2026 Nissan Kicks
Now in its 2026 model year, the Nissan Kicks is a SUV priced from $22,430 to $28,160 across 6 trims. This page compiles safety, fuel cost, reliability, and ownership data from six independent sources, all linked to the original publisher.
4-star safety. A fuel cost. 4.0/5 reliability. That is the snapshot for the 2026 Nissan Kicks among budget SUVs. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.8 average for SUVs.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Nissan Kicks are lower estimated fuel cost and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated five-year cost. The main caution is that safety is solid but not class-leading.
- fuel cost
- reliability
- estimated 5-year cost
Strongest published signals
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,400. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $3,017 below the similar-vehicle average. Lowest cost to own 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- Safety is not one of the strongest points here: 4-star NHTSA.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $22,430 - $28,160
- EPA Combined MPG
- 30-31 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 4-Star
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,400 - $1,450/yr
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $750 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 1 on file
- Brand Origin
- Japan
How Safe Is the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
In NHTSA testing, the 2026 Nissan Kicks received 4 out of 5 stars overall. 82% of SUVs scored higher with a 5-star rating. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs earned the top 5-star rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 17.9%
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2026 Nissan Kicks Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Nissan Kicks but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | M Marginal |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2026 Nissan Kicks Have Any Recalls?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks has 1 recall campaign on record with NHTSA, involving LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH. That is below the 1.8 average for SUVs. Recall repairs are performed at no cost at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Most recent: January 2026
Units affected: 26,432
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Nissan Kicks. This is below the average of 8 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-02-09
Most-reported problem areas
- Steering1
- Powertrain1
- Electrical1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2026 Nissan Kicks Fuel Economy?
At up to 31 combined MPG, the 2026 Nissan Kicks's fuel costs are estimated at $1,400 per year, near the $1,460 average for budget SUVs. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 30 to 31 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S FWD GAS | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,400/yr |
| S AWD GAS | 30 MPG | 27 | 34 | $1,450/yr |
| SV FWD GAS | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,400/yr |
| SV AWD GAS | 30 MPG | 27 | 34 | $1,450/yr |
| SR FWD GAS | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,400/yr |
| SR AWD GAS | 30 MPG | 27 | 34 | $1,450/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Nissan Kicks Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Nissan Kicks ranges from $64,560 to $86,805 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Subcompact SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,746/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,554/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $641/yr |
| Financing | $898/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.66/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 6 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Nissan Kicks Trims Compare?
6 trims are available for the 2026 Nissan Kicks, spanning $22,430 to $28,160. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S FWD GAS | $22,430 | 31 MPG | $1,400/yr | FWD | 3,002 lbs | $64,560 |
| S AWD GAS | $23,930 | 30 MPG | $1,450/yr | AWD | 3,196 lbs | $82,575 |
| SV FWD GAS | $24,170 | 31 MPG | $1,400/yr | FWD | 3,024 lbs | $66,300 |
| SV AWD GAS | $25,820 | 30 MPG | $1,450/yr | AWD | 3,233 lbs | $84,465 |
| SR FWD GAS | $26,660 | 31 MPG | $1,400/yr | FWD | 3,063 lbs | $68,790 |
| SR AWD GAS | $28,160 | 30 MPG | $1,450/yr | AWD | 3,253 lbs | $86,805 |
The Nissan Kicks lineup has expanded from 3 trims in 2024 to 6 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $1,380 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- S FWD GAS (added 2025)
- S AWD GAS (added 2025)
- SV FWD GAS (added 2025)
- SV AWD GAS (added 2025)
- SR FWD GAS (added 2025)
- SR AWD GAS (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
- S (last available 2024)
- SV (last available 2024)
- SR (last available 2024)
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | $21,050 33 MPG | — | — |
| SV | $22,910 33 MPG | — | — |
| SR | $23,610 33 MPG | — | — |
| S FWD GAS | — | $21,830 31 MPG | $22,430 31 MPG |
| S AWD GAS | — | $23,330 30 MPG | $23,930 30 MPG |
| SV FWD GAS | — | $23,680 31 MPG | $24,170 31 MPG |
| SV AWD GAS | — | $25,330 30 MPG | $25,820 30 MPG |
| SR FWD GAS | — | $26,180 31 MPG | $26,660 31 MPG |
| SR AWD GAS | — | $27,680 30 MPG | $28,160 30 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for budget SUVs. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Nissan's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Nissan Kicks Come With?
Nissan provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Kicks. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Nissan Kicks Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Nissan Kicks as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 141 hp |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 11.9 - 12.4 gal |
| Length | 171.9 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.9 in |
| Height | 64.0 - 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.6 - 104.9 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,002 - 3,253 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
This page reflects published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Nissan Kicks. The trim evolution section above shows how pricing and lineup composition have changed since 2024. All data updates automatically when source agencies publish new information.
2026 Nissan Kicks FAQ
How does the 2026 Nissan Kicks compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Nissan Kicks has a safety grade of C, a fuel cost grade of A, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.0/5, and only 1 recall on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Nissan Kicks trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 6 available trims, the S FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $64,560, starting at $22,430 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $86,805. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Nissan Kicks insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Subcompact SUV class at $1,726 per year, or about $144 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Nissan Kicks. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Nissan Kicks maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Subcompact SUV class at $1,746 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,726/yr) and depreciation ($3,554/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $10,279 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Nissan Kicks depreciate?
AAA estimates the Subcompact SUV class depreciates about $3,554 per year, or roughly $17,770 over five years. On a base MSRP of $22,430, that represents about 79% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Nissan Kicks?
The most efficient 2026 Nissan Kicks trim costs an estimated $1,400 per year in fuel, or about $117 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Nissan Kicks include 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2026 Kia Seltos, and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Nissan Kicks from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 6 new trims were added, 3 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $1,380 for the Nissan Kicks lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Nissan Kicks cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Nissan Kicks include about $857 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $117 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $974 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Are there any reported problems with the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Nissan Kicks. The most-reported problem area is Steering. Owner complaints are self-reported to NHTSA and are not verified, but patterns across many reports can reveal real issues. See our Most Owner Complaints: SUVs for 2026 list. Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.