The reason it's grown so much from the previous generation is because it's actually a replacement for the Rogue Sport (a car which was ironically neither a Rogue nor sporty). Compared to the Rogue Sport, the new Kicks is just 1 inch shorter in length and 1 inch narrower, and 1 inch taller, and they use the same 141 hp 2.0 liter engine.
e-Power is all over Japan and Europe. I just don’t understand why Nissan insists on keeping it away from the US market till 2026. Apart from that, the Kicks is a great car.
Nissan and the new design language they are using is right on! Expect the new Sentra to adopt it too when the new one arrives in 2026! Great video btw!
Kirk, How many kicks did they give this before it left the factory? 😉 On a serious note, Nissan did give the AWD Kicks an independent rear suspension, try finding one on a premium Mazda. 🤨
One change I’d make is to put in the physical HVAC buttons and tiny permanent HVAC display. They have a greatly designed HVAC control panel found in the Rogue and Pathfinder. Do not fix what isn’t broken, and the climate controls in the Rogue and Pathfinder are not broken at all.
That's an interesting comment because I take my 2023 Kicks on the expressway 25 miles each way, two to four times a week, and it has plenty of power. However, I don't floor the pedal to go faster as I know that is bad for the CVT, and it does not make the car go faster. It is like slamming on the brake because you want to go faster and then saying, "What's the matter with this car?" Sorry, Kirk. It just drives me crazy when you guys do that. As Mies van der Rohe says, "Less is more." Or as Frank Sinatra says, "Nice and Easy Does it Ever Time."
I put 100k miles on a Versa in 2.5 years in a Versa without killing the CVT. I drove fast doing lots of highway but some hard city miles too. But I always ease into the pedal and try to maximize fuel economy. Those hard starts people favor are dumb unless you're testing the condition of a used car or forced into a tiny traffic opening. I drove a 2022 Kicks for 2 weeks and it had slightly better highway acceleration but worse economy. Either are fine for the highway but I prefer my manual 2010 Honda Fit. I deliver auto parts BTW.
If I can drive my 1996 geo tracker 2 dr soft top lifted with bigger tires with 96 horsepower 97 foot-pounds of torque 5 speed manual on the freeway no problems in the right lane. That thing can do it too just fine.
I get the feeling Nissan is updating what they can update quickly to put fresh product out into the NAmerican market, and the other stuff (e-Power, etc..) will follow. Also wanted to note that, I actually prefer a manual seat adjustment. I'd take a fully adjustable manual seat over the less-featured power seats Honda's been putting in the Civic, HRV, Accord or CRV - no lumbar for the driver, no height adjust for the passenger.
From my position growing up in a 90s Mitsu mirage, then a few Focuses and Explorer, this is a lot of good, tasteful design moves they made! 140ish HP is a good bump too vs. my old Mitsu and old gf 2004 Sonata. Both were in the stale 100s and less
The kicks is to the sentra what the hrv is to the civic and the corolla cross is to the corolla. I prefer the new kicks over the 3 cylinder turbo in the rogue.
One thing that I didn't like about the new Kicks is the price. I got the original 2018 kicks SR at 22k and now the SR starts at 30k I think. That's crazy! I got rid of the kicks one month ago with only 55k miles on it. I wanted to like the new line but I can't. I went with another brand and I'm very happy with my new car.
Love the concept of E-power but at the same time happy that's it not here in North America yet. Let the bugs be worked out so we get a sorted out system.
Like the new Kicks. Nissan offer interior upgrade on the SV that is different but same soft touch materials up front like SR. Some of us would rather have the 17in steel rims w/ covers anyway. Possibly a little quieter/comfortable plus cheaper replacement tires and snows for us in NE. Drivers over 50 will likely find enough power for highway if not changing lanes frequently and steady 65+(say 70-75) with cruise control. Could be another option to the Soul. My past driving a 70 GTO, a 73 Challenger in the 80s were great. I’m not in a hurry anymore 😂lol Looking at SV trim reviews too and info on trans & 2.0 eng. agree a hybrid opt in US. Kicks looks to be similar in acceleration to HRV and CorollaCross 2.0 without hybrid. ☮️
That was going to be my next car! But the central console is too high! That doesn't allow me to extend my knees over the width of the seat because it bumps against it! I'm 6'3"; a lower central console would make the car more comfortable for tall people. That was the deal breaker at the test drive.
It's a Baby Rogue! Can't believe they put 19 inch wheels on those, seems excessive for a daily driver. And there is the usual buzzy CVT, the hesitation at accelaration was one of the reasons I traded in my 2021 Rogue.
