2026 Nissan Kicks® near Newark, NJ
The 2026 Nissan Kicks® is a five-passenger vehicle offered in S, SV, and SR grades with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive. Every configuration uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an Xtronic transmission, electric power-assisted steering, and four-wheel disc brakes. Its functional equipment includes a unibody structure, grade-specific wheel choices, configurable cargo space, digital displays, smartphone connectivity, and an extensive collection of driver-assistance systems. Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive versions use different rear suspension designs, cargo-floor arrangements, fuel-tank capacities, and selected exterior dimensions.
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Hardware
The 2026 Nissan Kicks® uses Nissan’s MR20DD engine throughout the lineup. This naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine features an aluminum block, an aluminum cylinder head, an inline four-cylinder configuration, and a dual-overhead-camshaft design. Its 1,997 cc displacement results from an 84.0 mm bore and a 90.1 mm stroke, while the compression ratio measures 11.7:1. The engine produces 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Nissan recommends regular unleaded fuel, and every grade includes an Idle Stop/Start system.
Engine Management and Emissions Equipment
The valvetrain uses four valves per cylinder and a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System. Electronic direct ignition manages combustion, while two solid engine mounts and one liquid-filled mount secure the powertrain. The engine has a maximum speed of 6,000 rpm and carries Tier 3-Bin30 EPA and LEV3-SULEV30 CARB emissions certifications. A 12-volt battery supports the vehicle’s electrical equipment and control systems. Engine oil capacity is 4.3 quarts, while engine coolant capacity is 7.8 quarts.
Xtronic Transmission and Drive Modes
An Xtronic transmission directs engine output through either a front-engine, Front-Wheel Drive layout or a front-engine, All-Wheel Drive system. The transmission has a 3.979:1 reverse ratio and a 5.341:1 final-drive ratio. Both drivetrain configurations provide Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes. All-Wheel Drive models add a Snow mode that supplies an additional drivetrain-specific calibration. Hill Start Assist is standard across the 2026 Nissan Kicks® lineup and supports controlled starts on inclines.
Chassis, Suspension, Braking, and Exterior Engineering
The 2026 Nissan Kicks® uses unibody construction made primarily from corrosion-resistant and high-strength steel. Its chassis incorporates drivetrain-specific suspension components instead of applying one rear suspension layout to every configuration. Twin-tube shock absorbers are standard, and the steering system varies assistance according to engine speed. Four-wheel disc brakes operate with electronic braking controls and an electric parking brake.
Suspension and Steering Configuration
An independent strut suspension with coil springs supports the front of every model. Front-Wheel Drive versions use a 24.5 mm front stabilizer bar, while All-Wheel Drive versions use a 27.0 mm bar. At the rear, Front-Wheel Drive models employ a twist-beam suspension with a 27.0 mm stabilizer bar. All-Wheel Drive models substitute a multilink rear suspension and a 21.3 mm stabilizer bar. Electric power-assisted steering has a 14.7:1 overall ratio and requires 2.57 turns from lock to lock.
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
The front braking system uses 11.6-by-1.02-inch vented discs. Solid 11.0-by-0.37-inch discs are fitted at the rear. A four-wheel, four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System is standard on every grade. Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist supplement the underlying braking hardware. The electric parking brake includes an auto-hold function that can maintain braking during applicable stops.
Exterior Dimensions and Geometry
The 2026 Nissan Kicks® measures 171.9 inches long and 70.9 inches wide across all three grades. Front-Wheel Drive models stand 64.2 inches high, while All-Wheel Drive models measure 64.0 inches high. The wheelbase measures 104.6 inches with Front-Wheel Drive and 104.9 inches with All-Wheel Drive. Minimum ground clearance is 8.4 inches throughout the lineup.
The approach angle measures 18.0 degrees on both drivetrain configurations. Front-Wheel Drive models have a 29.5-degree departure angle, while All-Wheel Drive versions have a 26.7-degree departure angle. Ramp angles measure 19.5 degrees with Front-Wheel Drive and 19.3 degrees with All-Wheel Drive. The front track measures 62.4 inches with 16-inch wheels and 62.2 inches with 17-inch or 19-inch wheels. Rear track width is 62.7 inches with 16-inch wheels and 62.5 inches with the larger wheel sizes.
