2023 Nissan Kicks SR Review & Drive!

Looking for a small crossover that's still somewhat affordable? The 2023 Nissan Kicks delivers practicality and decent efficiency in a small and more affordable package than most. It can still be optioned out with a good amount of features like this 2023 Nissan Kicks SR trim.
** Must Have Items to Keep In Your Car **
Portable air compressor for traveling: amzn.to/2JGyoxC
Fix-A-Flat for tires: amzn.to/2EfmAmn
Jumper Cables: amzn.to/33LjJdx
5 in 1 tool (tire pressure, seatbelt cutter, flashlight, etc): amzn.to/2ZTPrUP
Portable Battery Jump Starter: amzn.to/33Nc3HM
Less expensive battery charger: amzn.to/2FWYXQ2
--- A few neat items to check out as well! ---
Custom Molded floor mats (Find The Match For Your Car): amzn.to/2poWgiu
LED headlights to give you much better visibility for projectors: amzn.to/2Ny2QuT
Easy to add colorful ambient lighting: amzn.to/3643KdJ
** Camera/Video Gear I Use As Of 9/2020 **
Primary Camera: amzn.to/2ZUcMFY
Perfect all around lens: amzn.to/3iR1r0Y
Secondary Camera: amzn.to/2qIilsD
Awesome Camera Stabilizer: amzn.to/3iN8MPc
Main GoPro: amzn.to/35Qg3Kl
Wireless Microphone: amzn.to/2JHHEBE
Wired Microphone: amzn.to/36s30Na
Editing Computer: amzn.to/2r0qatz
Editing Software: Final Cut Pro
*These are affiliate links for Amazon - which means if you purchase one of these items, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. It’s a simple way to support this channel but feel free to shop around!*
Follow Me On Instagram For News and Extras: / primeautotainment
Like My Facebook Page: PrimeAutotainment
Music:
It Just Makes Me Happy By Dj Quads • Video
Artist SoundCloud / aka-dj-quads
Music Promoted by goo.gl/5NfMV4
TIME STAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:16 - MSRP and exterior features
1:59 - Cargo space
3:12 - Smart key and front seats
4:30 - Rear seats
5:22 - Interior features and details
8:25 - Powertrain specs and MPG
9:07 - POV driving impressions
12:20 - Closing thoughts

[@jeremyfisher8512]

I've had this car for a while and the only complaint is that when you get above 60 it does get a little harder to pick up speed. But the response time of the engine from when I first hit the pedal to when I start moving in my car is un-rivaled by any other car I've test driven. If you want to you can get this car to start and stop really smooth without it being a struggle if you have stuff in your car you don't want thrown around. If you drive aggressive you will hate this car, if you drive like a normal person you will love it.

[@injeolmi6]

My family and I are getting ours tomorrow! Great review! My brother was concerned about the space - being 6'2, yet fairly slim he almost convinced us to get another car. I am glad a few people here can confirm it's big enough. Will come back after a few miles for an extended user review!

[@dudewheresmykar7720]

So how is it

[@injeolmi6]

@@dudewheresmykar7720 Really good, actually! Haven’t had any issues whatsoever. A great vehicle. Sure, the screen could be nicer and the transmission could be a bit more precise, but I love how it drives. And regarding my brother’s comfort (a big thing for us), he’s not complained at all! The trunk is also very spacious. We also love that it’s a fairly small suv, you can easily park it in most places.

[@richardnone5644]

bought the kicks SR in feb of this year 2023 and its flawless so far my millage around town in 32.3 most of my driving is around town

[@Jan96106]

On the expressway, you'd be able to get 39-43.8. My latest high for trip mileage is 46.3. I was so excited to see that. But around town and highway average out to 35.6.

[@ssouth2467]

Just got one. Love it so far.

[@scl384]

My car is exactly like this one. I love it!

[@thepcuser5469]

I think nissan fixed the CVT issue so i would say this is a great cheap car to buy. Nissan did a pretty good job.

[@debbie1724cham]

We will get kicks 2023 soon :) nice new technology

[@aaronjaggan]

U think?

[@Jan96106]

The experts say to change the transmission fluid and both filters (it has two) every 30,000 miles. I plan on doing that. Not flushed. That's bad. Changed.

[@kimberlyhall7610]

I have a 2018 Nissan kicks SR. I bought in late April, best car I have ever had just on performance alone.

