The 2023 Nissan Kicks Is Exactly The Kind Of "Cheap And Cheerful" We Need Today

Looking for inexpensive and efficient transport with just enough flair and practicality? That'd be the 2023 Kicks. The looks are solid, the interior is roomy, the price tag is small and the discounts abound. If you're Scrooge McDuck this is the small CUV for you.
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[@braetonwilson4296]

Thank you so much AoA for reviewing an small affordable vehicle. This is truly the kind of vehicle many of us Americans need desperately. Please please do review more affordable vehicles like the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage, 2023 Nissan Versa, 2023 Kia Rio etc.

[@altiguy01]

Helped a friend buy one of these at msrp around April 2022. Honestly, for what it is, I think it's a great value. Fully loaded for around $26k, decent Bose sound system with the headrest speaker really wowed us in this class of vehicle, as well as a lot of safety features and a 360 camera. 15K miles later she's still loving it.

[@caliboyrob]

Rented one for a trip from Houston to Dallas. CVT wasn’t even on my mind. The Kicks is a very good & spacious and stylish option.

[@philsalley3278]

Bought a base S model for a friend 3 1/2 years ago. Zero problems. Great little affordable SUV though the price has creeped up a lot since then and back then you could get $2k off even the base model.

[@jamesjulson9710]

Three-and-a-half years ago was a different time too. I paid sticker for mine and it didn't even bother me one bit. 2023 SR FULLY loaded. When you look at what was out there, buying this was a no brainer for my needs n wants. I wish it had AWD. Bought in November 2022. What I paid for mine fully loaded they wanted for a used 2020 Toyota Corolla at about 25k. I laughed at the salesman. No friggin way. I'd never buy a used car anyways.

[@elizabethbetty2662]

My 97 year old dad needed a new car to replace his old car and purchased a Nissan kicks S for about $22,335, final price after adding some optional theft deterrent device and sales tax etc was 26,402. He’s learning to use all the features and getting used to it. So far so good. He drives to and from the grocery store and other nearby locations within the city so its a nice car to get him to his destination.

[@kevinW826]

Your dad should not be driving at that age. Time to take away his license

[@elizabethbetty2662]

Mg dad finally decided to hand over his driving keys at 98. Now we drive him everywhere in the kicks and are enjoying this nice sporty car.

[@oceancowboy6981]

I just bought a 2023 brand new Nissan Kicks 😊 I’m excited actually and my fuel mileage is great 👍

[@elizabethbetty2662]

That’s awesome! We’ve had ours going on 5 months now and it’s doing great. It’s a very nice car. Comfortable and gets us where we need here in the city. Enjoy!

[@PaulHo]

I had the pleasure of renting one in Hawai'i. It's always interesting to see where Nissan allocates their attention. A serviceable headunit and keyless ignition were nice to have, but still needing to unlock the car manually was the worst inconvenience. There is 0 benefit to pulling out the key to get in, putting the key away to drive, then getting out and needing the key to lock up again. I was decently surprised by upright headroom and a narrow footprint for tight parking spots. We miss the compact hatchback body style.

[@Jan96106]

My understanding is all trims have keyless entry. I know the SV and SR do. You do not have to pull out your fob to open or lock the doors. You just need to have the fob on you. I know. I own a Kicks. You just need to push the button on the handle.

[@jamesjulson9710]

Nope. Not mine. SR model needs no key. I leave mine in my pocket. Maybe it's a Rental car deal.

[@dforrest4503]

A few years ago it was between this, a Hyundai Venue, and a Kia Soul. I chose the Soul and I’ve been happy so far, and averaging about 31 mpg.

[@Kered-9]

I have a 21 Soul and it's great!

[@jonathanbrennecke1470]

I feel the CVT is perfect in this application.... Just back from a 4600 mile road trip out west and it always kept up.... Even at 80 into a strong head wind climbing the Continental divide

[@jonathanbrennecke1470]

Oh and one other thing... Added Michelin crossclimate tires... Minnesota.... Don't miss 4wd at all!

[@BanBiofuels]

Very enjoyable review. I have only two constructive criticisms so your future reviews will be even better. Please always show the back storage area with all the seats down. You talked about good cargo volume but you did not show it. Also, your road camera has the jitters, the most jitters I have seen on a KZbin car show. You need a better vibration camera isolation system ASAP. Otherwise, I feel you have talent and that is why Alex picked you.

[@stevev1008]

The camera movement is accurate to the feeling in the vehicle.

[@Jan96106]

@@stevev1008 No, my car does not shake or jitter at all.

