• 0-liter Direct Injection four-cylinder producing 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Xtronic CVT® (continuously variable transmission)
• GT-R®-derived engine coating reduces internal friction so the engine sips fuel instead of gulping it
• Front-wheel drive standard on all four trims (S, SV, SR, and Rock Creek)
• Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with Snow mode that adjusts torque distribution and throttle response for icy mornings along Sconticut Neck Road or a slushy commute up I-195
• EPA-estimated 28 city / 35 highway MPG on FWD models, 27 / 34 / 30 on AWD*
• 8-gallon tank (12.4 with AWD) covers your weekly loop between New Bedford, Fairhaven, and North Dartmouth several times over before you need a fill-up

Consumers regularly note how composed the Nissan Kicks feels at highway speed for its size. Car and Driver gave this SUV an 8.5 out of 10, calling it "stylish and youthful" and highlighting its relaxed road manners as a strong match for daily driving.**

More than you expect from a 171.9-inch-long crossover. With the rear seats up, FWD models offer up to 30 cubic feet of cargo space, best in class for the segment. Fold the 60/40-split rear seats, and that number jumps to 60 cubic feet with a maximum cargo length of 55.7 inches, enough for a pair of kayak paddles, beach chairs, and a cooler headed to Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven.

Up front, 42.7 inches of legroom gives the driver real room to stretch, and Zero Gravity front seats (inspired by NASA research on neutral body posture) reduce fatigue on longer drives. The rear seat fits three across on paper, but two adults and a child seat is the comfortable reality for most families.

The cabin runs a 12.3-inch touchscreen with NissanConnect® Services, wireless Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ on the SV, SR, and Rock Creek trims. The base S gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen as well but uses a wired connection. All trims include USB-C charging, and the SR adds a wireless charging pad and an available 10-speaker Bose Personal® Plus audio system with UltraNearfield™ headrest speakers that deliver concert-level sound without blasting the whole cabin.

AWD models do trade some cargo space (23.9 cubic feet seats up, 50.1 seats down) for the drivetrain hardware underneath. If cargo volume matters more than all-wheel traction, the SV FWD is the sweet spot: automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, remote start, and the full touchscreen experience at a lower price point.

The Rock Creek is new for 2027 and joins the Nissan Kicks lineup as the adventure-ready trim. It comes standard with Intelligent AWD, an exclusive Off-Road driving mode that adjusts traction and throttle for loose surfaces, and Hill Descent Control that manages your speed on a steep grade so you can focus on steering down a gravel boat ramp at Apponagansett Park.

Visually, it stands apart with gloss-black exterior accents, amber daytime running lights, a black tubular roof rack built for cargo boxes or crossbars, and 17-inch machined alloy wheels. Inside, Rock Creek-branded leatherette seats with ballistic-nylon-inspired inserts and contrast stitching give the cabin a rugged feel without sacrificing comfort.

Owners who test-drove the outgoing Nissan Kicks and wished it had a bit more attitude on dirt roads and beach parking lots will find the Rock Creek answers that specific request. It is not a trail truck, but it handles unpaved access roads, muddy boat launches, and snowy side streets with noticeably more confidence than a standard FWD crossover.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 comes standard on this SUV, which means automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and intelligent driver alertness are included from the base S up. You do not have to step up a trim to get the core safety suite.

The SR adds ProPILOT Assist, a hands-on driver-assist system that combines intelligent cruise control with steering assist to help you stay centered in your lane, manage stop-and-go traffic on Route 24, and hold the vehicle at a full stop until traffic moves again. It also adds Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention®, rear automatic braking, traffic sign recognition, and intersection assist.

For families, the Nissan Kicks includes a Rear Door Alert system that reminds you to check the back seat after you park, a simple feature that adds genuine peace of mind during school drop-off season.