2023 Nissan Kicks

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Rating6.2

Ranked #5 in 

SUV
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$20,590 - $23,150
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 19, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Affordability

Lethargic acceleration

No significant changes for the 2023 model year

Spacious cabin

AWD is not available

Excellent fuel economy

Rear seats feel cramped

Specs & Features

$20,590

price

122 hp @ 6300 rpm

horsepower

114 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

1-speed CVT

transmission

1.6L 4cyl FWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2023 Nissan Kicks is here with no changes. Nissan's cheapest crossover carries forward with the same exterior/interior design and practicality. The msrp of 2023 Nissan Kicks is $20,290 for the entry level S trim and goes up to $22,850 for the top-tier SR trim. The 2023 Nissan Kicks SV is priced at $22,150. The 2023 Nissan Kicks trim levels are priced very closely and an additional $1,295 is levied as destination fee.  Overall, the 2023 Nissan Kicks specs are competitive, enabling it to challenge the likes of the Honda HR-VHyundai Venue and Toyota C-HR

2023 Nissan Kicks for sale

The 2023 Nissan Kicks S can be financed for a term of 36 months at a low APR of 2.99% for well-qualified buyers. The final down payment may vary and the recent scheme enables $29.08 per month per $1,000 to be financed at 2.99% for up to 36 months. Nissan also offers $500 grad and military cash for eligible buyers. 

Buying Advice

Looking at the pricing and list of features, we would recommend the mid-level SV trim. The 2023 Nissan Kicks SV is priced $1,860 more than the base S trim. Above the base S features, the SV trim offers multiple features like intelligent cruise control, automatic brake hold, intelligent driver alertness, 17-inch wheels, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, and a practical center console armrest.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2023 Nissan Kicks scored an overall 85/100 in the J.D. Power Consumer Rating. In the quality/reliability, driving experience, resale and dealership experience, the Kicks 2023 scored 85/100, 86/100, 85/100 and 83/100, respectively. The 'Great' scores from J.D. Power clearly indicate the hassle-free ownership experience of the Kicks. The 'Cost-To-Own' the 2023 Nissan Kicks for a term of five years can mainly be divided into depreciation, fuel costs, insurance, maintenance and repairs. The estimated charges of the above-mentioned factors are $7,900, $13,200, $8,715, $5,400 and $770, respectively. 

Buying Advice
8.0/10

Looking at the pricing and list of features, we would recommend the mid-level SV trim. The 2023 Nissan Kicks SV is priced $1,860 more than the base S trim. Above the base S features, the SV trim offers multiple features that are much recommended and useful for the prospective buyers. 

Features
7.0/10

Some of the additional 2023 Nissan Kicks S features include: 

  • Halogen headlamps 
  • Automatic on/off headlights
  • Manual air-conditioning
  • Remote keyless entry 
  • Push button start 
  • 12-volt DC power outlet
  • Painted shifter trim with chrome accents 

Some of the addtional 2023 Nissan Kicks SV trim features (Adds or upgrades to the S features list):

  • All wheel disc brakes 
  • Body color exterior elements 
  • Powered and heated exterior mirrors
  • Rear passenger underseat heater ducts
  • Nissan Intelligent Key
  • Center console armrest storage

Some of the addtional 2023 Nissan Kicks SR trim features (Adds or upgrades to the SV features list):

  • LED daytime running lights 
  • Folow Me Home headlights
  • Dark chrome grille
  • Outside mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals
  • Rear roof spoiler
  • Automatic temperature control 

The available 2023 Nissan Kicks SR Premium Package includes: 

  • Bose Personal Plus audio system
  • Heated front seats and steering wheel
  • PrimaTex appointed seats
  • NissanConnect Services 
  • WiFi hotspot 

Interior
4.0/10

The Nissan Kicks 2023 interior looks and feels less stylish than some rivals in the segment. The dashboard design is driver-focused with the infotainment screen and the controls slightly aligned towards the driver’s seat to improve accessibility while driving. As expected, there is ample headroom and shoulder room for both the front and rear occupants but the legroom at the back is lower than most of its competitors. Know more about the 2023 Nissan Kicks cargo space here>>

