By 
Nissan Kicks arrived in the USA to replace the Juke and take the position as the smallest crossover in the lineup. Recently, the company unveiled the new Rogue Sport, vehicle slotted between 2020 Nissan Kicks and Rogue. Be sure that the subcompact vehicle will take some items from its new sibling. Well, Kicks is still fresh and there is no need to update it yet. The first season went well and chiefs are happy with the performance of the new model. However, it is not going to stop them from improving the Kicks.
The main advantage of the 2020 Nissan Kicks is its fuel economy. This is a budget-saving crossover that will return a class-leading mileage. Of course, it means less power. Still, the CVT gearbox is smooth and improves mpg numbers. The small crossover is easy to maneuver in tight city streets. Still, the Kicks offers enough space inside (do not expect too much). Exterior styling is eye-catching, while the company paid a lot of attention to infotainment and safety. Top safety pick by IIHS is the proof. Unfortunately, the lack of power and torque is not the only downside. The Kicks is the FWD crossover and there is no optional all-wheel drive. Surprisingly, Nissan is not offering navigation through upper trims or additional packages.
Safety Features
As said, the crossover received the highest grades for its safety. There will be surprised if the 2020 Nissan Kicks do anything to spoil the top pick. Although small, the vehicle is very safe. To boost it, even more, Nissan is adding forward collision alert and the vehicle brakes automatically in emergency situations. Models with this feature are less involved in crashes than these that don’t use emergency braking. Blind-spot warning is optional. It will help you detect vehicles that are not possible to see in mirrors. For the backup drive, there is a special camera, while parking is easier thanks to the camera with a 360-degree view. Whatsoever, it is available only for SR trim level.
AWD is Still Possible for 2020 Nissan Kicks
Under the hood of the 2020 Nissan Kicks is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque. The X-Tronic CVT is smooth and boosts the power economy. For the new subcompact crossover, the gas mileage is going up to 36 mpg on the highway. In the city, the vehicle consumes more fuel, returning 31 mpg. Front-wheel drive is the exclusive mode. However, recently we heard some hints about the all-wheel drive. But, the company is not confirming it yet. We have to wait for the release date. Don’t be surprised if Nissan decides to launch the new edition of the drive system.
Outside the US, the 2020 Nissan Kicks will also be available in the Chinese market. There, the crossover is using a 1.5-liter petrol engine. It produces less power (100 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque / 135 Nm), but the fuel economy is even better. Both gasoline drivetrains are using a five-speed manual gearbox as the power router.
Hybrid
Carmakers are not so keen on making the hybrid versions of the subcompact crossovers. For example, Nissan is a leader in the electric segment, where its LEAF is the best-selling electric car ever. So, it is more likely to see the Kicks as the EV, rather than hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Nissan Rogue is getting a huge boost from electric battery, especially for the city ride. So, the advantages would be there, but the Rogue achieves much higher sale numbers than Kicks.
2020 Nissan Kicks Price
The base 2020 Nissan Kicks is one of the cheapest crossovers you can find in dealerships. Well, the competition is growing. But even the Korean manufacturers, Hyundai and Kia, are not offering better prices for their Kona and Soul. The MSRP of the new Kicks will remain around $19,000. With destination fee, it jumps closer to $20k. An upper SV mid-range trim adds $2,000 to the base price for 17-inch wheels and the larger touchscreen display at the center of the dashboard. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard for this version. Top of the class model is SR. Its price is $22,000 with destination fee, and it adds 360-degree camera and roof spoilers at the back. Unique seats are getting special stitches. You will recognize the Kicks SR thanks to the fresh LED headlights.
Competition
Major lacks of the 2020 Nissan Kicks will make buyers look for other vehicles in the same segment. Japanese carmakers, Toyota and Honda, are offering C-HR and HR-V with navigation and AWD as additional options. Also, the competition is coming from US carmakers. Jeep Renegade, Ford EcoSport, and Chevy Trax are the biggest rivals. Also, competition comes from South Korea. Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul are already available with electric drivetrains. This could speed up the development by Nissan which is not going to give up so easily from electrification.
Comments