This car should have no problem cruising on the highway at 85 mph. Kirk must regularly go over 100 mph on the highway to feel the Kicks would be inadequate.
I just went to the Nissan website and they say the Kicks is DIRECT INJECTION and NOT naturally aspirated. That means carbon can build up and cost you a small fortune in years to come. The kicks is the third noisiest car on the road. So they have made it look pretty but they should have put in some sound deadening material. Also, you will find that the prices for each version is far TOO high. Nissan has a HUGE amount of inventory and they are still NOT giving you a break on pricing. Check it out for yourself.
@@S.L.S-407 It's direct injected but it's also naturally aspirated. The to have nothing to do with each other... Direct injection means the fuel injectors spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber. Natural aspiration means the car has no forced induction (no turbo or supercharger) to force more air into the engine.
@@zkiller195 - You don't seem to be aware that a direct injection system can cause carbon build up over time and be tough on the engine. Can't seem to find whether this car has a timing belt or timing chain. If it's a belt , look out for possible money problems down the road. Lastly , if this car uses the Jatco transmission, then run away as fast as you can. It is one of the all time worst transmissions you can get and Nissan owns that company !
@@S.L.S-407 I'm very aware of the common carbon buildup issues in DI engines. Your comment said that the engine isn't naturally aspirated, which is incorrect. That's all I was saying, because reading your comment, it seems you don't know the difference between direct injection and forced induction...
@@zkiller195 - The real point I'm trying to make is that these reviewers generally mostly talk about the cotton candy aspect of the cars. I want to know whether this car or any car has a timing chain or a timing belt? Does it have direct injection or is it naturally aspirated? Is the transmission the dreadful Jatco transmission? Is it a boosted engine? Does it have the stop start feature? Most of these things can affect your bank account in a VERY BIG WAY in the coming years, whereas is the infotainment centre 9" or 12 " really more important to know?
It’s easy to massively improve on the old Kicks. It was such a terrible car. With engine and transmission technology that’s hardly new and groundbreaking, it was hard to understand how it could be so bad and unreliable.
Still using a CVT? if so, stay away. Nothing but problems. Geared transmission is much much better. Personally I will never buy a Nissan that has a CVT. Terrible
Why would they make a car that is not good on the highway! A lot of people have to drive on the highway that wanna buy something budget friendly. That’s ridiculous of Nissan to put a little bitty horsepower engine in a vehicle that size!🤪
The car has enough power to be driven in the highway. It’s not like you’re gonna drive at 100pmh. I like Kirk’s reviews overall, but the highway thing was a really bad take.
Looks so much better and significant improvements with the motor and at a reasonable price. Thanks for sharing Kirk!
love the direction that nissan is headed in, these prices are closer to reality than most brands
The reason it's grown so much from the previous generation is because it's actually a replacement for the Rogue Sport (a car which was ironically neither a Rogue nor sporty). Compared to the Rogue Sport, the new Kicks is just 1 inch shorter in length and 1 inch narrower, and 1 inch taller, and they use the same 141 hp 2.0 liter engine.
e-Power is all over Japan and Europe. I just don’t understand why Nissan insists on keeping it away from the US market till 2026. Apart from that, the Kicks is a great car.
I'm addressing that in an upcoming video.
@@KirkKreifelsWould be tuned for that.🤝Nissan needs to hear it!
The Kicks with e-power would be amazing.
E power isn’t that good for highway driving, it’s only efficient if ur driving in the city…
Not everyone wants this. Run to Toyota and Honda!
This looks very high end for Nissan usual look.
Nissan and the new design language they are using is right on! Expect the new Sentra to adopt it too when the new one arrives in 2026! Great video btw!
Kirk, How many kicks did they give this before it left the factory? 😉 On a serious note, Nissan did give the AWD Kicks an independent rear suspension,
try finding one on a premium Mazda. 🤨
Yeah, but Mazda’s are reasonably priced so be nice.
CX5 IRS
One change I’d make is to put in the physical HVAC buttons and tiny permanent HVAC display. They have a greatly designed HVAC control panel found in the Rogue and Pathfinder. Do not fix what isn’t broken, and the climate controls in the Rogue and Pathfinder are not broken at all.
That HVAC system is used in Kicks SV for Canada Market. Canada gets three HVAC types vs two in US.
The new Kicks btw is really great looking especially the front! I would like to wait a year and see if any quality issues arise.
