New Nissan Kicks Delivers Real Upgrades at a Sharp Starting Price

Overview of the 2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks builds on its 2025 redesign. It adds technology, cold-weather features, and cargo improvements. It keeps pricing below competitors. Buyers now get a larger infotainment screen, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and class-leading cargo and ground clearance. The result is a subcompact crossover that gives more utility without a high entry cost.

Price Breakdown

The base 2026 Nissan Kicks S FWD starts at $22,430 USD. Nissan offers six trims:

Destination and handling add $1,495. The AWD option costs about $1,500 extra across trims. Compared to rivals, the Kicks remains the lowest-priced AWD option in its segment.

Size and Power Gains

The Kicks still benefits from the 2025 redesign dimensions:

• 71 mm longer
• 41 mm wider
• 20 mm taller
• 50 mm longer wheelbase

It also holds a best-in-class ground clearance, giving more confidence in poor conditions.

Under the hood:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 141 hp
• Xtronic CVT transmission
• Optional AWD, a first for U.S. Kicks buyers

Fuel economy numbers are now official:

• FWD: 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, 31 mpg combined
• AWD: 27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 30 mpg combined

The engine offers more power than the old 1.6. Efficiency stays competitive, even with AWD.

Technology and Infotainment

For 2026, the Kicks expands its tech list:

• Standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Dual USB-C ports in the front row
• Available SiriusXM with 360L for streaming and satellite audio
• Optional Bose Personal Plus with headrest speakers
• Wireless charging available on higher trims

The S grade now includes a 12.3-inch display. That matches or exceeds rivals’ standard screen sizes.

Cold Weather Package

New for 2026, Nissan offers a Cold Weather Package on SV and SR trims. It includes:

• Heated front seats
• Heated mirrors
• Rear floor heater ducts

This option directly targets buyers in northern climates. It bundles practical upgrades at a likely lower cost than adding each feature separately.

Cargo and Everyday Utility

The 2026 Kicks improves versatility with more space:

• Best-in-class rear cargo capacity: up to 30 cu. ft. with seats up
• Up to 60 cu. ft. with seats folded
• Cupholders designed for 30-oz coffee tumblers
• Door pockets that fit 32-oz insulated bottles

Nissan emphasizes everyday convenience. These details matter to buyers who use the Kicks as a family hauler or commuter vehicle.

Safety and Driver Aids

All trims include Nissan Safety Shield 360 with:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Blind spot warning
• Lane departure warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Additional driver aids:

• Intelligent Cruise Control standard on S and SV
• ProPILOT Assist standard on SR, offering lane centering support

The 2025 Kicks earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Nissan expects similar performance for the 2026 model.

Competitor Benchmarks: Where the 2026 Nissan Kicks Stands

The subcompact crossover field is crowded. Here’s how the Kicks compares with top rivals:

Price and Value

The Kicks undercuts rivals by $2,000–$3,000 at entry. It’s the cheapest way into AWD in this class.