Wheels, Tires, and Exterior Equipment
The S grade comes with 6.5-by-16-inch steel wheels with covers and 215/65R16 all-season tires. The SV receives 7.0-by-17-inch steel wheels with covers and 215/60R17 all-season tires, while 17-inch alloy wheels are available. The SR includes 7.0-by-17-inch alloy wheels and offers 7.5-by-19-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R19 all-season tires. Every grade includes a tire repair and inflation kit, a direct-sensor Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and Easy-Fill Tire Alert.
Black front and rear door handles identify the S grade, while SV and SR models use body-color handles. The S and SV feature a body-color and chrome grille, and the SR receives a painted grille. Roof rails and dark privacy-tinted rear door windows are standard on the SV and SR. All versions have a UV-reducing windshield and green-tinted, UV-reducing, noise-insulating front door windows. Body-color bumpers with black fascia accents are also standard throughout the lineup.
Lighting and Visibility Equipment
LED low-beam headlights, LED high-beam headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, Intelligent Auto Headlights, and High Beam Assist are standard on every 2026 Nissan Kicks®. The SR adds an LED signature lamp and outside-mirror-mounted LED turn signals. All grades also include LED rear combination lights, LED turn signals, and a spoiler-mounted center high-mounted stop light. Variable-intermittent windshield wipers and a rear wiper are standard across the range. Heated outside mirrors are available on the SV and SR, while the SR mirrors also incorporate the LED turn signals.
Interior Space, Comfort, and Cargo Utility
The 2026 Nissan Kicks® cabin seats five occupants and provides 95.7 cubic feet of passenger volume. The first row accounts for 53.6 cubic feet, while the second row provides 42.1 cubic feet. Front bucket seats, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way manually adjustable front-passenger seat, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat are standard. A center console with an armrest and storage is also included on every grade. Upholstery, instrumentation, climate controls, and selected convenience features vary according to trim level.
Seating and Climate Features
The S and SV use cloth seating surfaces, while the SR receives sport leatherette upholstery with a red and black cloth insert. Heated front seats are available on the SV and SR through the Cold Weather Package, which also includes heated outside mirrors and rear floor heater ducts. Every grade provides manual tilt and telescoping steering-wheel adjustment, while the SR adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A heated steering wheel is available on both the SV and SR. Manual climate control is standard on the S and SV, while the SR uses Automatic Temperature Control.
The SR also includes a rear-seat armrest, two rear cupholders, a leather shift knob, and sliding front sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors. Front cupholders and front-door bottle holders are standard throughout the lineup. Every model includes power windows with driver-side one-touch automatic up and down operation. Power door locks incorporate selective unlocking, anti-lockout protection, and an automatic locking system.
Passenger Measurements
Front headroom measures 39.7 inches without the panoramic moonroof and 38.9 inches with it. Second-row headroom measures 38.5 inches without the moonroof and 38.0 inches when the feature is installed. Front and rear legroom measure 42.7 inches and 34.5 inches, respectively. Shoulder room is 54.7 inches in both rows, while hip room measures 52.4 inches in front and 50.1 inches in the second row.
Front and rear step-in heights measure 19.0 inches on Front-Wheel Drive models. All-Wheel Drive versions have a 18.9-inch front step-in height and a 18.8-inch rear step-in height. The front door openings measure 30.9 inches high and 30.4 inches wide. Rear door openings measure 30.3 inches high and 27.5 inches wide.
Cargo Space and Storage Configuration
Front-Wheel Drive S models provide 30.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 60.0 cubic feet with that row folded. Front-Wheel Drive SV and SR models provide 29.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 58.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. All-Wheel Drive versions provide 23.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 50.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Cargo length measures 24.4 inches to the back of the second row and 55.7 inches to the back of the first row. Maximum cargo width is 50.1 inches, and the width between the wheel housings measures 40.1 inches.
