Nissan Kicks S Freeway Test Drive -- Does It Have Enough Power??

The 2024 Nissan Kicks S is one of the least expensive small SUVs you can buy, but does its 122 horsepower 1.6 liter four cylinder engine have enough power to drive on the freeway? Today we will find out on this POV Test Drive on the fast flowing freeways of Southern California.
To watch my full review of this 2024 Nissan Kicks S, please click here:
• 2024 Nissan Kicks S Re...
To watch my real world fuel economy test on this Nissan Kicks, please click here:
• Nissan Kicks Real Worl...

[@CarDietrich]

To watch my full review on this 2024 Nissan Kicks S, please click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmmvm6mPqt58h7ssi=-IJ7qL0XOl2m3prm

[@dahemshammari]

The Best thing bout this car is that when you sit , you can see the hood edge

[@Twominutedevotions]

I’ve wondered about these. It looks cramped in there. I’m 6’3 and your reviews are clutch for me to figure out how I’d fit in a car.

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for watching!

[@Jan96106]

I'm 5'6 and my knees don't stick up like his do. I have to have the seat close as my legs are short, but I wonder if he has the seat too close. The seat goes back quite far, but I have to have it close to reach the gas pedal.

[@andresnider4926]

I've never been a fan of this model Nissan Kicks but I was really impressed when I saw the redesigned model which has an improved design, more spacious, optional AWD and the 2.0 engine from the Nissan Sentra (not exactly fire breathing but a significant improvement over this model). Could be worth checking out if you're in the market for a small SUV

[@toronado455]

I like that NIssan put the blind spot monitor warning lamps in the interior panel of the mirror area rather than inset into the outside mirror glass itself as most other automakers do. Does it make it easier to notice the lights?

[@CarDietrich]

My personal favorite place for the blind spot monitor light is on the inner portion of the rear view mirror housing outside of the car, like Subaru currently does it and also how Audi does it. But at the end of the day it doesn’t make a huge difference

[@Jan96106]

Yes, for me it does. I like them there.

[@blurryface1975]

is this the same engine and transmission they had in the versa note? the transmission in the versa note sucks and the engine likes to stay between 2-2.5k rpm maybe up to 3k if you have to pass someone. looks like you had to put your foot to the floor to get it going on the freeway. im wondering if thats the case or you can drive the kicks more easily as to not beat on it too hard and make it last longer?

[@CarDietrich]

It does appear they use the same engine and transmission, at least for the US Market cars. To get up to speed on the freeways of Southern California where I live, you’re gonna have to flood it. Change the oil early and often would be my advice

[@krystalbalyan3744]

How is the outside noise? It seems quite loud from the video, is it worse in person?

[@CarDietrich]

You do get some wind noise and tire noise in the cabin, but considering the price point it is an acceptable amount

[@toronado455]

In your short 0-60 video there were no fake shifts from the CVT, however in this video there seem to be fake shifts as you are going onto the freeway onramp. Is there an explanation as to why it would sometimes do the fake shifts, and sometimes not?

[@CarDietrich]

Sharp eye. For the 0-60 video I had my foot hard on the floor, when you do that it skips the fake shifts and just leaves the engine at high RPM because it’s faster that way. Under normal driving conditions it does the fake shift thing

[@Jan96106]

There is only one fake shift. When it happens depends. It can be anywhere from 35-38. Once you hit 40 no more shifts. Sometimes the shift is barely noticeable. Sometimes it is and is a bit annoying. But once you hit 40, smooth sailing. And gas mileage is much better than they claim, especially on the expressway. The best way to deal with the fake shift and preserve the transmission is to accelerate gradually. But often the driver behind me wants to hurry up to wait at the red light.

[@toronado455]

@@Jan96106 39 or 49?

[@Jan96106]

@@toronado455 Typo. I Fixed it. I meant to say 40 both times.

[@Tomsom2008]

Nissan should have a manual transmission on the Kicks.

[@thsarethbreaks]

122 hp would be adequate with a manual trans for sure.