Subcompact Crossover SUV

Nissan Kicks

→ Consider

Solid choice with some caveats

#6 of 10in Subcompact Crossover SUV

260 sources · updated June 2026

Nissan redesigned the Kicks for 2025 and fixed what needed fixing: it's bigger inside, offers AWD, and delivers 40-51 MPG on highway runs without breaking a sweat. Early owners love the value at $22k-$30k and report zero drama in daily use. The shadow hanging over it is Nissan's CVT reputation, not because this generation has failed (it's too new), but because older Nissans poisoned the well. If you're diligent about 30k-mile fluid changes, first-gen owners sailed past 150k miles trouble-free. Skip that service and you're gambling on a $5k repair bill. This is the right crossover for the calendar-reminder type who wants excellent mileage and doesn't need thrills. If you treat maintenance like a suggestion, the Toyota Corolla Cross won't punish you as hard.

The generation that matters

This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.

First generation (2018–2024)

2018–2024

Solid

Praised for fuel efficiency (40+ mpg), affordability, and reliability as basic transportation. Criticized for underpowered 1.6L engine, dull driving dynamics, and cheap interior. CVT concerns mentioned but not widespread in owner reports.

Second generation (2025–2026)

2025–2026

Mixed

Redesign brings improved styling, AWD option, and more power, but loses fuel efficiency (30–31 mpg vs 40+). Heavier, slower, and more expensive than predecessor. Early reports of infotainment glitches, static noise, and critical engine warnings on 1.0L turbo models.

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Common complaints6 issues

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−CVT transmission requires diligent fluid changes every 30k miles to avoid expensive failures

−Underpowered acceleration, especially with AWD, adequate but not spirited

−Infotainment system has connectivity bugs and occasional static/disconnection issues

−Interior materials feel cheaper than competitors, particularly in base trims

−Poor vent placement and design in 2026 models

−Windshield replacements expensive and on backorder

✓

What owners praise6 strengths

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✓

Excellent fuel economy, owners consistently report 40-51 MPG on highway trips with cruise control

✓

Well-equipped for the price, base model starts under $22k with standard safety features

✓

Redesigned 2025+ generation addresses previous shortcomings with more space and available AWD

✓

Reliable daily commuter with minimal reported issues in current generation

✓

Comfortable ride quality and easy city maneuverability

✓

Low maintenance costs when serviced regularly

📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric

High confidence▼

260 sources analysed with long-term owner data present

260 sources analysed — strong data quality

Reliability & Durability(22%)7.5

12 positive vs 4 negative long-term reports

User Sentiment(22%)7.6

287 positive upvotes vs 89 negative upvotes

Complaint Severity(16%)7.8

Complaints: 18 cosmetic, 24 functional, 3 systematic, 0 safety

Consensus Strength(8%)3.6

22 strongly positive, 8 strongly negative, 31 mixed/neutral

Value for Money(15%)6.5

28 'worth it', 7 'overpriced', 12 mention better-value alternatives

Owner Advocacy(17%)7.2

4 repurchased/gifted, 18 unprompted recommendations, 6 regrets

Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.

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Specifications2026

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Pricing

Starting MSRP

$23,975

Range

$23,975 - $29,705

Capability

Fuel economy

28 city / 35 hwy MPG (FWD), 27 city / 34 hwy MPG (AWD)

Drivetrain