[@stevev1008]

@Jan96106 I owned a kicks you feel the road bumps and moment more on a compant suv. Not a complaint I drove it way faster than my Rogue now.

[@saqeersv3684]

My 2014 Tida has same engine. It has excellent mileage. Little more power and 4wd option, kicks will be top seller.

[@wagonron]

The cloth seats in the base 2021 are very comfortable. Also, the blind-spot monitor is an important freebie.

[@Gruntsworth]

I wish they'd throw in that turbo 3 from the Rogue in this in the top trim. Could be fun.

[@JogBird]

the chr was replaced w the corolla cross

[@bw6415]

Toyota still offers the CH-R and it will be getting an update later….. it’s smaller than the Corolla Cross.

[@toyota420xp]

Its a good vehicle. Dosnt feel slow to me.

[@jamesjulson9710]

It's not meant to be a fast.

[@paul5683]

Having a spare tire is actually a big deal. Because, you don't have to keep putting run flat tires on this car. Ask anyone who has ever had to buy run flat tires how much they had to pay for them, plus the extra noise and poor handling of a run flat.

[@markmiller3279]

Run flats are quite uncommon overall and almost never found at this price point. Many new cars are deleting the spare even with regular tires, just including a can of fix-a-flat and a compressor.

[@paul5683]

You would be surprised at all the cars that come with run flats. Bmw, Subaru, cadillac, most gm products, etc. At $200 and up for each tire when you are shopping for run flats. 😢

[@ria8195]

How about the CVT getting faulty post 100k miles?? Every video maker is silent on it

[@Jan96106]

If he is only driving to the grocery store, how likely is he to even hit 100,000 miles? I drive long distances to work, and my last car had only 66,000 miles on it.

[@chrisblake1918]

I like my Kicks a lot!!!!!!!!

[@4uanC]

Just wish it had a bit more power though. So close. 😕

[@FrugalPandaTravels]

I drove it from Denver to Seattle on a trip and back. On the way back to Mount Rainier way and the Kicks had no issues with the mountains and never struggled. No problems on the highway and the gas mileage were great. I do like the interior room, but still easy to park in big cities.

[@mustafanajeeb7859]

Good review & great Nissan.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

This is BAD value, most subcompact crossovers are. This is basically just a VERSA hatchback, cheaper to build than Sentra but costs about the same. Also a Kia Soul that uses a compact platform and a 2.0 engine costs about the same.

[@oi32df]

Prius C was not ultra efficient especially if compared to the biggest regular Prius and that's a bit why they withdrew it..

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Kicks replaced the Juke ; NISSIAN Press released

[@trspotr]

Nissan should make it into EV for under $30,000 to replace Leaf 🤷‍♂️

[@michelr.4592]

Wonder how much it compares to the Mitsubishi outlander sport. Specially since Mitsubishi is just a bit cheaper.

[@Ear4]

Please do the Kia Rio

[@jean-bernardjoly5920]

The SR trim is $5000 cheaper than a GTI , here in Canada. Considering reliability, and resale value, if you can qualify for the gti , you’ll be a lot happier.

[@cw4623]

@autobuyersguide ---- I've got a recommendation to improve your videos, and it centers around HANDLING. In your videos you consistently discuss only one end of the handling spectrum: how recklessly and aggressively someone can drive at high speeds and maintain control. You COMPLETELY IGNORE the opposite end of the spectrum: the ease and comfort of driving a car with over-boosted steering and feather-light steering weight and narrow tires. Handling is not a binary "good" or "bad". You (and every other car reviewer except Hoovie) treat handling as either "sporty" or "bad". This is INCORRECT. Not everyone wants sporty. Some people hate it. So to them, "sporty" actually IS bad. When discussing handling it is either "controllable at high speeds on twisty roads" or "not very controllable at high speeds on the twisties-- but very comfortable for commuting." Please get it right. You guys produce some VERY smart videos, but you tend to fumble on this.

[@happyjojo626]

2018 SR now at 100k miles . This little mule keeps going. Change the oil every 5000 miles, replace transmission oil at 60k miles . I will also replace spark plugs when i get free time. Tough little machine, not a single problem at all.

[@AlaskaErik]

The lack of AWD explains why I never see this vehicle in Alaska. That's pretty much a deal breaker.

[@Jan96106]

There is supposed to be AWD for 2024.

[@ProAlchemist]

I just followed one of these for an hour in stop and go traffic on the way home and I have strong opinions about the driver of said vehicle, but I'm going to watch this anyway

[@naveenthemachine]

The only evil here is the JATCO cvt

[@naveenthemachine]

@Brian Lee how about the cvts from Hyundai and Kia?

