What Makes the Nissan Kicks So Popular?

That’s a great question, but one that’s not so easy to answer in a simple sentence, as there is so much that keeps drivers coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that’s always fun to drive, one that’s manageable for a new driver, or one with terrific tech features, the Nissan Kicks has it all.

You might not notice all of these things at once, especially if you’re comparing this SUV to similar models, like looking at the 2024 Nissan Kicks vs 2024 Chevy Trax. That approach can work well, but it can also bury you in so many different specs and details that it becomes very difficult to keep track of them all.

Today, we’re going to simplify things and go over some of our favorite details of the Nissan Kicks to see what it brings to the road. You’ll see why we love the Kicks so much and why it has been so popular with a wide range of drivers. The fact that it surpasses many other models out there—like giving you better fuel economy than the Chevy Trax, for example—simply adds to this and enhances your experience on the road.

Efficient Sporty Performance

When you look at a subcompact SUV, you’re not going to find a massive beast of an engine like you might find in a larger SUV or a truck. That being said, you should still expect a powertrain that makes it fun to drive and gets you where you need to go.

For as long as they’ve been making vehicles, Nissan has been known for making some of the most reliable and sporty models on the road, with no signs of that stopping any time soon. The 2024 Kicks is the perfect illustration of that thanks to its surprisingly sprightly engine and efficiency you can count on to go the distance with fewer stops for gas.

The 2024 Kicks features a 1.6L engine that delivers 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, which is just enough muscle for a small vehicle. This is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to provide you with an incredibly smooth ride that lacks the jerky nature of most other small-model transmissions.

You get front-wheel drive on the Kicks, which again is perfect for this kind of vehicle, putting power under the weight of the engine to ensure you get excellent handling and traction. Combine that with the available 17-inch wheels, and you get a nimble little ride that is a lot of fun and makes your daily routine much more enjoyable.

Perhaps the best aspect of this engine and setup is just how efficient it is; you expect this in a subcompact model, but even within its class, it leaves a lot of other options behind. With its great standard engine, the Nissan Kicks gets an estimated 31 MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the highway, and 33 MPG of combined fuel economy.

By comparison, the 2024 Chevy Trax gets an estimated 28 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG of combined fuel efficiency. You can see that’s quite a bit behind the Kicks in all kinds of driving, so Nissan’s SUV lets you save money on gas and go longer between stops to fill up.

Innovative Cabin Technology

These days, much of our enjoyment with a vehicle comes from the kinds of tech features and other systems that enhance our experience each time we get behind the wheel. Nissan understands this as well as anyone else, and the Kicks is a beautiful example of standard and available features designed to elevate your drive.

For example, a 7.0-inch infotainment display is standard in the 2024 Kicks, with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a six-speaker sound system. You also get remote keyless entry with push-button ignition, comfortable cloth seating, and much more.

If you look at higher trims, Nissan elevates your experience even further with some fantastic upgrades and options designed to help you get the most from your drive. The Kicks SR, for example, features an 8.0-inch NissanConnect infotainment system paired with a 7.0-inch Advance Drive-Assist display for you as the driver. You can also get a Bose Personal Plus audio system with eight speakers, including Bose UltraNearfield driver headrest speakers that provide an incredible listening experience.

The SR furthermore comes with automatic temperature control, a Nissan Intelligent Key with enhanced functionality, a remote engine start with Intelligent climate control, and available heated front seats and steering wheel that are perfect for cold winter mornings.

Advanced Safety on the Road

No matter what kind of vehicle you’re interested in, nothing is more important than how well it can keep you and your loved ones safe. Nissan gets this better than just about any other car company out there, and they make their vehicles with precision engineering to keep you in control and protect you if the unexpected happens. Even better, the 2024 Kicks is decked out with terrific safety technology that enhances your careful driving to keep you even safer.

Every 2024 Kicks comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which is a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features. This package includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection to help you avoid a collision, along with Rear Automatic Braking that’s perfect for maneuvering through parking lots. You get a Lane Departure Warning that lets you know if you’re starting to drift from your lane, along with High Beam Assist that switches your high beams off automatically when oncoming traffic is detected, and then turns them back on afterward.

The Kicks even comes with a Blind Spot Warning that alerts you if someone is lurking in your blind spot and a Rear Cross Traffic Alert—features that are only offered as extra, available options on rival models like the Chevy Trax.

If you’re looking to take the safety of your vehicle even further, then Nissan has you covered there, too. More available options can elevate your security on the road, such as the available Intelligent Around View Monitor. This tech gives you a virtual 360-degree view of the area around your vehicle while you’re maneuvering at low speeds, making it easier to navigate into tight parking spots and avoid hard-to-see obstacles while backing up.

You can also get Intelligent Cruise Control, which helps maintain a safe distance between your Kicks and the vehicle ahead of you by braking and accelerating as needed to keep you at your cruising speed.

Which Nissan Kicks Is Right for You?

As you can see, the 2024 Nissan Kicks has a lot to offer, and it’s no surprise that it’s become so popular with a lot of drivers out there. Best of all, Nissan offers three different trim levels for the Kicks, so you have a number of options to choose from.

There’s the starting Kicks S (with standard features like the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite), the advanced Kicks SV (with a larger infotainment screen and driver display), and the Kicks SR (which includes LED headlights with signature accents and sport cloth seating with orange accent stitching). You can’t go wrong with any of these, but they create distinct experiences designed to meet the needs of different drivers.

All you have to do now is decide on what you’re looking for and then let us help you find the perfect Nissan Kicks to enhance your daily drive.