Getting your Kicks
An already crowded crossover class here in the US is about to welcome a new member - the 2018 Nissan Kicks. Joining Nissan's current small entry, the funky and somewhat oddly-styled Juke, the Kicks, which will go on sale later this spring, will battle for customers alongside its aging sidekick in the ultra-hot subcompact class that includes the new Ford EcoSport as well as stalwarts like the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500L, and Mazda CX-3.
The Kicks, which has been available in other markets since 2016, is based on the brand's newest small-car platform, the V, which also underpins the Juke and, outside North America, a number of other compact MPV, sedan, and hatch models including the B-Segment Micra.
Available in three trim levels, all Kicks models will share the same engine and transmission: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that's rated at 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, mated to a CVT automatic. Fuel economy is rated at an EPA-estimated 33 miles per gallon combined.
2018 Nissan Kicks
"Kicks' unique combination of expressive design, excellent fuel economy, intelligent technology and advanced safety features adds up to one thing – exceptional value," said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "And, with its good ground clearance, high eye point, electric power steering and small turning radius, Kicks is a great vehicle for both everyday and weekend adventures."
The 2018 Kicks is offered in three trim levels - base S, mid-level SV, and top-trim SR. In addition to seven exterior colors, five two-tone combinations will be offered – white, orange, or red with a black roof, grey with an orange roof, and blue with a white roof.
Standard features on the S include Nissan's signature V-motion grille, boomerang headlights and taillights and floating roof with what the manufacturer calls a "wrap-around visor" look. Inside, the base model also comes with a seven-inch color display, a federally-mandated rear view camera, and automatic emergency braking. SV and SR trims add standard blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
"We're making Automatic Emergency Braking standard across all grades of our best-selling models, including Rogue, Rogue Sport and now Kicks. It's part of our comprehensive vision for helping reduce fatalities known as Nissan Intelligent Mobility," said Bunce.
2018 Nissan Kicks prices
Manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2018 Nissan Kicks, including a $975 destination and handling fee, are as follows:
Kicks S FWD $18,965
Kicks SV FWD $20,665
Kicks SR FWD $21,265