[@marcs4091]

Mine is pretty nice, I pulled out the stock air box and fabricated a RAM intake, when you get on it you can't even tell it's a CVT, feels more like a seven-speed automatic, and it moves,

[@donaldpero2]

I have a 2020 Kicks more base model though. Looking at possible getting a new one here. Everything you said is pretty much spot on to mine. The only disagreement I have is it not being great for long road trips. I have to drive about 3 hours each way about twice a month, freeway and through the mountains, and it does great. My buddy joined me last time and he is over 6 foot and around 350 pounds and he fit fine. It actually does extremely well going down hill because of the transmission I seldom have to hit my breaks.

[@WYSbyAdamLash]

Great review. Thanks 👍🏻

[@feyfey88]

Best looking SUV so far

[@stevev1008]

I had this for 20k miles no complaints for the price. Just don't expect it to be great in elevations with 4 passengers and full cargo.

[@Jan96106]

Thats very good to hear. I only have 2,000 miles on my car.

[@JN-vt7mz]

I am 6 foot tall and I fit comfortably. I have an SV as a rental while my car is getting repaired, and it doesn't have as many features as the SR but I am impressed with it. It won me over. Not very quick and you can feel bumps but those are my only complaints.

[@Neesha242]

I drove a new one and it drove smooth and then I drove a old 2022 and it was driving bumpy/shaking. Is this how the car drives after a while? I’m going to test drive some more used ones before I make my decision

[@Jan96106]

@@Neesha242 You probably already bought whatever car you decided on. I have had my Kicks a year. On most roads the ride is smooth, but the other person is correct that if the road is very bumpy, you can feel the bumps. They repaired a stretch of expressway where I live, and they did a horrible job on it: they left grooves in the road; they left a lot of bumps, etc. When I hit that section, I slow down. I can feel the ridges and bumps, and I don't want to ruin my suspension, nor do I want to lose control of the car. So, yes, bumps can be felt. But age affects all compact cars. My Corolla when new gave me a smooth ride. As it aged, the ride deteriorated significantly. Also, I've heard drivers complain about wind. The Kicks doesn't weigh very much, so on extremely windy days (which does not happen often here) I slow down on the expressway. The faster you go, the more the wind blows the car. Stay at 60-65, and you will have control of the car rather than the wind. I also have no trouble merging on the expressway. I have more trouble with cars cutting in front of me on whim, and I have to brake so I don't run into them. That irritates me as it makes a dent in my gas mileage.

[@adhd.coffee8195]

So I actually just got a kicks and I’ve been on the highway a lot. It does have enough to zip to get up to that 67 miles pretty quick and keep you sitting really nice.

[@neevsmazda07]

I would love to mod one of these.

[@1Springloaded]

As always a top-shelf review. I like the car. Not much of a crossover, but a very nice hatchback. It has 1 cubic feet more cargo room and 1.3 inches more ground clearance than a civic sport hatch. The problem is, this cost more. A lot more. With Honda's 2.0 158hp. This car starts to not make sense. Maybe if they got it up a little higher like the Crosstrek?

[@toronado455]

You can actually save a lot by not getting the black wheels and black roof and cross bars. But those are such popular options right now, they can charge a lot for those features. A Kicks SR with the Premium Package, which includes the Prima-Tex, stickers for $25,535 including destination. I think that's the "sweet spot". That's probably what I would try to find if I were shopping for a Kicks. Either that or just go for one of the lower trims. A base model with no options would be under $22k in theory. Thanks for the video.

[@Jan96106]

Mine came with the black wheels. They were $495.00 extra, but that is okay because I like them. Unless you are ordering one special, you need to take what comes with the one you chose on the lot. At the time the dealer only had two Kicks in inventory. I went for the SV version. They have a better supply now, but I'm happy with my car. I do miss the tonneau cover (which I could buy and install), and I'd probably like the LED headlights and fog lights. Otherwise, I don't need the other extra stuff.

[@kierstonr.9020]

I got the SR premium and fully loaded, but to be fair in my mind since I was buying a brand new car I was gonna get one with all the bells and whistles lol.

[@usnr5950]

I have a 2020 SR just rolled over 42000. Just changing the oil and rotating the tires. At 40000 i had the CVT fluid changed. With it so light it still running on the original tires with no end insight.

[@Neesha242]

Is it still driving smooth or does it drive bumpy?

[@LeolaGlamour]

How much was that? Just curious, looking to get one

[@mikejohn3265]

I'm not big on aesthetics but good call on the hard plastic being uncomfortable.

[@Peter-gv6vf]

Why dont we get this in the UK. So much better looking than the Juke!

