2020 Nissan Kicks Review

Let's get this out of the way first: Despite the marketing, the 2020 Nissan Kicks isn't really an SUV, at least from our editors' standpoint. All-wheel drive isn't offered, and the Kicks' ground clearance is only slightly better than a comparable hatchback's. But get past that and you'll find a smartly styled small crossover, er, hatchback. Or whatever it is.

The Kicks offers strong value thanks to a budget price tag and wealth of standard features. Even top-trim models undercut rivals by thousands of dollars. Advanced driving aids are central to the Kicks' value statement. And this year a host of safety systems are standard, including blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors. The Kicks also boasts one of the largest cargo holds in the class, so drivers looking to downsize don't have to compromise on utility.

But the Kicks has a number of shortcomings, starting with hard interior plastics that match its budget price tag. Acceleration is slow — you'll struggle to out-drag a Prius — and the car's antiquated rear drum brakes contribute to a panic-stopping distance closer to that of a heavy-duty truck than a lightweight crossover. We also find that its seats are among the least comfortable in the class. In all fairness, all subcompact SUVs have some drawbacks in exchange for their low price. The Kicks, unfortunately, simply has more than others.

The 2020 Nissan Kicks is a subcompact crossover available in three trim levels: S, SV and SR. The S trim is very basic, as are the upper trims compared to other subcompact crossovers. All models receive a 1.6-liter four-cylinder (122 horsepower, 114 lb-ft of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not available.