2022 Nissan Kicks

Pros: Automatic emergency braking is standard; great fuel economy; good cargo room for the size; smooth, quiet ride

Cons: AWD is not available; some so-so interior materials; folded rear seat backs don’t rest flat with the cargo floor

CG Says: After the Nissan Kicks was refreshed with revised styling inside and out for 2021, the 2022 Nissan Kicks sees no changes other than a new Nissan logo on its grille. Introduced for 2018, the Kicks is a subcompact crossover SUV that slots below the Nissan Rogue Sport in size and price. It is three inches shorter than Rogue Sport and, unlike most other SUVs, is front-wheel drive only; AWD is not available. The sole powertrain is a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Standard safety features include forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Other available features include a 360-degree Intelligent Around-View Monitor with moving-object detection, rear-door alert, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and LED headlights. The lack of available all-wheel drive is a demerit for buyers in Northern climes, but the Nissan Kicks’s affordable pricing, respectable passenger and cargo room for its size, pleasant driving manners, and surprisingly low noise levels make it a fine value in its class.