[@jamesjulson9710]

I had a CVT mid-2012 Nissan. Put 230,000 miles on it and never had a problem. Change your fluids.

[@faeinthebay]

It'll they have fixed it after a decade!

[@LiohJuney]

Wouldn't 61 dB be one of the most quiet vehicles ever?

[@danieltyler541]

Would make it way quieter than the X5, something that is always stated in these videos as one of the quietist vehicles tested. Would be better to just state the sound test had an inaccurate read rather than state a number that is wrong. No worries though, getting better at these reviews

[@sgrant9814]

I will argue that small vehicles like this, the hrv, cx30, etc., ARE viable as a hybrid but are not on offer. THAT is why Americans and Canadians do not buy small hybrids. Not because they do not want them but because they are not on offer. I think your assessment is way off.

[@alliejr]

For the same money you can get a Mazda CX-30 which is about 30x better.

[@paul5683]

Same money? I doubt it.

[@jayhiggins5239]

CX3 is better. But even that costs more for the same feature set.

[@jayhiggins5239]

Ok. Folks. Please do some research on pricing and features before spouting off. The only thing hurting this car is the CVT.

[@minstrelca]

Isn't it too gutless?

[@MARTINRIGGSS]

Great little vehicle if it had AWD. Wouldn’t mind paying a little more for a better motor too.

[@jamesjulson9710]

Then go buy a Rogue.

[@jonathanbrennecke1470]

Oops. 2023

[@ramm150]

Why does AA always get the "kid" to review Nissan cars ? Not cool enough for you Alex ?

[@1717jbs]

Trouble hearing this.

[@stillwaters4097]

122 hp? SMH

[@itsatoolthing6323]

This is an imposter. Not really Alex on autos. Not going to watch it

[@noblecollins9549]

Their only evil is not making an AWD version.

[@JT-fq2bl]

They want you to buy the Qashqui for the AWD.

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

​@@JT-fq2bl The Qashqui isn't sold in the US.

[@jamesjulson9710]

For myself, it would had been perfect. I just put about 70 lbs in my back. I love mine. Have about 8200 miles on a 23 SR MODEL.I needed a SUV for the weather n getting out of our driveway in snow storms are not challenging anymore like my 12 Sentra was.

[@JT-fq2bl]

@@CrazyWeeMonkey It's here in the US the Rogue Sport.

[@sgrant9814]

Agreed.. why have 8.3" ground clearance without awd?

[@Naldynator]

Great review, as always! We just got a 2023 SV with the optional black wheels, crossbars, muffler finisher, illuminated kick plates, etc., and paid about 24K. We are astonished at how nice this car really is! Like, something this cheap has no business being this good or having this nice of a ride! The ride is truly comfortable, the bumps are muted and the ride itself feels luxurious and is better than ANY other car we've owned. This is not an exaggeration. The handling is great, the steering is direct, the brakes are good and easy to modulate, the seats are super comfortable for us, there's plenty of space inside for adults, including a baby seat in the rear, the trunk is big, the doors close with a solid thunk, gas mileage is awesome (regularly getting above 30), the stereo sounds good, the screen is responsive - I can go on and on. Truly, this car is a hidden gem! The ONLY negatives are the refinement of the engine - that's where the cost cutting comes through (they had to make it cheap SOMEwhere), and the hard plastics they had to use to keep the cost down (everything looks good and is screwed together, well, though). You both feel and hear the engine when accelerating - not refined. But, other than that, when cruising, the car is very quiet and comfortable. That same weakish, unrefined engine gives you amazing gas mileage - so it's worth it. Overall, this car is a HIT!

[@spletest8977]

The kicks really is a cheerful and willing car. I've had one as a rental twice and while it is a cheap car, it feels a lot better than a bunch of other cheap cars. One caveat though, this car shines best in city driving. Tight turns and speeds between 0-45 are a blast and it feels very spry and quick, but freeway driving hurts it. It's not bad if you're doing rush hours, but if you live in TX or AZ where the average traffic flow is 85 mph regardless of laws then that engine is working hard. It is very willing to try and go faster but there just isn't a lot left to work with at high speeds.

[@majood245]

This way more cheaper than a garbage toyota Carolla period. In fact traveling to sultanate of oman. I drove a nissan kicks basic setup and i saw that is way more cheaper than toyota Corolla and toyota corolls cross

[@majood245]

@@zaandam0172 yes i traveled to Oman 🇴🇲 Nissan kicks is a good value $14k. not a Toyota from $25k 😂

[@jamesjulson9710]

At the time when I bought mine they wanted just as much for a 2020 Toyota Corollas I paid for mine. No friggin Way that was happening.