2023 Nissan Kicks S/SV upholstery and color options: 

  • Charcoal Cloth

2023 Nissan Kicks SR upholstery and color options: 

  • Charcoal Sport Cloth (with orange accents)

2023 Nissan Kicks SR upholstery and color options (optional): 

  • Charcaol PrimaTex with orange contrast stitching 

The Kicks 2023 gets a 7-inch touchscreen on the S trim and an 8-inch display on other configurations. Both the screens come standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Also, navigating through the menus is pretty straightforward. The interface is smooth but the graphics seem dated. Some features like SiriusXM satellite radio and three USB-A and one USB-C ports are offered from SV trim. A 6-speaker stereo is standard, while it can be upgraded to 8-speaker system in the SR trim. 

Models

2023 Nissan Kicks

2023 Honda HR-V

2023 Hyundai Venue

2022 Toyota C-HR

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

40.4/53.0/43.7

39.4/56.6/41.9

39.4/53.9/41.3

38.1/49.0/43.5

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

38.5/53.2/33.4

38.0/55.2/37.7

38.6/53.7/34.3

38.3/52.5/31.7

Exterior
6.0/10

The Nissan Kicks received a facelift recently back in 2021 and has remained unchanged. The 2023 Kicks see no changes either  The SUV looks bolder with that bold trapezoidal grille and stretched headlamp units. The black plastic cladding under the vehicle gives a sense of ruggedness that gels in well with the 7-inch ground clearance. The side profile gets a couple of creases that extend all the way to the rear fenders but the rear-end design looks awkward when compared to the striking front design. The S trim gets 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV and SR trim gets 17-inch alloy wheels. Know more about the 2023 Nissan Kicks dimensions (exterior) here>>

2023 Nissan Kicks color (solid) options: 

  • White Tricoat
  • Gray Pearl
  • Fresh Powder
  • Gun Metallic

2023 Nissan Kicks color (metallic) options: 

  • Scarlett Ember Tintcoat
  • Blue Metallic
  • Super Black

2023 Nissan Kicks color (two-tone/w contrasting black roof) options: 

  • Aspen White 
  • Boulder Gray
  • Monarch Orange
  • Scarlet Ember 
  • Electric Blue 

Safety
5.0/10

The 2023 Nissan Kicks performed well in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and IIHS. The Kicks 2023 scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA  crashworthiness ratings. Even in the IIHS crash tests, it scored a 'Good' rating for most test parameters. The Kicks 2023 is equipped with ADAS technology (Nissan Safety Shield 360) right from the base trim onward, a rarity in its class for sure. 

Some of the standout safety features of the 2023 Nissan Kicks include:

  • Forward collision mitigation
  • Lane departure warning
  • Reverse automatic braking
  • Blind Spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control

Competition
8.0/10

2023 Nissan Kicks vs 2022 Toyota C-HR

The Toyota C-HR was launched in the same year as the Nissan Kicks but the latter is clearly the better option. The C-HR focuses more on the exterior design aspect and fails to provide adequate practicality with its sub-par cargo capacity and below-average fuel economy numbers. The Nissan Kicks also lacks in terms of rear seat legroom but manages to offer a decent cargo space and impresses with its segment-leading fuel economy numbers.

2023 Nissan Kicks vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is quite an old player in the market and with its all-new avatar, is ready to face fierce competition. When compared with the Kicks, the HR-V is more powerful, quicker, and offers proper legroom for the rear passengers. Moreover, the interior of the HR-V is well-built and well-appointed than the Nissan Kicks’ cabin too. However, the Kicks still get a couple of cookies for its impressive fuel economy numbers.

2023 Nissan Kicks vs 2023 Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is a rather new entrant in the segment but it doesn’t truly impress in any aspect. Apart from delivering decent fuel efficiency, it lacks in terms of interior design, and rear seat legroom, and has a sub-par cargo capacity too when compared to the other option in this segment. In the performance department too, the Venue takes a middle ground with its uninspiring acceleration and handling.

