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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 28 / 35 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,200 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 287 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $23,072–$26,731 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.3/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.0/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 5.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $23,072–$26,731, 31 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Kicks sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Its value score of 8.3/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Verdict: The 2026 Nissan Kicks sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Nissan Kicks ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $23,072 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 36%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Kicks model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $23,072 | |
| 2025 | 7.3/10 | $23,072 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.3/10 | $22,400 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.2/10 | $21,728 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $21,056 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.1/10 | $20,384 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.1/10 | $19,712 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $19,040 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.9/10 | $18,368 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Latches/locks/linkages / Doors / Latch 21/01/2026 · 26V023000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to… |
|---|---|
| Seats 13/03/2026 · 26V145000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 Kicks and Sentra vehicles. The hook bracket of the front seat frames may be insufficiently welded, which can cause the front seat frames to become loose. As such, these vehicles fail to comply… |
| Electrical system / instrument cluster/panel 21/05/2026 · 26V331000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Kicks vehicles. A software error in the combination meter may cause the screen display to go partially or fully blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.