Definitely, even without the trash VC 3 cylinder engine that grenades itself
That's an interesting comment because I take my 2023 Kicks on the expressway 25 miles each way, two to four times a week, and it has plenty of power. However, I don't floor the pedal to go faster as I know that is bad for the CVT, and it does not make the car go faster. It is like slamming on the brake because you want to go faster and then saying, "What's the matter with this car?" Sorry, Kirk. It just drives me crazy when you guys do that. As Mies van der Rohe says, "Less is more." Or as Frank Sinatra says, "Nice and Easy Does it Ever Time."
I agree. That was a terrible assessment from Kirk.
I put 100k miles on a Versa in 2.5 years in a Versa without killing the CVT. I drove fast doing lots of highway but some hard city miles too. But I always ease into the pedal and try to maximize fuel economy. Those hard starts people favor are dumb unless you're testing the condition of a used car or forced into a tiny traffic opening.
I drove a 2022 Kicks for 2 weeks and it had slightly better highway acceleration but worse economy. Either are fine for the highway but I prefer my manual 2010 Honda Fit. I deliver auto parts BTW.
i just got the 2025 SR kicks. and it drives amazing, but i also dont floor the pedal. He needs a more accurate review.
If I can drive my 1996 geo tracker 2 dr soft top lifted with bigger tires with 96 horsepower 97 foot-pounds of torque 5 speed manual on the freeway no problems in the right lane. That thing can do it too just fine.
I get the feeling Nissan is updating what they can update quickly to put fresh product out into the NAmerican market, and the other stuff (e-Power, etc..) will follow. Also wanted to note that, I actually prefer a manual seat adjustment. I'd take a fully adjustable manual seat over the less-featured power seats Honda's been putting in the Civic, HRV, Accord or CRV - no lumbar for the driver, no height adjust for the passenger.
Best review so far 👍
That's a great looking SUV. And the front end is much cleaner than the Murano. The top light assembly actually relates to the lower light assembly.
Your channel is not just a source of information, it is a source of inspiration and motivation. Thank you for your creativity and effort!🍨⁉️📹
From my position growing up in a 90s Mitsu mirage, then a few Focuses and Explorer, this is a lot of good, tasteful design moves they made! 140ish HP is a good bump too vs. my old Mitsu and old gf 2004 Sonata. Both were in the stale 100s and less
Would u saw the crosstrek has more get up? Im deciding between these 2
I walked h dogs this morning. It was 44° in Pensacola Florida and I froze to death. I have three T-shirts on two of them long sleeve…lol 🥶
The kicks is to the sentra what the hrv is to the civic and the corolla cross is to the corolla. I prefer the new kicks over the 3 cylinder turbo in the rogue.
One thing that I didn't like about the new Kicks is the price. I got the original 2018 kicks SR at 22k and now the SR starts at 30k I think. That's crazy! I got rid of the kicks one month ago with only 55k miles on it. I wanted to like the new line but I can't. I went with another brand and I'm very happy with my new car.
Love the concept of E-power but at the same time happy that's it not here in North America yet. Let the bugs be worked out so we get a sorted out system.
good succinct overview and summary.....
Like the new Kicks. Nissan offer interior upgrade on the SV that is different but same soft touch materials up front like SR. Some of us would rather have the 17in steel rims w/ covers anyway. Possibly a little quieter/comfortable plus cheaper replacement tires and snows for us in NE. Drivers over 50 will likely find enough power for highway if not changing lanes frequently and steady 65+(say 70-75) with cruise control. Could be another option to the Soul. My past driving a 70 GTO, a 73 Challenger in the 80s were great. I’m not in a hurry anymore 😂lol Looking at SV trim reviews too and info on trans & 2.0 eng. agree a hybrid opt in US. Kicks looks to be similar in acceleration to HRV and CorollaCross 2.0 without hybrid. ☮️
The new Nissan design language is a good refresh from the cheap looks under the former and disgraced CEO!
That was going to be my next car! But the central console is too high! That doesn't allow me to extend my knees over the width of the seat because it bumps against it! I'm 6'3"; a lower central console would make the car more comfortable for tall people. That was the deal breaker at the test drive.
Perfect vehicle to keep your new teen drivers from speeding lol and they should enjoy the modern screens and stuff 👍🏼
Kicks are cool to me. 2020 SR.
1 thing I really like was the steering radius. live in the city moves on a dime
Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I found that one feature that isn't offered is the power lift gate 😮
It's a Baby Rogue! Can't believe they put 19 inch wheels on those, seems excessive for a daily driver. And there is the usual buzzy CVT, the hesitation at accelaration was one of the reasons I traded in my 2021 Rogue.
