Best Nissan Kicks Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
The 10 best best nissan kicks model years (ranked) are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1. 2021-2024 Nissan Kicks
The 2021-2024 facelifted first generation ranks best because it combines standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the proven 1.6-liter/CVT drivetrain. The 2021 refresh made safety tech standard on every trim including the base S, a significant upgrade over earlier years. The available 8-inch touchscreen carried through 2024, and nothing under the hood changed, preserving three years of real-world durability data.
This range is for buyers wanting maximum safety and infotainment features without second-generation premiums or unknown long-term reliability. It trades away all-wheel drive, which remains unavailable on any first-generation Kicks. Compared to the 2025 redesign, a late facelift car offers the same efficiency profile and proven simplicity for substantially less money. The 2024 model year is the safest bet here, with some powertrain warranty possibly remaining, though the 2021-2023 years are nearly identical in substance.
2. 2025 Nissan Kicks
The 2025 second generation ranks second because it is the first Kicks sold in North America with available all-wheel drive, a clean-sheet redesign that finally addresses the model's biggest limitation. It moves to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making roughly 141 horsepower, still paired with a CVT, and grows meaningfully in cabin and cargo space.
This car is for those who absolutely need AWD or want the latest tech and a fresh design. It trades away the first generation's proven simplicity and mechanical track record, as the 2.0-liter and new platform have essentially no long-term reliability data. Compared to the 2021-2024 facelift, the 2025 costs near-new money and carries early-production risk. If AWD is not required, the 2021-2024 range delivers most of the practical usefulness for significantly less.
3. 2020 Nissan Kicks
The 2020 Kicks ranks third as the value pick because it is the first model year to make Safety Shield 360 standard on SV and SR trims, bundling automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. This is a meaningful jump in parking-lot and merge safety over 2018-2019 cars.
This model year is for budget-focused buyers who want the full safety suite without paying for the facelift's styling updates. It trades away the 2021+ standard AEB across all trims and the refreshed exterior. Compared to the 2021-2024 range, a 2020 SR is mechanically identical but older, with all factory warranty almost certainly expired. If the price gap to a 2021 is large, the 2020 delivers most of the substance for meaningfully less.
4. 2021 Nissan Kicks
The 2021 Kicks ranks fourth because it is the first year of the facelift, making automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard across every trim, including the base S. The refreshed front and rear fascias make it look more like a small SUV and less like an economy hatchback. The available 8-inch touchscreen debuted here, and the 1.6-liter/CVT drivetrain remained unchanged, benefiting from three years of accumulated reliability data.
This car is for buyers who want the safest and most feature-complete first-generation Kicks at the earliest possible price point in that range. It trades away the 2022-2024 years' additional depreciation and any remaining warranty coverage. Compared to the 2020 model, it adds standard AEB on the base trim but costs more. If the price gap to a 2020 is significant, the 2020's SV/SR standard Safety Shield 360 makes it the better value.
5. 2022 Nissan Kicks
The 2022 Kicks ranks fifth because it is a carryover year of the facelift, offering the same standard automatic emergency braking, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the proven 1.6-liter/CVT drivetrain as the 2021. Its position is defined by being one year newer than the 2021, which translates to slightly less depreciation and a bit more remaining powertrain warranty coverage. The 8-inch touchscreen remained available, and no mechanical or safety changes occurred.
This car is for buyers who want the facelift's features with a newer model-year badge and a little more warranty peace of mind than a 2021. It trades away nothing functionally compared to the 2021 or 2023, as all three are mechanically identical. Compared to the 2023, the price difference is usually small, making the newer car the better pick if the gap is tight.
6. 2023 Nissan Kicks
The 2023 Kicks ranks sixth because it is a late facelift year with the same standard safety and infotainment content as 2021-2022, but with more of its 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty potentially still active. The 1.6-liter engine, rated at 122 horsepower, and the CVT are unchanged and proven. The 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remains standard across the range. It is one of the newest first-generation cars available before the 2025 redesign.
This car is for buyers who want the best-generation features with the least amount of first-generation depreciation risk and some remaining factory coverage. It trades away the 2024's final-year status and the 2025's all-wheel drive. Compared to the 2022, the 2023 is nearly identical, so the choice comes down to price and warranty. If the price gap to a 2024 is minimal, the 2024 is the better buy; otherwise, the 2023 is a strong, sensible pick.
7. 2024 Nissan Kicks
The 2024 Kicks ranks seventh because it is the final year of the first generation and the last to offer the proven 1.6-liter/CVT drivetrain without the second generation's unknown reliability record. It carries the same standard automatic emergency braking, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available 8-inch touchscreen as the 2021-2023 models. As the newest facelift year, it offers the most remaining factory warranty coverage of any first-generation car.
This car is for buyers who want maximum first-generation peace of mind with the least amount of age, but who do not need all-wheel drive. It trades away the 2025's larger 2.0-liter engine, bigger displays, and more spacious cabin. Compared to the 2023, the 2024 is nearly identical, so the price difference must be small to justify it. If the premium over a 2023 is large, the 2023 offers the same substance for less money.
8. 2018 Nissan Kicks
The 2018 Kicks ranks eighth because it is the launch year, rated at 125 horsepower with the same 1.6-liter/CVT drivetrain that proved durable through 2024, but it lacks the standard Safety Shield 360 bundle that arrived in 2020. It came with a 7-inch touchscreen and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, but smartphone integration was not standard on the base S trim. As the first model year, it carries the most unknowns of any first-generation car.
This car is for buyers with a very tight budget who are willing to sacrifice blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and standard smartphone integration. It trades away the 2020's full safety suite and the 2021+ standard AEB on base trims. Compared to the 2019, the 2018 is nearly identical, so the 2019 is preferable if priced the same. If a 2020 or later is within reach, the safety jump makes it the better recommendation.
9. 2019 Nissan Kicks
The 2019 Kicks ranks ninth because it is the second year of the first generation, carrying the same 122-horsepower 1.6-liter/CVT drivetrain and 7-inch touchscreen as the 2018, but with one more year of production refinement. It still lacks the standard Safety Shield 360 bundle that made the 2020 a turning point, and smartphone integration remained non-standard on the base S. Mechanically, it is identical to the 2018, with no meaningful improvements.
This car is for buyers who find a 2018 too old but cannot justify a 2020 or later, though the price gap is usually minimal. It trades away blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection on all trims. Compared to the 2020, the 2019 is the same car underneath but with less safety content and no remaining warranty. Unless priced clearly lower than a 2020, the 2019 is hard to recommend.
10. 2025 Kicks S
The 2025 Kicks S ranks tenth because it is the base trim of the second generation, offering the new 2.0-liter engine and available all-wheel drive but stripping away the higher trims' premium content. It is the only Kicks with AWD, but the S trim keeps costs down with steel wheels and the smaller standard screen. This position reflects that the base trim trades away the dual 12.3-inch displays and wireless CarPlay that make the 2025 redesign notable.
This car is for buyers who need all-wheel drive and want the new design but cannot stretch to an SV or SR. It trades away the interior leap of the 2025 redesign, including the available 12.3-inch display pair and upgraded materials. Compared to the 2021-2024 range, it offers AWD and a stronger engine but carries early-production risk and a higher price.
How we ranked these
We ranked Nissan Kicks model years by weighting standard safety features, infotainment content, and drivetrain durability across the 2018–2025 generations. The 2020 model year's standard Safety Shield 360 and the 2021–2024 facelift's standard automatic emergency braking and smartphone integration were key differentiators. The 2025 redesign's all-wheel drive and larger displays were also considered.
We deliberately ignored subjective styling preferences, brand loyalty, and dealer incentives. We also excluded global-market variants like the Kicks Play, which North American buyers won't encounter. Resale value projections were omitted because they are region- and market-dependent. Our focus remained on verifiable, model-year-specific mechanical and safety content that directly affects ownership experience and long-term cost.
Related questions
Is the Nissan Kicks CVT actually a reliability risk?
It's the component most worth diligence, not a component to fear. The 1.6-liter application is relatively low-stress compared with CVTs paired to larger engines. Documented fluid service is the differentiator — well-maintained examples routinely pass 100,000 miles without incident.
Should I buy a 2024 or wait for used 2025 prices to fall?
A 2024 facelift is the better buy today unless you need all-wheel drive. Second-generation used inventory will be thin and expensive for at least another year or two, and early-production cars carry the most unknown risk.
Does the Kicks have enough cargo space to replace a small wagon?
