2024 Nissan Kicks: Is Affordability The Only USP?

The 2024 Nissan Kicks do not come with any considerable changes. With an all-new model for 2025, the 2024 Kicks just offers a standard WiFi hotspot as standard for the mid-range SV and SR trims this year. The 2024 Nissan Kicks price starts at $22,730 for the base S trim and yet offers many standard driver-assistance features. IT competes with the likes of Volkswagen Taos, Kia Niro, and Mazda CX-30. Let’s have a look at pricing and check out if it’s worth it.

Not-So-Distinct Exterior 

The current-generation Nissan Kicks was never a crowd-puller in terms of its aesthetics. Today's test example is the top-most SR trim level. Nissan has been generous with this one; there’s LED headlights, LED fog lights, and LED turn signals. Even there’s LED turn signals on both of the exterior mirrors as well. The SR trim also gets Nissan's surround-view monitor. The 360-degree camera system works with a very prominent front-mounted camera underneath the updated Nissan logo. The gloss black grille gives it a little more updated and aggressive look. The headlights on this are very unique as well because the entire top of the front fender is part of the headlight, and this model does replace the Juke in Nissan's lineup for good. 

The paint color on my test example was very favorable to me. I really liked the kind of dark gray look with the two-tone option. The black 17-inch wheels look very nice with the gray paint job. However, the black wheels are an optional extra. We've got some additional roof rails for extra storage. Also, if you need to put a roof rack on top, it just helps out the overall appearance of it. 

Moving around to the back, you can see the LED running lights and LED brake lights. However, interestingly enough, there’s an incandescent turn signal. So while we had all the LEDs up front, that is not the case when we move around back. Also, I would have liked a full-width LED light bar between the tail lights for a more visual appeal.

Not So Special Interior 

Getting inside and talking about the driver's door panel is no fun. So, there’s not a whole lot going on with a lot of hard black plastic. So you can hear it is a little scratchy, and it’s not a nice feeling. But that’s what you get in an affordable subcompact SUV. The front two windows are automatic up and down, whereas the backs are just power-operated windows. 

The steering wheel gets heated, and it’s not an optional extra on this model. My test example came with the optional ambient lighting down in the footwell, and you could turn it on and off right there or change the color. The air vents in this are interesting, fun, cool, quirky, and, you know, round here on the sides and rectangular in the middle. 

Despite the budget feel, there’s a dark gray and contrasting orange stitching on the synthetic leather material on the dash and on the seats as well. So I really like these two-tone seats with orange stitching. Talking about the driver information center, there’s interestingly no tachometer as it gets a CVT. So you really can't see what the engine's rpm is or how it's doing. But I like that you can cycle through some other information that is very useful to you. 

You do still get an old-school analog cluster on the right, but the digital screen alongside is just over or right at seven inches. You also have an 8-inch infotainment touch screen in the middle. It does come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, you have to plug in through a USB A or USB C cord, which plugs in right underneath the climate controls. 

The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive 

The infotainment system is pretty snappy and easy to use. But there are some hard buttons for navigating around the system, including a camera button for the 360-degree surround-view monitor with trajectory. It shows you exactly where your tires are going to end up. Being the top-end trim, the SR does get a Bose sound system, and interestingly, there’s a speaker in the headrests too, for a more personal experience.

The front seats lack power adjustment and the storage isn't good enough

The front seats get manual adjustments, but they are heated. Also, there’s automatic single-zone climate control. The engine start button is right next to the traditional gear shifter, and there are two cup holders right below it. The Kicks SR does get center console storage, but it’s too small for my liking. 

The back doors open quite wide, so it was very easy to get the child seat in and out. The rear seats are nice and comfortable, but they could have been much better. The seat back is reclined just enough that I don't feel like I'm sitting completely upright. It is also a 60/40 split bench rear seat, and there is no fold-down armrest. For symmetry, there’s a continuation of that two-tone color with the orange stitching. 

Decent Cargo Capacity

The 2024 Nissan Kicks cargo capacity is really commendable for its size. It offers 25.3 cubic feet of space behind the seats. The cargo area is deep enough for loading some big stuff, and there are hooks as well to just kind of hang your grocery stuff around. 

2024 Nissan Kicks Gets An Underwhelming Powertrain 

The 2024 Nissan Kicks continues with a 1.6-liter inline-four engine under the hood. It makes 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a CVT, and FWD is standard. Sadly, there’s no AWD, even as an option. 

0-60 acceleration is sleep-inducing 

With a 0–60 time of 9.7 seconds, the acceleration is not strong enough. The Nissan Kicks are slower than some of their rivals. However, most buyers won’t complain after knowing the fuel economy. The EPA-estimated figures of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined are commendable. 

2024 Nissan Kicks’ Commendable Ride Quality 

The 2024 Nissan Kicks drive pretty well in the urban jungle. Despite a slower 0–60 time, there’s enough urge from the engine to get you around town easily. The ride quality is what shines here. Driving over road imperfections is a breeze, and most of them don’t reach the cabin. Tackling corners is easy, but not exactly fun. 

While driving, you may encounter road noise, but there’s quite less wind noise at slower speeds. The brakes have sufficient bite and are confident and inspiring. At normal speeds, maneuverability is very good, with an accurate steering feel. However, there’s little feedback from them. 

Should You Get One? 

In my opinion, patience bears sweet fruit. With an all-new upcoming 2025 Nissan Kicks, it’s best to skip the 2024 model. However, there’s nothing much wrong with this one. Especially when considering its price tag, cargo space, and fuel economy.