2022 Nissan Kicks: Road Test & Review

Hey there, gearheads and car enthusiasts! Are you guys curious about the 2022 Nissan Kicks? Well, buckle up because we're diving deep into a comprehensive road test and review of this zippy subcompact SUV. We'll explore everything from its performance and fuel economy to its interior features and tech, helping you decide if the Kicks is the right ride for you. Let's get started!

Unveiling the 2022 Nissan Kicks: What's New?

So, what's the buzz around the 2022 Nissan Kicks? This year, Nissan made some strategic enhancements to keep this subcompact SUV competitive in a crowded market. The Kicks is known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and surprisingly spacious interior. For the 2022 model year, Nissan focused on refining these key attributes, making the Kicks an even more appealing option for budget-conscious buyers and urban dwellers. The most significant changes include a refreshed exterior design, improved safety features, and updated technology. While the engine remains the same, Nissan has optimized the overall driving experience with subtle tweaks to the suspension and steering. The goal? To make the Kicks even more fun to drive while maintaining its reputation for practicality and value. They also added some new color options and trim levels, giving buyers more choices to personalize their Kicks. The 2022 Kicks is all about offering a stylish and efficient package without breaking the bank. It's designed to be a great city car, perfect for navigating tight streets and fitting into those tricky parking spots. The Kicks continues to be a favorite among young professionals and anyone who appreciates a practical and stylish vehicle. The new exterior design gives it a more modern and aggressive look, while the interior upgrades make it feel more premium than its price tag suggests. With a focus on safety, the Kicks now comes standard with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These features are usually found in more expensive cars. If you are seeking a car that’s easy to maneuver and great on gas, this is the one.

Performance and Driving Experience: How Does the Kicks Handle?

Let's talk about the driving experience. Under the hood of the 2022 Nissan Kicks is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 122 horsepower. Now, some of you might be thinking, "Is that enough power?" Well, it depends on your expectations. The Kicks isn't built for blistering acceleration; instead, it prioritizes fuel efficiency and nimble handling. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps maximize fuel economy. During our road test, we found the Kicks to be surprisingly peppy in city driving. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver through traffic, and the steering is light and responsive. On the highway, the Kicks can feel a bit underpowered when accelerating for passing, but it cruises comfortably at legal speeds. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well. The Kicks isn't designed for off-roading; it is front-wheel drive. The Kicks is a great choice for city dwellers and anyone who wants a fuel-efficient and easy-to-drive vehicle. Its compact size makes it perfect for navigating tight city streets, and its excellent fuel economy will save you money at the pump. The Kicks is designed to be a practical and enjoyable daily driver, emphasizing efficiency and ease of use. The Kicks is a solid choice if you're looking for a comfortable and efficient vehicle. If you are looking for a vehicle with lots of power, then this might not be the vehicle for you. But, if you are looking for something easy to use and fuel efficient, then go for it.

Fuel Efficiency and Economy: Saving Money at the Pump

One of the biggest selling points of the 2022 Nissan Kicks is its excellent fuel economy. With a combined fuel economy rating of around 33 mpg, the Kicks is among the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. During our real-world testing, we found these numbers to be quite accurate. In city driving, we consistently achieved over 30 mpg, and on the highway, we easily surpassed 35 mpg. This exceptional fuel efficiency makes the Kicks an attractive option for those who want to save money on gas. Over time, the savings can really add up, especially if you do a lot of driving. The Kicks' fuel efficiency is a significant advantage in today's market, where gas prices can fluctuate wildly. Compared to other SUVs in its class, the Kicks stands out as a leader in fuel economy. This is a huge benefit for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money. The Kicks' fuel efficiency helps make it an economical choice for both everyday commutes and longer road trips. The combination of a fuel-efficient engine and a lightweight design contributes to the Kicks' impressive fuel economy. This makes the Kicks a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. Its fuel efficiency ensures that you can spend more time on the road and less time at the gas station. It is a win-win situation if you ask me.

