually.

[@hotte13469]

as i said. pumped up..

[@porkfat8109]

I just can't stand the name..." Kicks "

[@db60615]

Get a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport instead.....

[@9godspeed]

if only it had AWD! :(

[@beyondtherhetoric]

Buh-bye Juke?

[@sexytime7]

Kicks rox

[@kurtcooper3699]

It has no CD! No arm rest for the passenger. And 1/2 the safety features of the Kona. It doesn't have all wheel drive,--- kina does. The electrical problems kicks is having with this vehicle is close a buyers legal lemon law! These people are Nissan bias. Seats are suppose to fold flat or there just still in the way! They don't have blind spot or all lane stay in or collision warning from blind sides. Its gutless! No CD. Its priced cheap because its cheap. Sentra is better built & inexpensive.

[@grandemage]

Lost me at no AWD option and yet another Nissan crap CVT. Pass... :P

[@SCoulombe]

I bought it 6 months ago.. major problem..stop 3 times on the middle of the highway...almost got kill..2 And 2 weeks after got out of the garage.. oil still leak.. ●still in the garage every time at least 2-3 weeks

[@SN-hv5zx]

Nee san

[@vicediae1]

125hp? What the heck Nissan? I Could probably do better than that on my bicycle

[@therealboofighter]

vicediae1 your legs must be huge.

[@HLMAX]

Nah, you be lucky to produce 1/2 hp.

[@vicediae1]

HLMAX lol ever heard of sarcasm?

[@HLMAX]

Nah. lol. Times have changed. O the fond memories of 1978 Mustang GT with 139hp 5L V8.

[@vicediae1]

HLMAX lol true

[@colderbeer]

Nissan will sell many of these....

[@davidjym]

Nissan would sell more if the Kicks has AWD.

[@k.c.slawncare6046]

Agreed. Anyone looking for an affordable CUV will like this, although in environments with snow some may desire AWD. That being said, I do just fine with FWD in my Versa.

[@davidjym]

Interesting. If anything the Versa might seem redundant because they are similar in size. And Nissan probably makes more money selling these CUVs ....

[@k.c.slawncare6046]

Agreed. Plus, the Versa and Kicks are similar in price. Along with the Versa, they need to do something about that Micra as well. Ew, just ew

[@najirban]

Boo! They killed the Juke for this didn't they? Scrap those lazy driver doodads and get me some yank under the hood!

[@martink3953]

File it under ugly Appliances file

[@armandojuan64]

1.6 and a CVT .... really ... ? . That car is a joke .

[@jennaduvall2060]

I feel like Nissan could of done better with this car. It just looks a bit dated especially the lights. I don’t know, that’s just me

[@bonniebrook1]

The all look the same and the are no EV

[@pv6596]

Uninformed. They must bring t in AWD to fill the Juke space. But you expert knew that, right!?

[@666cemetaryslut]

This replaces the Versa note, the rogue sport replaced the Juke.

[@tugazeiteiro913]

Renault Captur..

[@richkay9720]

As soon as I was aware that this pathetic excuse for an SUV was replacing my beloved Juke, I raced to buy the last Juke (2017).

[@BillySmith808]

The 2019 Nissan Joke

[@timothymwu]

FWD.... Lol ^^" see how many FWD Toyota CHR sold ..!?

[@abdelahsdq2509]

? إنسان وأفتخر أنا هنا لا تعجبني سيادتكم

[@Tahara-Aichi]

Obviously again nissan cutting corner with a garbage model being made in AGUAS CALIENTES MEXICO. No rear discs ? At least the Nissan juke was a 100 percent made in Japan. Nowadays if you want a truly Japanese brand make sure the vin. Starts with a "J" or at least 1 or 2 other than that buying garbage like this car i would definitely stay away. Look at the new mazdas all made in japan with LEDs standard on all their models.