Despite the fact that its predecessor, Nissan Juke, was arguably a better crossover, the Kicks has much more potentials to be successful in terms of sales numbers. It’s not as fast or stylish but offers something that drivers of such vehicles need more, functionality and efficiency. This model offers an impressive fuel economy and a spacious cargo area. Also, the price is quite affordable. The Kicks is a relatively fresh fish on the market. Although it debuted in North America last year, it is a couple of years older, as it was initially launched for the Brazilian market. It turned out that this is a pretty amazing crossover and that it has much more potentials, which goes way beyond South America. Anyway, we don’t expect to see bigger changes for the next year. The 2020 Nissan Kicks should continue with a familiar design, with pretty much same features.
2020 Nissan Kicks Redesign
As we already mentioned, the 2020 Nissan Kicks won’t feature any notable change. We are about to see a familiar design, which has been introduced a couple of years ago. This is a typical subcompact crossover, both in terms of size and functionality. It rides on the company’s familiar B platform, which isn’t the latest technology achievement from Nissan, but still ensures pretty decent ride quality and overall performances. When it comes to the styling, this crossover looks quite attractive.
However, it doesn’t follow the latest design language of the brand. The grille is a little bit smaller, while headlights feel too big for a vehicle of this size. In any case, we presume that the soon mid-cycle update would bring changes that would bring this model closer to the company’s latest iteration of the famous V-Motion grille. However, that won’t happen so soon. The best we could see from the 2020 Nissan Kicks is a couple of new color options.
Interior
The interior design won’t feature any notable change either. We are about to see a familiar cabin design, which looks quite attractive but, more importantly, also delivers an impressive dose of functionality. One of the best things about this crossover is a pretty large cargo area. You can count on about 25.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 53.1 cubic feet with them folded down, which are pretty good numbers for the class. Practically, just a couple of rivals, such as Honda HR-V and Kia Soul offer more space in the trunk. Also, both rows offer ample legroom and great seat support that excellent comfort on longer journeys.
When it comes to the overall interior quality, things are pretty typical for the segment. The cabin looks attractive, though there is a fine number of areas that feature hard plastics and other low-rent materials. Cloth upholstery is standard, but higher trims also offer synthetic leather, as well as things like sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heating seats and other conveniences.
Features
When it comes to the standard equipment, we don’t expect bigger changes. Things should remain essentially the same as on the current model comes standard with things like 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, three USB ports, Siri Eyes Free, 6-speaker audio system etc. In higher trims, you can also get tech upgrades like Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite radio, as well as premium Bose audio system.
In terms of safety, the current model already stands pretty good. It comes standard with things like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Also, you can get upgrades such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera etc.
2020 Nissan Kicks Engine
Once again, don’t expect bigger changes. The 2020 Nissan Kicks will carry on with a familiar 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers around 122 horsepower. It comes in pair with a CVT gearbox, which is smooth and surprisingly quiet. Still, those who are looking for great driving dynamics will probably be disappointed with the fact that this crossover doesn’t deliver pretty good acceleration. It seems okay for an everyday ride but definitely struggles on the highway. On the other side, the fuel economy is pretty amazing. This small crossover returns around 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. These are some of the best ratings in the class.
We hope that the Japanese manufacturer will offer some more potent powertrain option in the future.
2020 Nissan Kicks Release Date and Price
Considering that there are no bigger changes to come for the next year, we presume it will come sometime late in the year. When it comes to the price, we don’t expect changes either.
Currently, the base model goes around 18.500 dollars. A mid-range version with a little bit longer list of standard equipment would cost you a couple of thousands more. Range-topping models go around 22.000 dollars.
The competition in the segment is pretty tough. Some of the key players on the market are models like Kia Soul, Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona. There are also models like Mazda CX-3, Subaru Crosstrek and Jeep Renegade.
