2018 Nissan Kicks NH

If there is one thing that cars come with today, it's a lot of standard features. Not long ago, power windows were considered a luxury, nevermind all the features that the Kicks boasts standard. Some of those features include Bluetooth capabilities, 3 USB ports, automatic headlights, 16-in steel wheels, and roof rails. Those are all offered by the standard S trim. 

The SV trim offers those features in addition to the Nissan Connect Infotainment system with a 7-in touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Integration - so it'll be able to play your music no matter which device you prefer - automatic climate control, keyless entry/start, remote start, a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alerts and 17-in alloy wheels. Considering that's the mid-range trim, those are some impressive standard features, especially if it ultimately is priced around $20k MSRP. 

But, the SR trim is where it really starts to get interesting. Not only does it come with all the features above, but it also comes with LED low beams, fog lights, black side-mirror covers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and Nissan's Around View Monitor, giving you a 360-degree view, which is super helpful with parking. 

The SR trim also has some optional features that include heated front seats and a premium Bose sound system. The Bose speakers are built into the headrest of the driver's seat, making it like those driving video games most of us played with friends at the arcade in the 90s, minus the reckless turns and knocking over of cones. Bottom line - the SR gives you a familiar, yet new driving experience.

Though the Kicks might be a sub-compact crossover, it does not disappoint - inside or out. It comes with some color combinations that most other cars just don't offer. Want a grey body and orange roof? Done. Or maybe a white roof and blue body are more your style? You can have it! 

The Kicks also comes in your "normal" solid color paint schemes, but the two tone really adds to the personalization of the car, and allows you to make it your own. A whole new level of ownership, if you will. The Kicks also offers a "floating" roof design, with a wrap around visor and V-motion grille.

The inside is incredibly impressive, considering the overall size of the vehicle. Nissan outfitted the Kicks with a spacious interior, maximizing the room inside with a flat floor design. It has the Gliding Wing design, and similar surfaces and materials that you would find in the Murano, Rogue, and Rogue Sport. Of the three, the Kicks is actually in direct competition with the Rogue Sport, and although they are similar, the Rogue Sport has the edge on overall size. The Kicks offers 25.3 in of cargo space in the back when the seats are up, and has 2nd row 60/40 split seats. With the craftsmanship and space that the Kicks has to offer, all of your friends are going to want to hop in and take a spin.

It has a projected 33 mpg combined, which gives the Kicks the opportunity to be one of the most fuel efficient members of its class. It has an independent front end suspension and rear torsion beams with twin tube shock absorbers, which gives it a smooth and enjoyable ride.

 Owing to its small size and lack of mass, the Kicks moves and handles better than the Juke, which might be why the Juke is on its way out. The heaviest version of the Kicks right now is in the Chinese market, weighing 2,566 lb curbside, which is pretty good for a 4-door crossover, so we will see if the US version is the same or similar. 

The Kicks rides on basic underpinnings, and the front suspension is pretty good, along with 7-in of ground clearance. The rear twist beam and drum braking are what some enthusiasts might consider "remedial," but still acceptable to drive. Though it doesn't have a ton of horsepower, and isn't the fastest off the line, it's not meant to be a speed demon on the roads. 

Designed more to be a reliable vehicle for you to get the kids to school on time and then make a trip to Costco or Sam's Club without an issue, the Kicks sports an extremely comfortable ride. With traction control, vehicle dynamic control, hill assist, and electronic steering standard on all models, the Kicks will surely become your go-to vehicle. The SR trim also offers active engine braking, active trace control, and active ride control.

As evidenced by its entire line of vehicles, Nissan prides its brand on safety. This carries over to the Kicks, as you would have expected. All of the trims offer front disc and rear drum brakes, and the SR trim will also feature the Nissan Integrated Dynamic Control module, which greatly improves the ride and handling. 

Some of the features that carry over from other Nissan vehicles are automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning and rear view camera, which is standard in all trims. The SV and SR trims also give you blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. 

And, as mentioned before, the Kicks SR comes with Nissan's 360-degree camera. Though it is still yet to be rated by the IIHS and NHTSA, with the track record of other Nissan vehicles, there is no doubt that it will be a car that you'll want to consider, whether it's to protect your young family, or your new driver.