Introduction

The 2019 Nissan Kicks is a tidy blend of subcompact hatchback and crossover. Replacing the quirky Juke, the expressive Kicks is definitely not boring. 

The front-wheel-drive 2019 Kicks uses a 122-horsepower inline-4 mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It isn't offered with all-wheel drive, but its 25-foot cargo space is anything but small. Up to four adult passengers fit in its cabin, though three smaller people can ride in back in a pinch.

The Kicks is fairly light at about 2,650 pounds, and its steering is light, so it feels quick-witted in the city.

With no changes made for 2019, the Kicks remains a good value, as the SV model at about $21,200 is very well-equipped, including automatic emergency braking. 

The Kicks is EPA-rated at 31 mpg city, 36 highway, 33 combined.

The IIHS named the Kicks a Top Safety Pick in 2018, with mostly top 'Good'? scores. In the challenging small-overlap crash test, the passenger side earned an 'Acceptable'? rating.

Standard safety equipment also includes high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alerts come on SV and SR trims.. 

Lineup

The Kicks comes in S, SV and SR trims. The base Kicks S costs about $19,500 and has power windows and locks, automatic emergency braking, air conditioning, keyless entry, steel wheels, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment with Bluetooth and a USB port. No options are available on the Kicks S.

The SV costs about $21,200 and piles on features, including sophisticated infotainment software with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, heated exterior mirrors, keyless ignition, and more.

The Kicks SR offers synthetic leather upholstery, a surround-view camera system, and a few minor features for about $21,900. There is one option package: $1,000 gets Bose speakers and heated front seats.

A stand-alone option costing from $200 to $600 is your choice of paint schemes, including a contrasting roof panel on the Kicks SV and SR.. 

Walkaround

Did we say the Kicks was expressive? Nissan designers used a sharp blade to cut the looks of a crossover SUV into that of a subcompact hatchback. It appears to ride high, as the bulky grille says truck. Flat-black fender flares hang over alloy wheels on the SV. At the rear, angular taillights jut into the tailgate. A pointed kick-up behind the rear window makes the two-tone roof appear to float. The standard roof is gloss black.. 

Interior

The Kicks cabin is somewhat narrow, with standard cloth seats and lots of plastic trim. The SR's synthetic leather with contrasting stitching elevates the experience a lot. 

The dashboard is simple, featuring a 7.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment, and climate controls, as well as a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The Kicks might appear high from the outside, but the driver's seat isn't much higher than in a sedan. In the rear, there is surprisingly good head and leg room for two adults. Three small passengers can squeeze in for short trips. 

Behind the rear seat there's an impressive 25 cubic feet of cargo space. The seatbacks don't fold flat, but when they're dropped the cargo space grows to 53 cubic feet. . 

Driving Impression

Around town, the Kicks excels. It has decent acceleration, its handling is nimble, and the ride is composed. 

The Kicks is quite light, but its inline-4 engine makes 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, so highway merges and passes take some time.

In the city, the engine works smoothly with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) as it sends power to the front wheels. The CVT has simulated 'gears'? that make it feel less like a rubber band, while eliminating the droning.

The Kicks shares its twist-beam-axle rear suspension with the Nissan Versa. Its handling is best suited for commuter duty. It's not intended to be a sports coupe, and its softly tuned ride reflects its priorities.. 

Summary

The 2019 Nissan Kicks acts like a crossover SUV when it comes to cargo-carrying-and performs like an economy car when it gets to the gas pump. Its edgy style sets it apart from everyday economy cars, and even if it's not truly an SUV, it has the swagger of one..