Used Nissan Kicks Quick Facts
- The best used Nissan Kicks years are 2021-2024.
- The Nissan Kicks offers some of the best fuel economy figures by any non-hybrid SUV.
- Unlike some competitors, the first-generation Nissan Kicks lacks an AWD option.
In the world of subcompact SUVs, a used Nissan Kicks has a lot going for it. Despite its small size, it has a roomy interior with a large backseat and a generous cargo hold. The Kicks isn’t big on power, but it is fuel efficient, attaining figures as 36 mpg highway (33 mpg combined). The Kicks didn’t cost much new, meaning a used model will probably cost less than a comparably equipped Honda or Toyota. Now for the bad news. Like many Nissan cars of this era, the Kicks comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that is notoriously unreliable, especially in the first few model years. The first-generation Kicks also lacks the option of all-wheel drive (AWD), making it less appealing to used car shoppers living where winter’s worst brings snow and ice.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Nissan Kicks?
- Nissan Kicks by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Is the Nissan Kicks a Good SUV?
- Does the Nissan Kicks Have a Hybrid Option?
- How Much Can the Nissan Kicks Tow?
- What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Nissan Kicks?
- What Are the Worst Years for the Nissan Kicks?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Nissan Kicks?
The best model years for the Nissan Kicks are 2021 to the current model. Note that the Kicks was all-new for 2025, but the previous version carries over as the Nissan Kicks Play. Be sure you know the difference when shopping for a 2025 or newer Kicks. We like the 2021 and newer versions of the first-generation as its CVT isn’t as problematic, and it has more safety and convenience features.
See used Nissan Kicks SUVs near you.
Nissan Kicks by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Second Generation: 2025-Current
The second-generation Nissan Kicks is a far better SUV than the one it replaces, but it’s still relatively new. However, as mentioned above, the first-generation Kicks carries over into 2025 as the Kicks Play, so if you’re shopping for a 2025 model, be aware of the difference.
The second-generation Kicks are easy to identify visually. It has a massive horizontal grille and light treatment, a squared-up body, and bolder styling elements compared to the first-generation Kicks.
Nissan improves the Kick’s powertrain without seriously denting its fuel economy ratings. It also now offers an all-wheel drive option. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 141 horsepower, which is 19 more than the previous generation. Thanks to an improved CVT, the combined EPA mileage drops by only 2 mpg, rated at 33 mpg with front-wheel drive (FWD), and 31 mpg with all-wheel drive.
The Kicks comes in three flavors: S, SV, and SR.
The S includes 16-inch steel wheels with covers, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and LED headlights. The cabin adds manual air conditioning, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen display, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 comes standard. It includes forward collision warning and emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Move to the SV, and you get more features that most people want. It adds 17-inch steel wheels, rear privacy glass, a 12.3-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an additional USB-C port.
Optional equipment for the SV includes a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and remote start.
The SR adds a painted grille, roof rails, side mirror LED turn signals, leatherette and cloth seating, 6-speaker audio, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree monitor, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Additional driver assistance includes lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, intersection assist, a front parking sensor, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driver-assistance system.
A panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker Bose audio, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, remote start, and a front central seat-mounted center airbag are all options available to the SR.
If you’re looking for a power driver’s seat option, don’t bother. All Kicks have manually adjustable front seats.
All-wheel drive is optional on all three trims and adds heated side mirrors, an independent rear suspension, and snow mode.
See 2025 to current Nissan Kicks SUV near you.
First Generation: 2018-2024
The first-generation Kicks is likely the one you’ll find on used car lots in abundance. It’s a roomy subcompact with some cool features, impressive fuel economy, and, thanks to poor resale values, a low price.
The first-gen Kicks’ power comes from a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine good for a mere 122 hp. You can probably surmise the Kicks is anything but quick. However, it is extremely frugal when sipping fuel, with a 33-mpg combined rating.
This generation is a front-drive-only deal. A Honda CR-V or Hyundai Kona might be the way to go if you need a subcompact with all-wheel drive and a better reliability rating.
Its trims are S, SV, and SR.
For 2018, the S includes 16-inch steel wheels with covers, halogen headlights, manual air conditioning, cruise control, a rearview monitor, and a 6-speaker AM/FM radio with a 7-inch color touchscreen display. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is also standard.
The SV adds a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration,17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, rear-seat air vents, and proximity keyless entry with push-button start.
The SR has LED headlights, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 360-degree monitor, and a rear spoiler. Options include a Bose sound system, heated front seats, and Prima-Tex upholstered seats.
The first-gen Kicks is not without its issues. There have been a few recalls, including one for an improperly sealed backup camera lens, loss of power steering assist, and another for a possible defective Takata airbag. You can see a complete list of Kicks recalls and complaints by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Some common complaints for this generation include problematic transmission shifting or complete failure, engine stalling, false alerts for the forward emergency braking, and premature brake wear.
Model-Year Changes:
2024: No significant changes.
2023: No changes.
2022: No changes.
2021: The Kicks gets a major makeover, with revised front and rear styling, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on SV and SR trims, and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
2020: Nissan Safety Shield 360 made standard. It includes front and rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, and automatic high-beam headlights.
2019: No significant changes.
See 2018-2024 Nissa Kicks SUVs near you.
Is the Nissan Kicks a Good SUV?
The reliability of the Kicks depends on the year. In the first few years, we see significantly more issues related to transmission. As these units age, they tend to have problems ranging from erratic shifting to complete failure. The 2020 model seems to improve, but 2021 and up might be the best choices. If you go with an older model, be sure to have a qualified mechanic perform a thorough inspection. You’ll also want to change your CVT fluid every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, which will help lessen wear and tear on the components.
Outside of the CVT and a few items covered by recalls, the Kicks is fairly reliable and easy to maintain.
Does the Nissan Kicks Have a Hybrid Option?
Nissan does not offer a hybrid engine option for the Kicks.
How Much Can the Nissan Kicks Tow?
The Kicks is not rated or recommended for towing, although you can add a trailer hitch for use with things like a bike or ski rack.
What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Nissan Kicks?
There’s not enough data to give a solid answer for the second generation, but so far, it seems to have avoided the dreaded first-year curse. Regarding the first generation, we’d go with a 2021 or newer model. If buying from a Nissan dealer, look for a certified pre-owned (CPO) car. They undergo a detailed inspection and come with extended warranty coverage that may come in handy should the CVT act up.
What Are the Worst Years for the Nissan Kicks?
The most problematic years for the Nissan Kicks are 2018-2020. Issues mostly center around the transmission, brakes, engine stuttering or stalling, and glitches with the infotainment system.
See Nissan Kicks SUVs near you.