Interior and Comfort: Space and Features Inside

Stepping inside the 2022 Nissan Kicks, you'll find a surprisingly spacious and well-designed interior. While it's a subcompact SUV, the Kicks makes clever use of space, providing ample headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable, even on longer drives, and the materials used throughout the cabin feel of decent quality for the price point. The dashboard design is clean and modern, with user-friendly controls. The infotainment system is easy to navigate, with a touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This feature allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Kicks also offers a decent amount of cargo space for its size. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more storage capacity, making it versatile for carrying groceries, luggage, or other items. Features like automatic climate control, push-button start, and a premium sound system are available on higher trim levels, adding to the overall comfort and convenience. The interior design of the Kicks is all about maximizing space and providing a comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers. The interior is surprisingly roomy, especially in the front seats, and the rear seats offer enough space for adults. The Kicks is also equipped with a range of modern features to keep you connected and entertained on the go. Overall, the interior of the Kicks is a pleasant surprise. Its ability to maximize space, coupled with its modern features, makes it a comfortable and practical choice for everyday use.

Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected on the Road

The 2022 Nissan Kicks comes equipped with a range of technology and infotainment features designed to keep you connected and entertained on the road. The centerpiece of the system is the touchscreen display, which varies in size depending on the trim level. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to easily integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. This is a must-have feature for many drivers, as it simplifies the process of staying connected while driving. The Kicks also offers a variety of other tech features, such as a premium sound system, a digital instrument cluster, and USB ports for charging your devices. Nissan has also included its suite of safety features, which we'll discuss in the next section. The infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and control the various features. The system's responsiveness and overall ease of use enhance the driving experience. The integration of smartphone connectivity is one of the most important aspects. It allows for seamless integration of your smartphone with your car's infotainment system. The Kicks' technology features enhance the overall driving experience. The technology in the Kicks is designed to enhance safety and convenience while driving.

Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Systems: Keeping You Safe

Safety is a top priority in the 2022 Nissan Kicks, and Nissan has equipped it with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and rear automatic braking. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the road and surroundings. The automatic emergency braking system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact. The lane departure warning system alerts the driver if they start to drift out of their lane. Some trim levels offer additional features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help to monitor your blind spots and alert you to the presence of vehicles or objects behind you when backing up. The Kicks has received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. The Kicks has been designed to meet and exceed current safety standards, making it a safe choice for families and individuals alike. The Kicks' comprehensive safety features and driver-assistance systems help to give you peace of mind on the road. The Kicks provides drivers with confidence and security.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Finding the Right Kicks for You

The 2022 Nissan Kicks is available in several trim levels, each offering a different combination of features and options. The base S trim is the most affordable, offering essential features such as a touchscreen display, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. The SV trim adds additional features like alloy wheels, a larger touchscreen, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The top-of-the-line SR trim includes features like LED headlights, a sportier exterior design, and a premium sound system. Pricing varies depending on the trim level and any optional packages. The Kicks is generally considered to be competitively priced within its class, offering excellent value for money. Nissan also offers various packages that allow you to customize your Kicks to your specific needs and preferences. The trim levels are designed to cater to a wide range of budgets and needs, from the budget-conscious buyer to those seeking more premium features. You can customize the Kicks to meet your specific needs and wants. The pricing and trim levels make the Kicks an attractive option for a wide range of buyers.

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Nissan Kicks

Alright, let's break down the good and the not-so-good about the 2022 Nissan Kicks. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:

Pros:

• Fuel Efficiency: The Kicks is a gas sipper, saving you money at the pump. This is a significant advantage in today's economy.
• Affordable: It's one of the most affordable SUVs in its class, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers.
• Compact Size: Easy to maneuver and park in tight city spaces. Perfect for urban living.
• Spacious Interior: Surprisingly roomy for a subcompact SUV, with ample headroom and legroom.
• Standard Safety Features: Comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems.

Cons:

• Underpowered: The engine can feel a bit sluggish on the highway.
• Basic Performance: Not designed for sporty driving or quick acceleration.
• Limited Off-Road Capability: Front-wheel drive only, not suitable for serious off-roading.
• Interior Materials: Some interior materials feel a bit cheap, especially in the base trim.

Final Verdict: Is the 2022 Nissan Kicks Right for You?

So, after our in-depth road test and review, is the 2022 Nissan Kicks worth considering? The answer depends on your priorities and needs. If you're looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-drive subcompact SUV, the Kicks is a solid choice. It's perfect for city dwellers, commuters, and anyone who wants to save money on gas. The Kicks delivers on its promises: providing a comfortable, practical, and stylish vehicle. If you prioritize performance and power, or if you need a vehicle for off-roading, then the Kicks might not be the best fit. However, if you value fuel efficiency, affordability, and ease of use, the 2022 Nissan Kicks is definitely worth a look. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Kicks is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see for yourself. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

That's it for our review, guys! We hope this detailed road test and review of the 2022 Nissan Kicks has been helpful. Happy driving!