2018 Nissan Kicks Review

Name: 2018 Nissan Kicks Review
Brand: Nissan
Price: 11412 USD
Rating: 3.8 (49 reviews)

Price Estimate: $13,575 - $18,990

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Nissan Kicks model years

2018

Nissan Kicks for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Mark Takahashi

Pros

High fuel economy estimates
Larger-than-average cargo capacity
Inexpensive compared to rivals

Cons

Less power than rivals
All-wheel drive isn't available
Missing a few desirable features

What's new

The 2018 Nissan Kicks is an all-new vehicle.
Part of the first Kicks generation introduced for 2018.

Subcompact crossover SUVs are wildly popular at the moment, thanks to elevated ride heights, versatile interiors, accessible pricing and ease of maneuverability. The 2018 Nissan Kicks is the latest to join this class and should deliver on a number of fronts. Compared to much of the competition, the Kicks has a lower price, a larger cargo space and higher fuel economy.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

26 listings

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2018 Nissan Kicks
SV 4dr Hatchback
$11,602
fair price
$544 above market
- 105,932 miles
- 1 accident, 4 owners, personal use only
- 31 City / 36 Hwy MPG
- Mills Chevrolet (464 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Davenport, IA
Gun Metallic 2018 Nissan Kicks SV 4D Sport Utility 1.6L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16V CVT with Xtronic FWD
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
33 Combined MPG (31 City/36 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3N1CP5CU1JL546690
Stock: P11366A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-04-2025
2018 Nissan Kicks
SR 4dr Hatchback
$11,995
good price
$2,424 below market
- 111,549 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 31 City / 36 Hwy MPG
- Big City Motors / 12th Street Auto Mart (177 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Heated seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Sioux Falls, SD
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
33 Combined MPG (31 City/36 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3N1CP5CU6JL540495
Stock: 9648
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-29-2025

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Holding it back, however, is an engine that is weak even by subcompact crossover standards. Nor can you get all-wheel drive, which diminishes the appeal of the vehicle from a utility standpoint. Also, Nissan fitted it with rear drum brakes, which don't offer the more consistent and confident braking power of more modern disc brakes. Overall, though, the 2018 Nissan Kicks' bold design and price make it worth checking out.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

The subcompact crossover SUV class is growing in popularity, and the 2018 Nissan Kicks is one of the latest entrants. It features an attractive price and high fuel economy. You will have to sacrifice some performance, however, and a few desirable features aren't available.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2018 Nissan Kicks SR (1.6L inline-4 | CVT automatic | FWD).

Driving

The Kicks' power output trails the class average. Certainly, it's adequate for low-speed driving around town, but add in a full load of passengers, or a college kid with all her belongings in the back, and you're going to be wishing for a little more grunt.

Interior

The Nissan Kicks takes a no-nonsense design approach to the cabin. The SR Premium package adds some visual interest with its simulated leather upholstery and contrasting stitching. The driver's seat has six-way adjustability, and it's well-cushioned and easy to get in a comfortable position.

Utility

Based on the spec sheet, the Kicks has one of the biggest cargo capacities in its class. The rear seats are split 60/40 and can be folded down to provide additional room.

Technology

Every Nissan Kicks comes with a 7-inch touchscreen. When you move up to the SV or SR trim, you also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is standard, which is a nice touch.

Compare 2018 Nissan Kicks trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Nissan Kicks models

The 2018 Nissan Kicks is available in three trim levels: S, SV and SR. The S trim is very basic as are the upper trims compared to other subcompact crossovers. All models receive a 1.6-liter four-cylinder (125 horsepower, 115 pound-feet of torque) that is paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. All-wheel drive isn't available.

Standard equipment for the S trim includes 16-inch steel wheels, roof rails, automatic headlights, hill start assist, forward collision warning with automatic braking, cruise control, air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free integration, three USB ports, a rearview camera and a six-speaker audio system.

The SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, a driver information display, interior chrome accents, padded front door armrests, automatic climate control with rear heater ducts, a cargo cover, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and satellite radio.

The range-topping SR comes with LED headlights and foglights, heated mirrors, a rear roof spoiler, a surround-view parking camera system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and upgraded cloth upholstery.

The optional SR Premium package adds an eight-speaker Bose audio system, simulated leather upholstery and heated front seats. Both the SV and SR trims are eligible for a two-tone paint scheme.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

$118/mo

$164/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Nissan Kicks Owner Reviews

3.8

49 reviews

5(47%)

4(16%)

3(19%)

2(8%)

1(10%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Few bugs that the dealership won't address.

Chris, 03/31/2019

2018 Nissan Kicks SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

I really like my Kicks. Bought it brand new at around 50 miles and find it a steal at the price. It handles well and though the CVT is an adjustment, I really enjoy how it drives. As others have said, the climate control is picky. Either it blows really hot or really cold, no matter what temp you set it to. Dealership insists that its performing as designed. The …

“A new part for a new car?”