[@braetonwilson4296]

why is toyota corolla a garbage?

[@MarcelloTheBandit]

We use these for delivery cars at work and if I've got a bit of urgency about me, I'll get 33.5mpg. If I take it VERY easy where I don't run the engine higher than say 2200 rpm and I leave the transmission to get me to 60 in about the 35 second realm, I get about 36.8mpg. It helps that my town is more spread out than a metropolitan area with fewer stoplights than other places. If I give it all the beans, then I get about 29-30mpg so you getting 31mpg is honestly a bit surprising.

[@jamesjulson9710]

To get 29 to 30 miles the gallon in the SUV is still great. I can tell you from experience that I have gotten over 40 miles per gallon on the freeway. It is all contingent on the weather n how you drive it.

[@markmiller3279]

It looks like it was cold when he tested it. That may have been a factor.

[@FrugalPandaTravels]

@@jamesjulson9710 I got 42 mpg on a road trip from Denver to Pueblo and La Junta. I find using the cruise control, set it to 68-69, and staying in the slow lane the kicks does really good on gas on the highways.

[@palebeachbum]

I like Nissan, but given their atrocious CVT reputation and my personal experience with my first new Nissan confirming they are indeed a garbage transmission, I won't consider any Nissan with a JATCO CVT. I don't care how nice they look and drive. Reliability is important.

[@giftysambo4238]

I laugh laughed when u said the exhaust was too sporty for the kicks. Decent car. Looks really cold

[@jamesjulson9710]

Never once thought that on mine

[@EchoSigma6]

Has Nissan resolved the CVT problems with the JATCO?

[@moeanthony9308]

Yes

[@Jan96106]

No, it has not resolved the problems. But many mechanics on KZbin say that if you change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles, and the transmission fluid and filter and drop and clean the pan every 30,000 miles, the CVT will hold up. The friction on the metal belt leaves shavings that have to be cleaned out of the pan to protect the transmission. The manual also says not to gun the car the way reviewers usually do. That is hard on the transmission. Accelerate gently. Don't be the first one off at the stop light.

[@somarpr]

In Puerto Rico there have been a lot of problems with that model. There is a radio car related daily program and there has been no week that a user calls stating problems with that model. They even do not recommend buying it.

[@moeanthony9308]

@@somarpr Dont buy just because of that?

[@braetonwilson4296]

Moe, your CHR is much more reliable than a Nissan Kicks lol!

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

At 26,000.00 dollars for this i think I would just move up to the Rogue Sport.

[@theloversDeAyer]

When it debuted the SR was around 22k. 🥴

[@TalismanPHX]

JATCO CVT TRANSMISSION equals no frigging way

[@rightlanehog3151]

Brian, Cheap and cheerful in a small CUV works for me. I would like to see those virtues mixed with the 55 mpg and AWD that the Toyota Yaris Cross offers in other markets. 🤨

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

That model would cost $35k+ in the US.

[@jamesjulson9710]

​@@Mgoblagulkablong if the customer is willing to pay for it then that's all that matters.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@jamesjulson9710 We never pay European prices in the US or Canada.

[@Hans-gb4mv]

I like the looks of the Kicks and have always wondered why Nissan has 2 cars that are essentially sharing the same market segment as they also have the Juke, but both serve different markets. The Kicks is not available over here and I haven't seen a place where the Juke is sold when the Kicks is available.

[@bruddahmanmatt]

Because Americans are notoriously cheap. The Juke offers a bit more power, AWD and superior interior materials and driving dynamics. The Kicks is really more of a replacement for the Versa Note in the US market.

[@abdulh8958]

Bad car shaking the dealer told me it is normal it is trash car

[@jonathanbrennecke1470]

Just passed 20k on my 2013 SR. Learned to keep revs between 1500 to 3000 for true CVT... No fake shifts. Even in Minnesota all I feel is needed is'all weather' tires... Michelin Cross Climate...I don't miss 4wd

[@robertehlers3757]

During the driving segment, the forward-facing camera shook excessively. I had to look away. I realize that Detroit's streets are pitted like war zones, but other videos don't suffer like this.

[@denisilyayev1878]

26 mpg for 122 hp, no awd, 10 second 0-60…… Naw man If it averaged 36 as advertised I would more understand it.

[@jamesjulson9710]

It does n can. It all depends on what type of driving you are doing and what the weather is.

