Pity the shopper that wants a small and/or affordable car. The options are much fewer than they once were. And while it’s not cheap, precisely, the 2026 Nissan Kicks SR is what passes for affordable these days - and despite some flaws, it’s far better than its predecessor. Budget buyers might still find the price tag a stretch, but for those who can pony up, the Kicks is a fine little urban runabout.
I will tell you why down below. First, let’s take a look at the content mix and pricing.
How The 2026 Nissan Kicks SR Is Equipped
The content and feature mix for my test unit was pretty interesting. The SR trim is the top trim, and so it came fairly well-equipped. Standard features included ProPilot assist, intelligent 360-degree monitor, traffic-sign recognition, intersection assist, front-parking assist, leatherette seat with cloth insert, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, 12.3-inch gauge screen, 12-volt outlet, two USB-C ports, automatic climate control, tire-repair kit, remote engine start, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED daytime running lights, LED headlamps and taillights, and roof rails.
Advanced driver-assist systems included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, intelligent lane intervention, blind-spot warning, blind-spot intervention, and high-beam assist.
Total base price? $28,160.
Options included an all-wheel-drive package that also included a panoramic moonroof and Bose premium audio with head-rest mounted speakers for the driver and passenger. That package also included a heated steering wheel, and it cost $1,600.
A $300 cold-weather package included heated front seats and mirrors, and another $400 package included interior ambient lighting. For $790, you can get illuminated kickplates and cargo scuff plate.
Two-tone paint added $800, and other options included an AWD cargo mat, carpeted floor mats, 19-inch wheels, exterior ground lighting, and headliner illumination.
With the destination fee, the as-tested total price for this Nissan Kicks came to $35,515.
Getting On The Road With The 2026 Nissan Kicks SR
Underhood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping out 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Not exactly muscle numbers, and that translates on the road - no one expects the Kicks to be a rocket ship, but it does feel a tad underpowered.
Nissan’s continuously-variable automatic transmissions have long been divisive, but the CVT in this one is .. fine. Damning with faint praise, maybe, but it’s just not nearly as obnoxious as previous iterations have been.
Handling is a better story. Again, no one expects the Kicks to be a sports car, but turning the wheel is engaging enough to bring about a few smiles. The ride is a tad stiff, though never to the point of being aggravating. Give Nissan some credit here - the steering feels connected to the tires instead of distant and numb.
I’ll also give Nissan credit for interior design and layout - the cabin looks good and controls are easy to use in a no muss, no fuss kind of way. There’s nothing complicated for the sake of being complicated or the sake of style. The digital gauges are easy to read and the two screens integrate together nicely in the sweeping dash board. Some may long for the days of analog gauges, especially at this price point, but if we’re going to be living in a world this digital, you could do worse.
Head- and legroom up front are acceptable, but the rear seat is a tad tight for taller, bigger individuals. Not cramped, per se, but a skoosh more room would be nice. Most materials feel appropriate for the class, or even nicer, but some cheap pieces are seen and felt if you look closely.
Fuel economy is a bit of a letdown in the city at 27 mpg, one would hope to see 30. At least the highway and combined numbers - 34 mpg and 30 mpg, respectively, are good.
The first Nissan Kicks was a quirky, cool-looking runabout that disappointed when it came to driving dynamics. This second-generation Kicks offers a much better interior design and is a good bit more engaging to drive. The top trim’s price tag is a bit dear - though some folks reading this won’t need to spring for all-wheel drive and/or the cold-weather goodies. That would save almost $2K right there.
Regardless of how you equip it, Nissan’s second try at the Kicks is better than the first - and a generally all-around well-done package. A bit more power and interior space is all it needs.
Images: Tim Healey
About The Author
Tim Healey is an experienced automotive writer and editor from Chicago. He has covered automotive news at Consumer Guide Automotive, Web2Carz, AutoGuide, and was the managing editor at The Truth About Cars. Tim is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. You can find him on Facebook, X/Twitter, and on LinkedIn.
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