California Dreamin' in the Nissan Kicks SR CVT.
The new Nissan Kicks SR CVT is the latest in subcompact crossover SUVs from the maker of sports cars, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks and more. The Kicks is none of the above, but it’s really worth a look. It’s perfect for those interested in a vehicle that can haul plenty of cargo in an upright-riding vehicle. Read along as Napleton News takes a look.
A sipper of go-go juice, the new Nissan Kicks SR CVT is the latest in a lineup that was introduced in 2018. Although it’s not the best conveyance for off-roading because Nissan doesn’t offer all-wheel drive, it does manage to do almost everything well. It’s perfect for the city dweller and those who wouldn’t think of playing in the mud.
The new Nissan Kicks SR CVT is a high-roofed compact crossover with seating for five. It is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 cylinder engine that develops 122 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 114 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. That power is sent to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) designed to be easy on the wallet and with fuel consumption.
This subcompact is available in various trim levels ranging from the base Kicks S followed by the mid-range Kicks SV. The top-end tags in with the Kicks SR, which has traditionally been Nissan’s designation for a sporty trim level. As we mentioned, AWD is unavailable on the Nissan Kicks, so if it is part of your must-have list, you would be wise to look at some of its competitors.
Not awkward like the old Nissan Juke, the new Kicks offers a visage more in line with the new looks found in the rest of its family. These include a modified V-motion grille, a floating-style roofline and more. Its smart looks help set it apart from others in the same segment. The two-tone paint helps to set it off and give it a premium look at the same time.
Our SR test model included the premium paint package and a rear roof spoiler with 17-inch black alloy wheels.
The interior of the Kicks SR included many desirable features that you would expect to find on vehicles costing much more. Our tester included the Nissan Kicks Premium Package. This included features like a Bose Personal Plus Audio System with eight speakers and a driver’s headrest speaker set. It’s like wearing headphones without the, uh, headphones.
Other package components include Prima-Tex covered seats, a heated steering wheel and Nissan Connect services powered by SiriusXM. The Kicks Premium Package also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows drivers and passengers to remain connected.
Driving the Nissan Kicks finds us behind the wheels of a competent, well-sorted, max headroomed crossover vehicle. Around town, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is sufficient to pull you where you want to go. Just don’t expect to be the King of the Stoplight Drag Racers. Instead, you get 122 ponies of fuel-sipping power that will propel nicely unless carrying a hefty load.
At that point, the engine will work under protest, squawking until able to achieve cruising speed. The CVT offers an unsatisfying grunt absent any of the gear changes that at least give you the impression that the engine and gearing are doing some motivating under the hood. In other words, the CVT has overstayed its welcome, at least in the case of the Nissan Kicks. As an aside, we are happy to see the transmission being phased out of other Nissan vehicles.
That’s not to say it’s a bad vehicle. The Nissan Kicks is very good, in fact, and needs a proper transmission. At that point, it’s the brand’s perfect city car and one that fits everywhere you would like it to.
| 2022 Nissan Kicks SR CVT | ||
| Engine Type | 1.6-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 | |
| Horsepower | 122 hp @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Transmission | CVT w/ OD | |
| Fuel Economy | 33 mpg (31 city/36 hwy) | |
| Suspension | McPherson Strut/Torsion Bar | |
| Turning Circle | 34.1 ft. | |
| Also Available | S, SV trim levels | |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 4-star | |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Wheelbase | 103.1 inches | |
| Overall Length | 169.1 inches | |
| Width | 69.3 inches | |
| Height | 63.4 inches | |
| Cargo Room (Behind 2nd and 1st row) | 25.3/32.3 Cubic Feet | |
| Headroom, Front | 40.4 inches | |
| Headroom, 2nd | 38.5 inches | |
| Legroom, Front | 43.7 inches | |
| Legroom, 2nd | 33.5 inches | |
| Shoulder, Front | 53.0 inches | |
| Shoulder, 2nd | 53.2 inches |
This post was published on June 13, 2022
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