Robynne , 04/20/2019

2018 Nissan Kicks SV 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

As of this review I have had my 2018 Nissan Kicks for 3 weeks which was purchased at Nissan Auto Centers in Wood River, IL. After having it for 1 week, the entire panel blacked out. I had no sound, no radio, no clock, nothing. I thought this was odd and maybe because the weather had turned cold overnight. After the car was on for about ten minutes the radio came back on. It …

Huge Mistake

sw89, 10/06/2019

2018 Nissan Kicks SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

I purchased my 2018 Kicks SR With 20 miles on it, Initially the car was ok for getting to and from work with decent gas mileage, until it got to about 2000 miles on it. Then the problems started: 1. I had the interior lighting package installed on the vehicle, and to put it frankly it sucks you can not tell the lights are even on even in the dark of night so aprox $500 down the drain, …

Read this before you buy...

SJ Lambright, 03/24/2019

2018 Nissan Kicks SR 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

I've owned my 2018 Kicks for three months and have put 7,000 miles on it. I have to be fair, so as a little upfront "disclaimer," I bought the Kicks after owning a 2013 Altima SL for 4 years, which I bought used and LOVED. However, after putting 100,000 miles on it quicker than I thought I would, I needed to trade it in with negative equity (there were other issues with the car that I … couldn't afford to fix). So, it's important to understand I was a little spoiled before buying the Kicks. First, the Pros... The car seems to get decent gas mileage. By that, I mean that the electronic gauges indicate I get an everage of 32.5 mpg. Keep in mind that I put a minimum of 70 miles per day 5 days a week on this car, with 60 of those miles being low traffic highways in 55 to 70 mph speed zones. I love the parking assist cameras. These show an aerial view of the spot I'm pulling in or out of. After 30 years of driving, I'm still not the best at parking a vehicle, so this is a big plus for me. I also love the blind spot sensors. These alert both while driving and while pulling out of a parking space. Living in east Texas where tons of people drive oversized pick up trucks, with a car this small, that's a BIG plus when getting out of parking spaces! I like having two USB ports for charging that the back passengers can use. My teenagers find this the most important feature of the car lol. The backseat and cargo area are surprisingly roomy for the compact size of the vehicle. I love having a removable hard shell privacy cover for the cargo area as well. Finally, I like the way my Kicks looks on the outside. I get questions and compliments on it. It's a cute little car! Now the Cons... My main complaint is the size of the gas tank. It's like between 10 and 11 gallons. I literally have to get gas like every other day. Two and a half days, tops. I guess I don't understand why they'd build a car with great gas mileage, knowing consumers with long commutes would buy it, and give it a gas tank that tiny. The seats are like sitting on concrete. No exaggeration. It takes me 40 minutes to get to work, and yes, I'm a curvy girl, but my behind shouldn't start hurting the way it does after driving this car for only a short distance. There is one arm rest, for the driver of course... one. It's about 2 inches wide, covered with scratchy material, and not padded well at all. So, it's lose-lose whether you're the driver (uncomfy rest) or the passenger (no rest at all). For some reason, the designers thought it a good idea to use some cheap silver-coated pieces in the "high traffic" area of the arm rest/handle on the inside of the doors. Within a week, this looked scratched up and old. Not thought out well at all. The cameras, while I love the parking and blind spot assists, have to be cleaned a wiped down EVERY SINGLE DAY. Even after that, the rear one still looks blurry. Not once since I drove it off the lot has it looked like it did when I did the test drive. Now for the issues I hope to get fixed when I get the chance to take it back to Nissan for work... The technology has bugs. When I try to use my ipod (yes, I know, old school), the songs randomly skip, like literally similar to a scratched 45 record (also old school, I know). I had to switch my music to a USB flash drive, which works, but I lost a lot of options that come with ipod (for on-screen menus, etc.). The flash drive works, but I wish I could use my ipod. The display screen in the car (used for everything, of course... radio, ipod, satellite, parking cameras, etc.) doesn't work sometimes. By that, I'd say an average 3 times a week it freezes up or blanks out. I've had to pull over, turn the car off, and restart to get it working again. There's also the A/C - heater issues. The temperature doesn't adjust according to what the read out indicates. It literally blows either really hot, or cold. I can't feel the in-between temperatures or get comfortable a lot of the time. To be fair, I will update the last few paragraphs after my visit to the Nissan service shop.

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2018 Nissan Kicks video

2018 Nissan Kicks First Drive

Edmunds special correspondent Elana Scherr takes the 2018 Nissan Kicks on a first drive around San Diego. How does the Kicks fare in the highly competitive subcompact crossover SUV segment? Watch to find out.

2018 Kicks Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$18,290
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	33 MPG
Cost to Drive	$118/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Kicks models:

Forward Collision Warning: Warns if a front collision is imminent with audible and visual alerts.
Automatic Emergency Braking: Applies the brakes at full force if the forward collision warning is triggered and the driver does not respond in time.
Blind Spot Warning: Alerts the driver if a vehicle is lurking in a blind spot.

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2018 Nissan Kicks Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros