Nissan’s 2023 Kicks is an ultra-small crossover offered in a trio of trims: S, SV, and SR. Common to all is a powertrain made up of a 122 hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission; every Kicks has front-wheel drive. You’re probably reading about the Nissan Kicks because you’re efficiency minded, and in that case you’ll love that it achieves a best-in-class 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway as estimated by the EPA.
The 2023 Kicks is a notably budget-friendly crossover, but that doesn’t mean that it skimps on sought-after equipment. The base S gets automatic on/off headlights, keyless entry, push-button ignition, power windows with driver’s one-touch auto-up/down, a 12-volt power outlet, three USB-A media ports, metallic interior trim, and a 60/40-split second-row seat. The SV adds remote start, heated side mirrors, silver roof rails, Nissan Intelligent Key (proximity entry), a 7-inch gauge cluster, a USB-C charging port, a center console armrest with storage, chrome interior door handles, and under-seat heater ducts for the second row.
The more stylish SR is upgraded with signature follow-me-home LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and fog lights, a dark chrome grille, high-gloss black side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, silver exterior trim, a rear roof spoiler, black roof rails, and remote start with climate controls. The standouts of the SR’s interior are automatic climate control, black sport cloth upholstery with orange accents and stitching, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SR is also eligible for the Premium Package, which will provide a vehicle security system, NissanConnect remote vehicle services, synthetic-leather seats with orange contrast stitching, heating for the steering wheel and front seats, a cargo cover, and a couple of infotainment upgrades (see the Multimedia section later on this page).
In addition to its complete array of airbags, the Kicks gets lots of active safety features, especially in the higher-priced trims. The S is nicely appointed with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. The SV adds intelligent adaptive cruise control and intelligent driver alertness, while the SR gets all of the above plus a surround-view monitor.
The S trim gets an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, Siri Eyes Free, and a six-speaker sound system. The SV and SR upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM satellite radio, but the optional SR Premium Package will furnish NissanConnect remote car services, a Wi-fi hotspot, and a top-shelf Bose Personal Plus audio system with eight speakers (including Bose UltraNearfield driver headrest speakers).