SUVs have been dominating the market for decades, offering drivers from all walks of life a spacious interior, the ability to handle challenging weather conditions like snow, as well as all the common features we expect from today’s vehicles that make the drive enjoyable, like smartphone connectivity and satellite radio. While many SUV enthusiasts opt for the larger full-size models, many drivers want a balance of a spacious interior coupled with the maneuverability of a sedan. For these drivers, there is the 2024 Nissan Kicks.
This subcompact SUV is the perfect middle ground between the performance and space of an SUV in a more compact package, making it perfect for navigating busy city streets and tight parking spots that few SUVs can manage. The 2024 Kicks arrives for the new model year with a host of great comfort, convenience, and safety features, along with best-in-class fuel efficiency. This makes the Kicks one of the best values in the subcompact market; whether you’re commuting into the city each morning or dropping the kids off at school, the Kicks is here to make each drive memorable.
Modern Tech and Features for an Affordable Price Tag
The 2024 Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV that offers safety, dependability, and practicality. However, don’t let its average looks fool you, as there is much to appreciate with this new model. Its starting MSRP is $20,950, making this a beacon of light for consumers who require low payments and alluring interest rates. It was built to excite and inspire with quality features to protect you, and with routine maintenance visits, this vehicle should have quite a long lifespan, even after you are ready to move on. Receiving the “Best Buy” title from Consumer Guide, there is a clear making for greatness that 2024 will surely meet while going above and beyond.
Don’t be surprised when I tell you there are special features that ensure all of the excitement I’ve been building up. The 2024 Kicks may be practical, but it also serves well on the road and is agile and intelligent. With the ability to hold up to five people, the interior is equipped with Zero Gravity seats, meaning drivers will be supported and have better posture that aids in keeping them awake for longer commutes. Not to mention helpful roof rail crossbars, adaptive storage, exterior ground lighting, and all-season protective flooring. However, let’s take a look at the technology features that also make this Nissan special.
If one thing is for certain, the technology is super impressive for the 2024 model. It provides safety features like Pedestrian Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, and more, like High Beam Assist. However, there is also remote access to the MyNissan App and keyless start. Not to mention digital gauges that offer necessary information on your vehicle. Plus, it is WiFi and hotspot capable. Of course, you have to stay entertained on the drive, too, and what better way to do that than with the Bose Personal Plus Audio System? So much technology at your fingertips and unbeatable value.
The Kicks’ Standard Engine
The 2024 model is equipped with a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine providing 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. With a stellar fuel economy at 31 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, there is so much traveling and exploring to get done. That is above-average fuel efficiency for subcompact SUVs. It certainly will impress you with its FWD front stabilizer bar for smooth driving and exceptional handling. This is also a great entry-level SUV for newly-licensed drivers.
How Does It Compare to Its Subcompact SUV Competition?
I don’t know about you, but I have definitely noticed the change in price tags over the years, and in today’s economy, there are not many brand-new vehicles in the 20k range, especially those on the very low end of $20,000. The Nissan Kicks is one of the most affordable new cars on the market and one of the few left within this price range. The Kicks is designed for the average driver who is looking for practicality and dependability. This is not the last vehicle with a surprisingly fair price tag. The Kicks has some competition, so let’s find out if it can compete with the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen Taos.
Let’s look at the 2024 Mazda CX-30 against the Nissan Kicks. So, let’s start with the most crucial factor here: price. The starting MSRP for the CX30 is $24,995. This compact SUV has an athletic build, which does compare to the Kicks’ design. However, the CX-30 has more engine options with the 2.5L I-4 and 2.5L Turbo I-4, compared to the Kicks’ sole 1.6L I-4 engine. Though this competitor does have more power under the hood, getting up to 256 hp, the Kicks has the better fuel efficiency point on its side with a combined fuel economy of 33 MPG.
The Kia Seltos fairs no better in price at a higher end of 24,390. Like the Taos, the Seltos competes nicely with the Kicks in terms of having higher horsepower and torque (up to 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque). However, the Kicks can do no wrong with its exceptional fuel economy, as the Seltos can only get up to a combined 31 MPG, depending on your engine choice (the 2.0L I-4 or the 1.6L Turbo I-4). Of course, to get even slightly less than the combined 31 MPG on the Seltos, you are looking at an upgraded trim level that will cost even more than its already pricier MSRP. Again, those who have fuel efficiency at the top of their must-have list will benefit from getting behind the wheel of the Kicks.
Finally, we have the Volkswagen Taos. This is a viable competitor to make an exciting match in the car ring. Compared to the Nissan Kicks, it is still the more expensive option with a $23,995 MSRP. However, it matches well in terms of plain appearance and practicality. This does have a similar good fuel economy to the Kicks, but the acceleration is less than stellar. The Kicks can also offer more leg and headroom for front passengers than the Taos and are more easily maneuvered due to their slimmer bodies and expert agility. That means excellent turning, smooth handling, and fitting into tight spaces all go to the Kicks. Overall, when you are comparing these two compact SUVs side by side, the Kicks is the better financial option.
Great Things Really Do Come In Small Packages
In the end, the 2024 Nissan Kicks has done more than just prove it is a reliable vehicle; it went above and beyond to show us that price does not imply a good or bad car. In fact, if you were surprised that this compact vehicle was so affordable, then that should clarify how much we judge a car by its price tag. The innovative technologies in place also help this car stand out against its competitors, offering safety, entertainment, and connectivity. So, whether you are hunting for an SUV or not, it is good to keep this vehicle within your sights.
