2020 Nissan Kicks

2020 Nissan Kicks Highlights

The 2020 Nissan Kicks is a practical, fuel-efficient, and personality-filled subcompact crossover. The major changes for the 2020 model year are safety-related, with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 coming standard on all trims.

Key Details

• Subcompact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row seating for five passengers
• Standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine across all trims
• Standard continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Front-wheel drive (FWD) only
• Nissan Safety Shield 360 is now standard on all trims
• Improved safety features across the lineup

Benefits

• Comprehensive standard safety features with Nissan Safety Shield 360
• Excellent fuel economy for its class
• Spacious interior with ample cargo capacity for its size
• User-friendly technology with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Comfortable ride quality suitable for urban environments
• Attractive starting price point in the subcompact SUV segment
• Modern styling with available two-tone color options

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2020 Nissan Kicks Overview

Performance

A single-engine across all trims powers the 2020 Nissan Kicks:

1.6-liter four-cylinder engine:

• 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque
• Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Front-wheel drive only

While not the most powerful in its class, this engine provides adequate performance for urban driving and daily commutes. The CVT is tuned to optimize fuel efficiency and supply smooth power delivery.

The 2020 Nissan Kicks gas tank size is 10.8 gallons, allowing the Kicks to travel up to 388.8 miles on a single fillup.

Key performance characteristics include:

• 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 9.7 seconds
• Top speed limited to 110 mph
• Engine braking feature for improved control on descents

The Kicks is designed primarily for city driving and suburban environments, where its compact dimensions and nimble handling shine. Its modest weight (around 2,700 lbs) contributes to its efficiency and maneuverability.

While the Kicks doesn't offer all-wheel drive, its front-wheel-drive setup suits most driving conditions and helps keep the vehicle's bulk and cost down.

The suspension is tuned for comfort, focusing on absorbing urban road imperfections rather than sporty handling. This setup contributes to the Kicks' pleasant ride quality in its intended environment.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2020 Kicks a four-star (out of five) overall safety rating.

For 2020, Nissan has significantly enhanced the standard safety features across all Kicks trims. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite is standard on all models and includes:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Rear automatic braking
• Lane departure warning
• Blind spot warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• High beam assist
• Rearview camera

Additional safety features include:

• Ten airbags, including driver and front passenger knee airbags
• Traction control system
• Vehicle dynamic control
• Tire pressure monitoring system with easy-fill tire alert
• Intelligent driver alertness
• Rear door alert (standard on SV and SR)
• Intelligent around-view monitor

Driving

The 2020 Nissan Kicks is at home in urban environments. It’s compact yet roomy, has a tight turning circle (34.1 feet) perfect for city streets and parking spaces, comes standard with an incredible suite of safety features, and gets excellent fuel mileage.

Ride quality is a strong point for the Kicks. The suspension is tuned to effectively absorb urban road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride well-suited for daily driving. While not sport-tuned, the suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and handling.

Although the Kicks isn’t designed for off-road use, it handles well on paved roads, with minimal body roll in corners despite its tall stance. The lack of all-wheel drive may limit its capabilities in harsh weather conditions, but for most urban and suburban driving scenarios, the front-wheel-drive setup is more than adequate.

Interior

The Nissan Kicks 2020 interior is the same as the 2019 interior. It combines practicality with modern design elements, and its relative spaciousness defies its compact exterior dimensions.

Key interior features include:

• Cloth upholstery standard, with Prima-Tex leatherette available on SR trim
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Available heated front seats
• Flat-bottom steering wheel (leather-wrapped on SR trim)
• Available Bose Personal Plus audio system with headrest speakers

The front seats offer comfort and support for daily drives, with ample head and legroom. The rear seats provide comfortable accommodations for adult passengers, though legroom may be tight for taller individuals on longer trips.

Cargo space is impressive for a subcompact SUV:

• 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• 53.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded

The Kicks' tall roof and wide-opening rear hatch make loading and unloading cargo easy.

Material quality is good for the price point. The SR trim adds some premium touches, including contrast stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Technology

The 2020 Nissan Kicks has competitive tech offerings for its price point and segment.

Key technology features include:

• Standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Available NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system and streaming audio
• Available Bose Personal Plus audio system with headrest speakers
• USB ports (type A and C)
• Available 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display in the instrument cluster

The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen and intuitive menu structure. Physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions enhance ease of use while driving.

Higher trims offer additional tech features:

• Proximity keyless entry with push-button start
• Remote engine start

Fuel Economy

The 2020 Nissan Kicks offers impressive fuel economy ratings, standing out as one of the most efficient vehicles in its class. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Kicks achieves the following fuel economy estimates:

1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with CVT:

• FWD (mpg): 31 city / 36 highway / 33 combined

2020 Nissan Kicks Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book gave the 2020 Nissan Kicks an overall rating of 4.3 out of five. Owners praise the Kicks' reliability, styling, and value.

Reasons to Buy It

• Despite the compact exterior, the interior is quite roomy
• Distinctive styling
• Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Up to 36 mpg on the highway
• Nissan Safety Shield 360 is a standard
• Comfortable and smooth suspension tuning

Problems

• The engine may feel underpowered for some drivers, especially on highways
• No all-wheel drive option available
• Interior materials may feel less premium compared to some competitors
• Limited rear-seat legroom for taller passengers
• Wind noise can be noticeable at higher speeds
• CVT transmission may not appeal to all drivers

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CoPilot's Take

City drivers looking for the perfect appliance for ferrying family and cargo alike should consider the 2020 Nissan Kicks. It’s practical, efficient, and has advanced safety features that would be impressive on cars twice as expensive.

The Kicks shines in urban environments, where its compact dimensions, nimble handling, and efficient powertrain make it well-suited for city driving and tight parking situations. Its unique, eye-catching styling is just a bonus.

However, the Kicks isn't without its concessions. The modest engine output may feel inadequate for some drivers, particularly during highway passing and merging maneuvers. The lack of an all-wheel-drive option might limit its appeal in regions with harsh winters.

Interior quality, while generally good for the price point, may not match the premium feel of some competitors. Additionally, taller passengers might find the rear-seat legroom limiting on longer trips.

2020 Nissan Kicks FAQs

Is the Nissan Kicks 2020 worth buying?

The 2020 Nissan Kicks is generally considered a good buy for those seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient subcompact SUV. Its strengths include excellent fuel economy, a spacious interior for its size, and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. The Kicks is particularly well-suited for urban driving and offers good value for money in its segment.

Are there any problems with the 2020 Nissan Kicks?

Despite its reputation for reliability, there are a few 2020 Nissan Kicks problems reported by owners, such as:

• Underpowered engine, especially for highway driving or when fully loaded
• CVT transmission can be noisy under hard acceleration
• Wind noise at higher speeds
• Some complaints about the quality of interior materials
• Limited rear-seat legroom for taller passengers
• Occasional infotainment system glitches

How long will the 2020 Nissan Kicks last?

A 2020 Nissan Kicks can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper care. However, driving habits, maintenance, and other factors also impact longevity.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Nissan Kicks?

There are currently no recalls for the 2020 Nissan Kicks.

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