If you want a new SUV but don’t have a big budget, the 2022 Nissan Kicks’s price tag looks mighty attractive—it’s one of the least expensive options available today. And while it may not look it, the Kicks hides a relatively roomy cabin behind its trim dimensions. A fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission are standard, and the Kicks only comes with front-wheel drive, so you can forget that off-road adventure you had your heart set on. The powertrain lacks the refinement of more expensive options in the subcompact SUV segment—such as the Mazda CX-30 and the Volkswagen Taos—and when merging onto a highway it feels underpowered. The Nissan’s true value comes in the form of a comprehensive list of standard tech features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of driver assists.
Specification
FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 33/31/36 mpg
CHASSIS
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DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.1 in
Length: 169.1 in
Width: 69.3 in
Height: 63.3–63.4 in
Passenger volume: 94 ft3
Cargo volume: 25 ft3
Curb weight (C/D est): 2700–2750 lb