People are becoming more aware of their finances, while the average transaction price of a car continues to rise. Fortunately, automakers continue to introduce new, affordable vehicles to the market. The Nissan Kicks is the smallest SUV in the Japanese automaker's lineup, and its mission is to bridge the gap on the lower end. The Kicks has undergone an extensive update in its second generation and is more ready than ever to face its stiff competition. Our test model had an MSRP of $38,552 and was built at the Aguascalientes, MEX plant.  

Replacing the quirky Juke, the first Nissan Kicks inherited the legacy of a car with a famously divisive style. The first generation, introduced in 2016, was less outlandish and didn't try nearly as much to be different. The 2021 facelift, which you can find in the article here, looked more aggressive thanks to its larger front grille. In its second generation, the Kicks had to be redesigned from the ground up to keep it fresh against the competition. Starting from the front, the headlights feature a four-layer setup consisting of multiple small white bars that serve as running lights, and the upper part includes the flasher and high beams. The layers are part of the front grille design, making the car appear larger, an impressive feat considering the current Kicks is slightly narrower than its predecessor (0.5 inches, 12 mm). The 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels help the vehicle look modern, and in the back, you can also find the layered tail lights. The Yuzu Yellow Metallic colour helps emphasize the vehicle's curves; it grows on you! Overall, it's an excellent design for an entry-level car; it is fun and different. 

Stepping inside the new Nissan Kicks, the upgrades over the previous generation are immediately noticeable. The cabin feels more sophisticated, with premium touches like soft-touch materials, leather accents, and stylish orange trim. Behind the wheel, the old part-digital, part-analog gauges have been replaced by a fully digital cluster, a familiar but functional setup seen across Nissan's lineup. The redesigned steering wheel also adds a more contemporary feel. At the dashboard's center sits a crisp 12.3-inch infotainment display, shared with models like the Altima, Rogue, and Ariya. It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. Below the air vents, the climate controls are located on a sleek, black piano panel, which is also fingerprint-prone. Despite its compact size, the Kicks is well-equipped, offering heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient LED lighting, a panoramic moonroof, and a Bose Premium Plus audio system with headrest speakers for an immersive sound experience. Multiple USB ports and a wireless charger add convenience, making it a surprisingly feature-packed offering in its segment.

Though the second-generation Nissan Kicks is slightly smaller on the outside than its predecessor, it delivers more passenger space in every dimension. Four adults can now ride comfortably, and families will appreciate the marked ISOFIX anchors and rear tether points for easy child seat installation. Both front and rear passengers benefit from Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, which proved supportive on longer highway drives. The cabin's sport-inspired SR trim adds a welcome pop of colour with its orange seat accents, brightening the interior. Cargo space is another strong suit—despite its subcompact footprint, the Kicks offers one of the largest trunks in its class, with up to 1,700 litres (60 cu. ft.) of storage when the rear seats are folded.

The Nissan Kicks has received several upgrades under the hood. The previous 1.6L four-cylinder engine has been replaced with a larger 2.0L engine, now producing 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, representing a 19 hp and 26 lb-ft increase from the previous generation. Despite this boost in power, the new engine is still paired with the Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which limits the ability to utilize the enhanced performance fully. On the positive side, the Kicks now offers all-wheel drive, although front-wheel drive remains standard for those prioritizing fuel efficiency. The ride quality and suspension have also been improved, making this city's subcompact feel more stable and planted on the highway. Braking performance is commendable as well. Fuel economy is only up by 0.2L/100km from the previous model, with a combined driving figure of 8.2L/100km with all-wheel drive. Our main complaint is the still underwhelming acceleration, but otherwise, the Nissan Kicks is a solid choice in the subcompact segment.

Is the Nissan Kicks a good choice? Absolutely, but it's best to avoid the SR Premium trim as it's too pricey for this category. The SV AWD trim offers the best value, providing the most useful features, such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and automatic temperature control at a reasonable price ($33,521). The previous generation Nissan Kicks, known as the Nissan Kicks Play, is still available for one more year and is the second most affordable vehicle in Nissan's lineup. More options always benefit consumers, so the real question is: Are you ready to upgrade?

Disclaimer: Nissan has lent us this vehicle for a one-week press loan. We have no affiliation with Nissan Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.