Final Verdict
8.0/10

The Nissan Kicks has been a preferable option for mainstream compact crossover shoppers, especially due to its affordable base price. Moreover, it offers a better value for the money than most of its competitors due to the handsome list of features and standard ADAS features. It also scores high on the fuel economy part and makes up for its lethargic acceleration with its lively handling and ride comfort. If you can compromise a bit on the rear legroom, the 2023 Nissan Kicks would be a great option; otherwise, the Honda HR-V is the one to go for.

Trims

    S
    $20,590 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 122 hp @ 6300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 114 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 10.1 sec
    • Top Speed: 110 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 33 mpg
    SV
    $22,450 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 122 hp @ 6300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 114 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 10.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 33 mpg
    SR
    $23,150 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 122 hp @ 6300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 114 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 10.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 33 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$20,590- $23,150

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.15

Horsepower

122 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque

114 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$27,790- $32,845

Gasoline

5.81

177 hp @ 5750 rpm

210 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,950- $35,400

Gasoline

6.6

191 hp @ 6000 rpm

186 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,945

Gasoline

7.71

144 hp @ 6100 rpm

139 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$27,795

Gasoline

7.65

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

177 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,340- $28,840

Gasoline

7.53

146 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,140- $30,450

Gasoline

6.95

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,650- $22,900

Gasoline

6.47

121 hp @ 6300 rpm

113 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$30,245- $33,275

Gasoline

6.55

177 hp @ 5500 rpm

210 lb.-ft. @ 6500 rpm

5

Read Review

2023 Nissan Kicks vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    10.1 sec17.6 sec110 mph
    8 sec16.2 sec-
    8.3 sec16.5 sec120 mph
    9 sec--
    9.1 sec17.2 sec115 mph
    9.3 sec--

    2023 Nissan Kicks vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      31 mpg36 mpg33 mpg10.8 gal.334.8/388.8 mi.
      30 mpg35 mpg32 mpg13.2 gal.396/462 mi.
      29 mpg33 mpg31 mpg11.9 gal.345.1/392.7 mi.
      27 mpg29 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.-
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg12.7 gal.330.2/419.1 mi.
      27 mpg31 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/409.2 mi.

      2023 Nissan Kicks vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        169.1 in.69.3 in.63.3 in.7 in.103.1 in. -
        173 in.70.7 in.61.7 in.8 in.104.4 in. -
        172.6 in.70.7 in.61.6 in.5.9 in.103.9 in.
        172 in.70.9 in.63.6 in.7.3 in.103.5 in. -
        168.35 in.70.1 in.65.25 in.6.22 in.100.6 in.
        167.2 in.70.7 in.63.7 in.-101.2 in. -

        2023 Nissan Kicks vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          25.3 cu.ft.92.7 cu.ft.32.3 cu.ft.
          26.6 cu.ft.99.6 cu.ft.62.8 cu.ft.
          18.5 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.50.8 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          --45.8 cu.ft.
          20.2 cu.ft.94.1 cu.ft.45.2 cu.ft.
          -91.7 cu.ft.39.8 cu.ft. -

          2023 Nissan Kicks vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            32.3 cu.ft.25.3 cu.ft.32.3 cu.ft.
            45.2 cu.ft.20.2 cu.ft.45.2 cu.ft.
            31.9 cu.ft.18.7 cu.ft.31.9 cu.ft.
            39.8 cu.ft.-39.8 cu.ft. -
            50.8 cu.ft.18.5 cu.ft.50.8 cu.ft.Jeep USA
            62.8 cu.ft.26.6 cu.ft.62.8 cu.ft.

            2023 Nissan Kicks vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              974 lbs.2682 lbs.
              835 lbs.3300 lbs. -
              1069 lbs.2899 lbs.
              1080 lbs.2948 lbs.
              1026 lbs.3358 lbs. -
              -3424 lbs. -

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              Latest 2023 Nissan Kicks Stories/Updates

              0
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