Front-Wheel Drive SV and SR models include an adjustable rear cargo floor. All-Wheel Drive models instead use a fixed cargo floor with an underfloor storage system. The 60/40-split rear seat allows occupants to alter the balance between passenger seating and cargo-carrying space. Cargo capacity differs according to drivetrain and, in Front-Wheel Drive models, grade.
Displays, Connectivity, and Safety Technology
The 2026 Nissan Kicks® combines digital instrumentation, touchscreen controls, smartphone connectivity, audio equipment, occupant-protection systems, and driver-assistance technology. A 12.3-inch color touchscreen is standard throughout the lineup, while meter size varies by grade. Nissan Safety Shield® 360 is standard on the S, SV, and SR. Vehicle Dynamic Control, a Traction Control System, Rear Door Alert, and Driver Attention Alert are also included. Available and grade-specific features expand the vehicle’s camera coverage, parking assistance, lane support, connectivity, and cabin audio capabilities.
Displays, Audio, and Smartphone Connectivity
The S and SV use a 7-inch color meter, while the SR receives a 12.3-inch color meter. Digital instrumentation presents the speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The S and SV have four-speaker audio systems, while the SR has a six-speaker system and offers a Bose® system with 10 speakers. Each standard audio configuration supports AM/FM reception, USB input, satellite radio, Bluetooth®, and smartphone connectivity. Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls allow the driver to operate selected functions without reaching for the touchscreen.
SV and SR models provide wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™, two rear USB-C ports, and a wireless device charging pad. All grades include two front USB-C ports, Bluetooth® streaming audio, a Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, SiriusXM®, and Siri® Eyes Free. NissanConnect® Services powered by SiriusXM®, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the myQ Connected Garage Door Opener are available on the S and SV and standard on the SR. Nissan Intelligent Key™ with push-button start is standard throughout the lineup. The SV and SR add walk-away locking, approach unlocking, and remote engine start, with the remote-start feature subject to applicable state laws.
Occupant Protection and Structural Safety
The Nissan Advanced Air Bag System includes dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat-belt sensors and an occupant-classification sensor. Standard protection also includes front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags with a rollover sensor, driver and front-passenger knee air bags, and rear seat-mounted side-impact air bags. An additional front central seat-mounted side-impact air bag is available for the SR through its Premium Package. Three-point seat belts are fitted in both rows, and the second row includes child-restraint upper tether anchors and the LATCH system. Child-safety rear door locks and a power-window lockout button are also standard.
Zone body construction incorporates front and rear crumple zones. The passive-safety design also includes an energy-absorbing steering column, hood buckling creases, safety stops, and body-side reinforcements. A shift-interlock system forms another part of the standard safety equipment. Security provisions include a tamper-proof door-lock key cylinder, a Vehicle Security System, and an immobilizer.
Nissan Safety Shield® 360
Nissan Safety Shield® 360 includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist. Predictive Forward Collision Warning and rear sonar are also standard on every grade. Intelligent Cruise Control with steering-wheel-mounted controls is included across the lineup. The S and SV use a RearView Monitor, while the SR has an Intelligent Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection. These technologies provide different levels of visual information, warnings, and assistance according to grade.
The SR adds Lane Departure Prevention, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, Front Parking Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intersection Assist for oncoming traffic. ProPILOT Assist is also standard on the SR. An Integrated Dynamic-control Module groups Active Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control, and Intelligent Engine Brake on that grade. These systems complement the SR’s expanded camera, sensing, and intervention equipment. The driver remains responsible for monitoring the vehicle, surrounding traffic, and road conditions while using any assistance feature.
Schedule a Test Ride Today
Schedule a test drive at Empire Nissan of Hillside near Newark, NJ, to evaluate the 2026 Nissan Kicks® from the driver’s seat. Our team can help you review its 2.0-liter engine, Xtronic transmission, drivetrain choices, suspension designs, and braking equipment. A test drive also provides an opportunity to assess seating comfort, steering response, digital displays, smartphone connectivity, and cargo flexibility. You can examine the available camera systems and driver-assistance technologies while learning how equipment changes across the S, SV, and SR grades. Contact us to arrange a visit and identify a configuration that suits your performance, technology, comfort, handling, and safety priorities.
