The three trim levels of the front-wheel-drive 2023 Nissan Kicks are S, SV, and SR. They all get the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 122 horsepower and 114 lb.-ft. of torque and is connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Kicks is 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
The budget-friendly S comes with a nice mix of essential amenities, the most desirable of which include automatic on/off headlights, power-adjustable side mirrors, remote keyless entry, push-button start/stop, power windows with driver’s one-touch auto-up/down, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a trio of USB-A ports, and a 60/40-split rear seatback with a folding center armrest. The all-important infotainment system features a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and a six-speaker sound system. Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of advanced driver-aid technologies, is standard as well. It contains forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
This mid-level trim receives a handful of upgrades: heated side mirrors, roof rails, proximity keyless entry (Nissan Intelligent Key), remote start, a center console armrest with storage, three USB-C ports, and rear-seat AC vents. Nissan’s Advanced Drive-Assist, a7-inch gauge cluster, comes standard as well. The infotainment system gets a glow up with an 8-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM satellite radio. Moreover, its assortment of safety aids is strengthened with adaptive cruise control and driver attention monitoring.
Choosing the sporty SR grade will get you access to a number of relative luxuries. These consist of signature LED headlights with follow-me-home (it temporarily keeps the headlights on as you exit the Kicks and walk to your destination at night), LED daytime running lights and fog lights, automatic climate control, and remote start with automatic climate adjustment. The interior is dressed up with orange interior contrast stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A surround-view monitor is standard as well. With the Premium Package, the SR will be enhanced with a vehicle security system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, simulated leather seats that are heated in the front row, a heated steering wheel, a cargo area cover, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system with headrest speakers for the driver.
