Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Nissan Kicks SR AWD
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Colour: Arctic Ice Blue
Nation of manufacture: Mexico
Seating capability: 5
Miles pushed: 201
Actual-world gas financial system: 30.1 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | B- |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gas Economic system | B+ |
| Worth | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B* |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 141-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Sort | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 55% metropolis, 45% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 27/34/30 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas sort: Common
Base value: $28,160 (not together with $1495 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Premium Package deal ($1600),Chilly Climate Package deal ($300), Inside Electronics Package deal ($400), Illumination Package deal ($790), particular 2-tone paint ($800), cargo mat ($95), flooring mats ($205), floor lighting ($590), illuminated headliner ($460), 19-inch alloy wheels ($620)
Worth as examined: $35,515
Execs and Cons
The nice: Roomy, sensible, worth priced
The great: Gas financial system, sporty dealing with
The not so good: Noisy cabin, no surplus of energy, little choices can add up
Overview
My father bought a 1970 Chevrolet Nova again in, properly, 1970. On the time, the Nova was thought-about a compact automotive, and had discovered an enormous viewers not solely with most of the people, however with industrial and law-enforcement fleet operators as properly.
The favored Chevy was usually thought-about to be dependable, and—interesting to probably the most cost-conscious customers—might be ordered with just about no additional gear.
My father, famously a miser, ordered his automotive with simply three choices: 307-cubic-inch V8 engine, automated transmission, and AM radio.
The Nova was each an entry-level “starter” automotive, in addition to a frugal particular person’s primary transportation. And ours served the household properly for 150,000 miles.
Luxurious Cut price
I point out the Nova as a result of the 2026 Nissan Kicks might be had in what, by modern requirements, is fairly primary trim, however, not like the Nova, will also be had in near-luxury type. And, we’re comfortable to report, even in its most-opulent state of trim, can nonetheless be had for lower than $36,000.
And whereas the 1970 Nova might be gussied up with such niceties as FM radio and air con, it by no means approached with topline Kicks for consolation and comfort.
Nissan’s smallest and most-affordable crossover, the Kick’s was utterly redesigned for the 2025 mannequin yr. For ’25, the Kicks grew in dimension, picked up some energy, and have become accessible with AWD for the primary time.
My level: Fundamental transportation needn’t be “primary” anymore, and driving a really good automotive needn’t be costly.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2026, the Kicks is obtainable in three trim ranges:
- S ($23,925)
- SV ($25,665)
- SR ($28,155)
A fast observe on costs: Regardless of U.S. tariffs on imported automobiles—the Kicks is in-built Mexico—Nissan has largely held the road on Kicks costs. Relying on trim stage, bases costs rose between $480 and $600 for 2026, maintaining the Kicks safely on our price record.
AWD
Going with AWD provides simply $1500 to the worth of the S and SR, and $1650 to the worth of the SV. Additionally, the Chilly Climate Package deal ($300)—which is the one means so as to add heated seats—is now accessible on the SV. For 2025, it was solely supplied on the topline SV.
Engines
All Kicks fashions are powered by a 2.0-liter 141-horsepower 4-cylinder engine mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automated transmission. And, as you would possibly anticipate at this value stage, the engine runs nice on regular-grade gasoline.
Check Automotive
Shopper information lately spent per week behind the wheel of a 2026 Kicks SR loaded with choices. Our AWD check automotive, together with extra-cost 2-tone paint, the Chilly Climate Package deal, and feature-packed Premium Package deal got here to $35,515.
Cabin Design
Beginning inside, you’ll discover a roomy, fashionable, and properly completed surroundings that feels something however entry stage. The one-piece digital show panel that runs from behind the steering wheel truly homes two screens, one being the instrument panel, the opposite the first touchscreen. We just like the tidy single-piece look, which is clear and retains the dashboard muddle free.
Room and Consolation
Cabin supplies are impressively high-grade, and meeting high quality can be worthy of observe. The Kick’s presents up loads of room for 4 adults, and even taller passengers will discover enough house in each seating rows. Although 2nd-row knee house could also be restricted behind taller front-row occupants.
Energy and Efficiency
Underway the Kicks acquits itself properly, with good energy from a cease, and sufficient muscle to move slower automobiles in metropolis driving. The two.0-liter engine is not any powerhouse, and in our fully-loaded AWD check automotive, energy was wanting when it got here time to cost onto the freeway and merge with fast-moving site visitors. We’re not calling the Kicks sluggish, however suggesting that if energy is a main attribute for you, think about one thing alongside the traces of the sprightly Mazda CX-30.
Journey and Dealing with
That stated, the Kicks is enjoyable to drive. The little Nissan handles properly, serving up good management in corners, and reassuring brake really feel. And, its tidy dimension makes for straightforward parking and storage maneuverability.
On the highway the Kicks settles in properly, and is far quieter and smoother using than the earlier technology crossover—although that stated–isn’t particularly quiet. It is a disgrace, because the accessible Bose-brand audio system, which comes as a part of the Premium Package deal is spectacular, and could be at dwelling in a automotive or crossover costing $20,000 extra.
Worth
We have been impressed sufficient by the 2026 Kicks that we named it a Shopper Information Greatest Purchase. And whereas a properly geared up Kicks might be had for round $30,000, anybody searching for one thing much less entry-level will discover a absolutely loaded Kicks SR a nice approach to reside the luxurious life for what quantities to Nova cash.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2026 Nissan Kicks SR Footage
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