Nissan Kicks 2018-2024: what to know before buying?
Nissan got it right when it launched the Kicks seven years ago. Despite the absence of all-wheel drive, this small SUV attracted a large number of Canadian drivers thanks to its very affordable price, low fuel consumption and low maintenance costs. Without being the most stylish, it also stood out with two-tone body options (although some rivals did the same) and a relatively spacious interior.
If you're looking for a practical urban vehicle that won't break the bank, you should definitely consider it. Here's what you need to know before buying a used Nissan Kicks...
First, let's talk about the engine, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder shared with the Versa that develops 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT), which sends power to the front wheels only. The Kicks has the merit of being fuel-efficient (7.2 L/100 km on average), except that its acceleration makes it one of the slowest vehicles from 0 to 100 km/h (around 10.5 seconds). The second generation, scheduled for 2025, fares a little better with the engine of the now-defunct Qashqai (141 hp).
On the road, the Kicks is quite noisy when pushed, which is to say often. What's more, its firm ride favors maneuverability to the detriment of comfort. Visibility is very good at the front, less so at the rear. In winter, good tires are essential.
Inside, comfort is average, but passenger space is commendable. It's the 716-liter trunk that gives the Kicks its edge. This can be enlarged to 1,504 liters by folding the bench seat - an appreciable volume, but still no match for the Kia Soul.
Now, as far as equipment is concerned, three main versions were offered during the first generation of the Kicks: S, SV and SR. There are many interesting features for the price, sometimes even a 360-degree camera system and a Bose audio system with speakers integrated into the driver's headrest. Wheels measure 16 or 17 inches. In fact, for 2023, Nissan has added a Kicks SV Special Edition with 17-inch black alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a stainless steel exhaust tip.
What more is there to say? Well, the original Kicks has already made the list of the least stolen vehicles in Quebec and, not least for this reason, is inexpensive to insure. What's more, the American firm J.D. Power, in its 2025 Vehicle Reliability Study (covering models from the year 2022), determined the Kicks to be the most reliable used sub-compact SUV in terms of owner-reported problems. Another point: it received an overall rating of four stars out of five in crash tests carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA.
Many have complained of disappointing heating power, while others have had trouble with the transmission, brakes (including obstacle-sensing automatic braking) and some electrical systems. Ideally, avoid 2019 models. As for safety recalls, there are only four, two of which concern steering (a problem with the torque sensor could lead to a loss of power assistance).
Make sure you know the history of the used Nissan Kicks you're interested in, and have it properly inspected before signing a contract, but in the end, you're likely to get your hands on a reliable and practical vehicle, including for your wallet.