[@FrugalPandaTravels]

@@jamesjulson9710 I averaged 42 mpg on my last southern Colorado trip, but he is testing the kicks in the middle of winter which destroys gas mileage. I did a trip from Denver to Seattle and back last year (October) and averaged 39.5 mpg.

[@dforrest4503]

Are you sure the steering wheel didn’t feel good, or was it your gloves? 😂

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Just once I wish you would lower yourself and test the more basic trims. NOOO you always test the top trim.

[@AbdulBasit-td4zx]

Is it reliable

[@aribasiebel]

Ride quality A ?? The camera tells all 😂

[@jollygreen4662]

Make it hybrid

[@159355478]

Too high selling price , inferior quality build, and Jatco cvt. Nope, no sale for me

[@TobyMichaelPortableTechReview]

I would love to see more comparison charts for things like 0-60 similar to like you guys show for head and leg room.

[@Nala_1230]

weird to say but this vehicle feels just like my old 2020 nissan rogue... so smooth

[@oracleoptix]

Brian! Thanks for the review on another Nissan, although the brand itself has had some let downs over the years...but I feel like they're on their way back up to being a worthy competitor. I'd just recommend to slow down on your reviews... I felt as though the video was a bit rushed and forced.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

This is the only Nissan I must get one bro.

[@jamesjulson9710]

I don't think you'd be disappointed. I'm not.

[@273Gravity]

I was sold when the armrest had apple for teacher space. 😂 But honestly really thinking about getting this one! Thanks for the great review!

[@cdbuiles]

their infotainment is thrash. their steering wheel is good. the volume / tuning / climate buttons are so welcome too.

[@BrandonG8Man]

It what universe is this in the same class as the GR Corolla. I think you meant to have the Corolla Cross there for size comparison.

[@exionem]

Not a bad looking vehicle but that CVT transmission...😒

[@tbone9405]

While you are driving the forward camera view is nauseating

[@kevinklino3193]

When you did the 0-60 mph test, did you use Sport mode or just regular drive mode?

[@paul8699]

I appreciate a review on roads I drive.; that crappy urban sprawl that most of live in.

[@ubangiestomp]

If they had an optional power train of 150 plus HP and a 6 speed manual then I'd be all in for this vehicle.

[@Jasonboyee]

Excellent review. This is a good-looking sub-compact CUV.

[@gmo1203]

Welcome to Detroit! Enjoyed the review. ❤313

[@glennkennedy441]

Add AWD and then we can talk.....

[@sugarmagnolia1475]

Comfort on highway?

[@4GuitarTrance]

Where is Alex?

[@keytothegate68]

A sub 90K car?

[@wesheidel7141]

The subcompact SUV/crossover segment is interesting. I would cross-shop the Kicks with the Kia Soul and Hyundai Venue because of the lack of available AWD. But you could easily cross-shop against the Corolla Cross or Subaru Crosstrek or any of the Kia & Hyundai models with AWD, which includes a few hybrids & EVs. Fully loaded this segment overlaps with entry priced compact SUVs, so there's almost too many choices for under $30K.

[@markmiller3279]

The Trax would also be a very direct competitor. Not sure why he threw the Kona into the mix, especially right before it was redesigned. The Venue is the more obvious competitor, and the Kicks would beat it easily, as the Venue is very basic.

[@nodak81]

If they'd just bump this thing up to the 149 hp engine in the Sentra it would make this car much more appealing.

[@jayhiggins5239]

I feel you. But it's on the Versa platform. So it would also need a stronger transmission and then you are out of the price range.

[@lakesadmin3622]

Or the 1.3 Turbo in the Rogue!

[@mark_u]

I think the Mirage's positioning in that chart is way off. That vehicle is TINY! That said, I think the Kia Soul is the best bet in this crop of smaller subcompact crossovers/hatches

[@markmiller3279]

I think it's just based on length. The Mirage is tiny because it isn't as tall as the Kicks, Soul, Trax, etc.

[@mark_u]

@@markmiller3279 It's also significantly smaller length-wise, compared with the other vehicles you mentioned :)

[@NatesRandomVideo]

“Carry over drivetrain”… nope. Don’t need a self destructive CVT… lol. Poor Nissan.

[@jaywho476]

No new cars to review? We have access to the Alex's two year old reviews.

[@Tony99992000]

I had one of these for a rental and it was the worst car I have ever driven. It was so noisy and sloooooooooow. I thought, why on earth would anyone buy one after the test drive?!

[@Jan96106]

It is not noisy at all, and how can it be slow? Each driver drives at different speeds. Driver faster if you like to do so.