The Nissan Kicks is one of the most affordable compact SUVs on the market, especially now that the average price of a new car is topping $50,000.
SUVs have dominated the American auto market for the past
decade. They have accounted for 62.5% of all new U.S. car registrations so far in 2026, up 17 percentage points from 45.2% in 2017, according to market data compiled by Mobility Global/Catalyst for Insight and USA TODAY Co.'s LocaliQ Automotive.
So, with great interest, I drove the 2026 Nissan Kicks for three days to see whether it deserves its multiple awards, including U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money, Cars.com Best Value for a subcompact SUV and Consumer Guide Best Buy.
The Nissan Kicks was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The model I tested is the Nissan Kicks SR all-wheel-drive, which is the highest trim model of the popular compact SUV. It starts at little over $28,000. Entry-level trims start at $22,730. We've reviewed similarly sized SUVs like the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2026 Hyundai Kona.
Here's what I learned from multiple days of real-world testing behind the wheel of Nissan's popular compact SUV.
What to know about the 2026 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks stands out for its sleek exterior, modern interior features and smooth handling on roads and highways. The vehicle is available in 10 exterior colors, including the Super Black model that I drove.
During testing, the Nissan Kick's interior and cargo area felt spacious for daily driving needs. The 2026 version is noticeably larger than previous versions of the vehicle. I also enjoyed the Nissan Kick's wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. Its 12.3-inch infotainment screen seemed perfect for a modern car.
I drove the Nissan Kicks more than 100 miles during testing. I put it through its paces on flat interstate highways, suburban streets and roads with winding hills and tight corners. It handled each terrain with ease.
How does the 2026 Nissan Kicks drive?
The Nissan Kicks accelerated quickly, even on steep hills, and handled tight curves well on two-lane roads. It felt powerful when needed and it was nimble on turns when agility was required.
The Kicks gets an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 30 mpg of combined city and highway. The model I tested showed 288 miles of driving range on a mostly full tank of gas. It's powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder engine. Nissan says the vehicle generates 141 horsepower and 140 pounds-per-foot of torque.
The top-level trim Kicks model I tested came with 19‑inch alloy wheels and leatherette seats that can be heated and cooled on the front row. It also had a premium audio system with up to 10 speakers.
Will the 2026 Nissan Kicks fit your lifestyle?
The Nissan Kicks model I tested is more than 171 inches long, nearly 71 inches wide (excluding the mirrors), and over 64 inches tall.
It also came with built-in Wi-Fi, and the Nissan Connect, which is the manufacturers' native infotainment and connected vehicle services system.
The Nissan Kicks is also equipped with safety features such as auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and lane-keep assist.
The vehicle I tested offered more than nearly 24 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Nissan Kicks can comfortably fit up to five passengers. The model I tested offers nearly 42 inches of front row legroom and more than 34 inches of rear legroom.
Is the 2026 Nissan Kicks worth it?
The 2026 Nissan Kick's price is considerably lower than most new cars. The average price of new cars in the United States was $52,369 in October, according to market data compiled by Cloud Theory's MotoMiner platform and USA TODAY Co.'s LocaliQ Automotive.
I enjoyed testing the Nissan Kicks SR all-wheel-drive model. The car was fun to drive, and I loved exploring its modern features. I was glad to see it was much larger than earlier versions of the Kicks I had driven.
If I were shopping for a SUV today, I'd likely choose a bigger model that comes with three rows, such as the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander or Nissan Pathfinder. But if I was shopping on a very tight budget, I could do a lot worse than the Nissan Kicks.
The Nissan Kicks competes in the crowded subcompact SUV segment with models such as the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX‑30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos, Kia Soul, Hyundai Venue and Chevrolet Trax.
Should you buy the Nissan Kicks?
Unlike most new cars these days, the Nissan Kicks has a sticker price that won't make price-conscious shoppers' recoil, starting at under $23,000. That, plus the included technology, makes it a potential option for buyers seeking an efficient subcompact SUV, with its sturdy handling, distinctive styling and modern features.
If you're in the market for a big family hauler, you probably will have to opt for more expensive, larger SUVs or minivans that have three rows. But if you're looking for a solid daily driver that is affordable without feeling cheap, the Nissan Kicks is the way to go.
Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at klaing@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I drove a very affordable SUV. Would I recommend the Nissan Kicks?