Agree 17” wheels 🛞 on SV trim better. Replacing 19s will turn off mature shoppers that know better.
Awesome Nissan, many already sold on my Nissan lot. 😂
No rear Ac and Spare tire?? Sad
Needs a spare definitely
I would have no problem driving that on the highway. I have driven my Sentra up and down the highway.
Nice-looking vehicle but what about reliability
It should be ok
This car should have no problem cruising on the highway at 85 mph. Kirk must regularly go over 100 mph on the highway to feel the Kicks would be inadequate.
impressive size sunroof for the segment
I just traded in my 2020 for a 2025 on yesterday.
e-Power Nissan! You have a Home-run here, but it’s lacking the hybrid!
Why does it need a hybrid?
Needs the 1.5T from the Rogue. Shame that Nissan won't figure it out.
@10:30
Well twisted roads outside of town are the best roads imho anyway. 😃
I am missing the driver's power seat here
I just went to the Nissan website and they say the Kicks is DIRECT INJECTION and NOT naturally aspirated. That means carbon can build up and cost you a small fortune in years to come. The kicks is the third noisiest car on the road. So they have made it look pretty but they should have put in some sound deadening material. Also, you will find that the prices for each version is far TOO high. Nissan has a HUGE amount of inventory and they are still NOT giving you a break on pricing. Check it out for yourself.
Lol I feel like my 2008 Volkswagen Passat would have better sound deadening
@@S.L.S-407 It's direct injected but it's also naturally aspirated. The to have nothing to do with each other...
Direct injection means the fuel injectors spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber. Natural aspiration means the car has no forced induction (no turbo or supercharger) to force more air into the engine.
@@zkiller195 - You don't seem to be aware that a direct injection system can cause carbon build up over time and be tough on the engine. Can't seem to find whether this car has a timing belt or timing chain. If it's a belt , look out for possible money problems down the road. Lastly , if this car uses the Jatco transmission, then run away as fast as you can. It is one of the all time worst transmissions you can get and Nissan owns that company !
@@S.L.S-407 I'm very aware of the common carbon buildup issues in DI engines. Your comment said that the engine isn't naturally aspirated, which is incorrect. That's all I was saying, because reading your comment, it seems you don't know the difference between direct injection and forced induction...
@@zkiller195 - The real point I'm trying to make is that these reviewers generally mostly talk about the cotton candy aspect of the cars. I want to know whether this car or any car has a timing chain or a timing belt? Does it have direct injection or is it naturally aspirated? Is the transmission the dreadful Jatco transmission? Is it a boosted engine? Does it have the stop start feature? Most of these things can affect your bank account in a VERY BIG WAY in the coming years, whereas is the infotainment centre 9" or 12 " really more important to know?
Nice
29600 Price out the door 0 zero down payment 6.4 Interest Rate for the Kicks S, 31600 Sv, 34600 SR.
It’s nice but I bets it’s about $5000 more starting price
car rental companies would love this
Hyundai and Kia entered the chat
Can't drive it on the highway? Oh my. Never heard that before
If it's not cheaper then Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla it's not worth buying over the competition.
Now see, this just irks me. You do this big review, and then don't give the price for THAT trim model.
🔥🔥🔥
How about "Get Your Kicks on Route 66."
It’s easy to massively improve on the old Kicks. It was such a terrible car. With engine and transmission technology that’s hardly new and groundbreaking, it was hard to understand how it could be so bad and unreliable.
Still using a CVT? if so, stay away. Nothing but problems. Geared transmission is much much better. Personally I will never buy a Nissan that has a CVT. Terrible
CVT is no good. Stay away from it. If it leaks that's a new transmission and better keep up with oil 🛢 changes every 30k.
Nissan seems to have ran out of design ideas with their fascias.
still worse than Hyundai Kona imo
Why would they make a car that is not good on the highway! A lot of people have to drive on the highway that wanna buy something budget friendly. That’s ridiculous of Nissan to put a little bitty horsepower engine in a vehicle that size!🤪
The car has enough power to be driven in the highway. It’s not like you’re gonna drive at 100pmh. I like Kirk’s reviews overall, but the highway thing was a really bad take.
Nissan is in hospice care. Stay away.
HEY
still has the trash Nissan/JATCO CVT transmissions? pass
Those are fine now.
Your channel is not just a place to watch videos, it's a platform for learning and personal development. Keep up your important work!🧢🥿🍩