[@leonardorito4398]

Qual é a função deste botão com luz vermelha no teto que fica bem próximo da iluminação do teto e o espelho Central.

[@joshpinchuk7061]

Does this by chance have cornering lights? I am actually looking for an affordable hybrid (35k or less) that has lights that turn with the steering wheel. (I know this kicks is it not a hybrid)

[@PrimeAutotainment]

No cornering lights but the fog lights can help somewhat with close proximity cornering. Maybe the Corolla Cross Hybrid may be an option for a hybrid in that price point

[@joshpinchuk7061]

@@PrimeAutotainment Toyota had a lawsuit last year for saying cars had cornering lights when they didn't. I don't think they fixed it. Very hard to determine if a car has that unless you test it at night. Don't even know what package includes them. The sales people are no help. One guy even spoke to a regional manager who said they are not available (don't remember for which model)

[@toronado455]

@@joshpinchuk7061 motorized adaptive headlamps are a feature on some luxury cars. I don't know if they exist on non-luxury cars.

[@joshpinchuk7061]

@@toronado455 definitely exists unknown luxury cars, especially in Europe.. I'm also not sure if they're motorized. Early ones might have been, but current ones maybe it's possible to change the direction of the light with some sort of solid-state electronics. Don't know

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Cool

[@Bwondema]

I was planning to travel 500miles road trip with my new SR 2023. Are u saying it is a bad idea?

[@Jan96106]

Not at all. The zero gravity seats are comfortable, and you will get great gas mileage.

[@DarkMatter727]

I am torn between the sentra sr and kicks sr. Does the kicks come with a sunroof at all? I am having a difficult time finding one in either actually, but haven’t went to the dealer yet because I am already pre-approved and basically can sign and drive at the dealer so the least amount of time there the better lol. I hate the games and waiting they play. I guess I will just go and test them both and see whats best. I like the kicks because I have a folding e bike that would be super easy to fit in the back no problem and the back lift gate helps.

[@georgelegge3393]

Just got the Kicks SR, not available with sunroof in either of the trim packages. Great car though, very impressed so far

[@richardwrynn824]

Wait for the kicks redesign due out later this year. Spy shots show it's gotten bigger, with probably a bigger engine.

[@Jan96106]

I don't think the engine will be bigger. I could be wrong.

[@terrylaitw840]

really need more than 122HP...

[@Jan96106]

I was wrong. The engine in the 2025 is bigger but so is the car, so that may not make a difference. 2026 e-Power in the U.S., so Nissan says.

[@sammyzkickz6601]

NICE CAR, BUT FOR LESS THAN THE 27 THE TRAX IS NICER INSIDE, OUT AND BIGGER AS WELL

[@Jan96106]

The TRAX is nice, but I think it is smaller. A comparable Chevy car is the Blazer.

[@gene978]

HEY Nolan, Nice review. In comparison to the new Chevy Trax for Many Thousands Less money with a lot more Tech, More BHP, NO CVT Tranny, Much Better Back seat room, Wireless Car Play and AA and much better styling. I would pass on this Kicks. (1st year Trax take a long extended warranty)

[@georgelegge3393]

Of course everyone has their favourite brand, personally I'd avoid most North American brands. Have had several over the past 40 years, before switching to Honda and now Nissan. The Big 3 can't build reliable vehicles.

[@dymundprynsess]

Camera looks very 2017. They can use some money and upgrade the quality. I was def lookin into considering this

[@Aynurmhs]

My dream car ❤❤😍

[@dudewheresmykar7720]

U got nightmares bro

[@spongebobmiscellaneous]

“By the way, there’s a camel! Anyways-”! 😂😂

[@MrMysterish]

Thank you for the camel

[@occckid123]

Sit inside of a 2007 nissan versa 1.8SL hatchback and be prepared to be surprised with the quality of the door panels front and rear. It slso has a rear armrest and very very soft places to put your elbows unlike todays cars. Sad...

[@cw4623]

@primeautonatinment -- Great review as usual. But you need to do a better job of describing steering feel. You say that the vehicle handles well-- but not in a sporty sense-- and that it's a pleasure to drive and park. That doesn't really tell us anything about the nature of the steering, especially compared to other cars. I happen to know that the Kicks steering is fairly light-- especially at low speeds. Overall it is lighter and easier to turn than in most other cars. I assume(?) that is what you meant. But you really should say that, rather than saying it's a pleasure. You should describe the steering as very light, over-boosted or as very heavy, difficult to turn. And then compare it to other cars so we have a frame of reference.