For most buyers, yes. Cargo volume behind the rear seats is generous for the subcompact-crossover class, and the tall roofline helps with bulky items. It won't match a midsize crossover, but it consistently outperforms its exterior dimensions.
Which trim should a first-time buyer choose?
The SV, from 2020 or later. Standard Safety Shield 360, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and smartphone integration cover everything a daily driver needs, at a meaningfully lower price than the SR. The base S saves money you'll wish you'd spent.
How does the Kicks compare to the Honda HR-V in total ownership cost?
The Kicks typically wins on fuel economy and mechanical simplicity, with a single engine and CVT that are cheaper to maintain. The HR-V offers more power and available AWD but often costs more upfront and at the pump. Over five years, the Kicks' lower operating costs compound.
What is the difference between the 2020 and 2021 Kicks?
The 2021 refresh added a revised front and rear fascia, made automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection standard on all trims, and made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The 2020 still had standard Safety Shield 360 on SV and SR trims but with a 7-inch screen and non-universal smartphone integration.
Are there any known recalls on the Nissan Kicks?
Yes, the Kicks has had recalls over its production run. Always check the NHTSA database by VIN before buying. Common issues have included backup camera display problems and potential fuel system leaks. Confirm all open campaigns are closed, as repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.
FAQ
Which Nissan Kicks model years should I avoid?
No Kicks year is genuinely bad, but 2018 and 2019 are the weakest picks. They lack the standard Safety Shield 360 bundle that arrived for 2020 and use the older, smaller infotainment setup. They're mechanically the same car, so buy one only at a clearly lower price than a 2020 or later example.
Is the 2025 redesign worth the premium over a 2021–2024 facelift?
It depends entirely on all-wheel drive. If you need AWD, the 2025 is the only option in the lineup and the premium is unavoidable. If you don't, a late facelift car delivers most of the practical usefulness — same efficiency profile, proven drivetrain, standard AEB — for substantially less money.
How long does a Nissan Kicks typically last?
With scheduled maintenance and documented CVT fluid service, reaching 150,000 miles is a reasonable expectation. The naturally aspirated engine and the absence of turbo, all-wheel-drive, or hybrid hardware mean fewer expensive systems can fail. Deferred transmission service is the most common cause of a premature, costly repair.
Can I add all-wheel drive to a first-generation Kicks?
No. Every U.S. first-generation Kicks from 2018 through 2024 is front-wheel drive only, and there is no factory or practical aftermarket conversion. If you need AWD, your only options are the 2025 second generation or a different model entirely. Quality winter tires are the realistic alternative on a first-generation car.
What real-world fuel economy should I expect?
EPA ratings for the first generation sit around 31 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Real-world results commonly fall in the high 20s during heavy stop-and-go driving and the low-to-mid 30s on steady highway runs. The 2025's larger 2.0-liter engine returns slightly lower numbers, but still competitive for the class.
Is the Kicks a good car for a teenager?
Yes, especially a 2020 or later model with standard Safety Shield 360. The modest 122-horsepower engine discourages speeding, and the small footprint makes parking easy. The CVT is smooth and forgiving. Just ensure the car has been well-maintained and check the insurance rates, which are typically low for this class.
What is the difference between the SV and SR trims?
The SV adds alloy wheels, automatic climate control, satellite radio, and standard Safety Shield 360 from 2020. The SR adds 17-inch alloys, available Bose Personal Plus audio with headrest speakers, a two-tone roof, heated front seats, and upgraded interior trim. The SV is the rational buy; the SR is the one you'll keep longer.
How important is CVT fluid service on a used Kicks?
Critical. Nissan recommends fluid changes, and a car with documented service is far more likely to reach high mileage without transmission issues. If the seller has no receipts and the car is past 60,000 miles, either walk away or price in a fluid service and accept the added risk. This is the single most important diligence step.
Does the 2025 Kicks have more cargo space than the 2024?
Yes, the second-generation 2025 Kicks grows meaningfully in cabin and cargo space. The redesign also offers available dual 12.3-inch displays and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. If cargo capacity is a priority, the 2025 is a clear improvement, but you'll pay a premium for it.
Sources
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/NISSAN/KICKS
- https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/kicks
- https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/kicks/
- https://www.kbb.com/nissan/kicks/
- https://www.motortrend.com/cars/nissan/kicks/
- https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/kicks/
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=44136
- https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers/kicks.html
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