[@vaporwave3769]

No blue tooth ability?

[@FabricioMejias-px2so]

How can activate the car play I can't do it

[@BLKNOIZEPODCASTANDMEDIA]

If you are referring to the Apple play plug in the usb with it. It took me a while to figure it out as well

[@jtjt8331]

It’s a Renault, thats who owns Nissan stay with known reliability Toyota

[@kenkc84]

Nissan just perfect when it come to design, they make very beautiful cars but unfortunately they are so stubborn with bad CVT transmission, always having issues. They should go and learn Toyota engine machinism. Toyota gives you bare bone . Just go engine and nothing more

[@roboterminator426]

Ok

[@shoutingATclouds-btw]

Fascism makes great things happen and Nissan's straight 50/50 partnership to build thix vehicle and collect your data with the CCP is amazing.

[@turbografx.16]

Have you taken your meds schizo

[@vapsa56]

This car was designed and built in Brazil. Where do you get the CCP from? The only information that is being collected is being done on your cell phone.

[@shoutingATclouds-btw]

@@vapsa56 Wikipedia, just the full body Pathfinder.

[@Hschlick84]

Only good for Ubereats or Door Dash delivery. Wouldn't drive it on the freeways or mountain passes, weak engine.

[@terrylaitw840]

toyota corolla, 166 HP

[@joshpinchuk7061]

Camel? North America?

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Yes lol

[@lance_r72]

It is Texas after all 😅

[@gregholman2930]

Not for me, but for the same price I think the Chevy Trax would be a far better choice!

[@PrimeAutotainment]

I haven’t been in the Trax yet!

[@toronado455]

Trax or Trailblazer. Both are in this price range.

[@scallawagon713]

Trax has that stupid feature where it shuts off when you brake I.e. at a stop sign

[@toronado455]

@@scallawagon713 the new TRAX is 61 inches high, so not really an SUV.

[@donaldpero2]

@@scallawagon713 oh man I can't stand that.

[@carlmontney7916]

There is one major reason why I won't buy this car. The lack of a real fold down rear seat armrest with real cup holders in it. WHY Nissan? People with kids need cup holders for drinks. When you have a toddler in a car-seat tethered to the seat or a pre teen who's belted in, they can't reach the door storage areas. They can reach that convenient fold down armrest with built in cup holders. TBH my current 2014 KIA Sportage while not as tech savvy as this. Beats it in every way as far as cup holders.

[@zackriyas8011]

Generator Engine, Fuel changed from gasoline to hydrogen

[@it1988a]

Who can even afford a old used car in this depressionary Obiden economy?

[@stk007sss5]

Nissan using very bad meterials for interiors..... Iam ising 2017 upto 2020 model same interiors and looking 2023 almost same plastic shit.....kia, hundai even 2014 model i used habing nice interiors..... Learn some thing from another companys, they only going with the name of there brand ..

[@desmomotodesmomoto2033]

Why not 2 liter at least. What a pile of garbage? Waste of money.

[@racineurr.8924]

For it's price, for it's price point, fore this kind, for this price, for this category. So much arrogance and disdain for these "price point" vehicles. I'm looking for that poor people, worker class, bargain low, cheap and pricepoint vehicle. I feel like crap after watching this. So out of touch Mr Prime.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Everything has to be relative to each vehicles category and price. The same goes for high end expensive vehicles. They need to be held to the standard in which the compete…not their “class” as in poor or rich FFS. I drive an ‘04 Toyota…work the KZbin Channel, a W-2 job, and a side hustle…I’m not “out of touch”.

[@racineurr.8924]

@@PrimeAutotainment OK. First, thanks for getting back. Much appreciated. Your comment gives another light on the subject. The thing is high end expensive vehciles wont bear the stigma "cheap" as in "for those who can't afford else but an entry class vehicle". Like it or not, "at the bottom of the ladder". And reviewers, not targeting you by design, insist on the bottom place these "cheap" vehicles are. When almost all reviews insist repetitvely on the cheap this and that. Sir, you really feel cheap after watching those reviews. Better forget the pleasure of owning a new car. But don't forget you couldn't go for a 75 K SUV.

[@yaboiskinnymalone836]

You have to remember this is the 2023 SR, models go Base, S, SV, and SR I got my 2021 SV Kicks For 23k The SR, and all the attachments add a hefty price point that is not needed. Be grateful they are not adding crazy mark ups like they do with trucks and sport cars

[@krisp.1593]

Top of the line and everything is optional what the hell