The 2020 Nissan Kicks lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average check engine light and brake wear issues reported. At $16,250 to $20,998, it’s a good value for a small SUV with some of the latest technology features.
Is the 2020 Nissan Kicks a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Nissan Kicks since it has a practical cabin and low ownership costs as it ages. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, affordable fuel costs, along with the responsive steering.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are pretty basic for a small SUV, the seats offer reasonable support on long drives, cargo space is great for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems mentioned on the 2020 Kicks. Models from 2018–2023 are all reasonably reliable small SUVs.
- Performance 5/10 – The relatively small four-cylinder engine is weaker than many other compact SUVs, but it focuses on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Kicks is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking and a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include driver drowsiness monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 33 MPG, offering 356 miles of range from the 10.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $48 cheaper than average at $162 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Nissan Kicks is cheaper than many other small SUVs with low running costs, making it a great value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Kicks?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Nissan Kicks is a great value for shoppers looking for SUV features without the high cost, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Nissan Kicks at 3.5/5, enjoying the large cargo capacity for a small SUV, but finds that it is missing some of the comfort features of the competition.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Kicks a 3.9/5, praising the standard driver assistance safety features, but owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel drive in snowy conditions.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Nissan Kicks Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Nissan Kicks include some check engine lights, excessive brake wear, along with some wheel hub issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other small SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Kicks ages.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Nissan Kicks owners, showing up in the first 25,000 miles. When you have a check engine light, you will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code stored in the ECU. Once you know the source of the light, repairing the problem can cost $15 to $500, depending on the issue.
Excessive brake wear is another problem mentioned by some 2020 Kicks owners within the first 10,000 miles. The front brake pads tend to wear down quickly, and have to be replaced. Changing out the brake pads costs around $150, while a new pair of rotors is roughly $350 if they have been damaged.
Wheel hub issues also show up on some 2020 Nissan Kicks models at around 35,000 miles. The bearings in the wheel hubs wear out, and start to make excessive noise. Replacing the wheel hub costs around $450, depending on local labor rates in your area.
There are no recalls on the 2020 Nissan Kicks, which is better than some other small SUVs from the same year. Since there are no recalls, it simply means none of the issues have been widespread or caused safety concerns.
How Long Will the 2020 Nissan Kicks Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Nissan Kicks can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $413 per year.
As a used 2020 Nissan Kicks reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the camshaft position sensor for $155, liftgate support struts costing $200, along with the engine mounts, which cost around $300.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Siri Eyes Free integration. Optional upgrades available feature Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose stereo system.
Standard safety features are better than some competitors with:
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Pedestrian detection
- High-beam assist
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane departure warning
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
- Surround-view parking camera system
Is the 2020 Nissan Kicks a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Nissan Kicks is a good value since it’s more affordable than other compact SUVs and offers good reliability ratings. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,250 to $20,998, making it less than a Honda HR-V or Subaru Crosstrek. When new, the price range was $19,070 to $21,320. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Kicks?
There are three main models of the 2020 Nissan Kicks offered from the entry-level S through to the more well-equipped SR. All Kicks models come standard with front-wheel drive.
Nissan Kicks S is the entry-model which has:
- 16-inch steel wheels
- Automatic headlights
- Push-button start
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- 60/40-split folding rear seats
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Siri Eyes Free integration
- Three USB ports (two charge-only)
- Six-speaker audio system
- Automatic high-beam control
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Front and rear automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
- High-beam assist
Nissan Kicks SV is a step up, adding:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Roof rails
- Heated mirrors
- Body-painted mirrors and handles
- Keyless entry
- Remote start
- Driver information display
- Interior chrome accents
- Padded front door armrests
- Automatic climate control
- Cargo cover
- Satellite radio
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Alloy wheels
Nissan Kicks SR is the flagship model with:
- LED headlights
- Fog Lights
- Black-painted mirrors
- Rear roof spoiler
- 360-degree parking camera
- Upgraded cloth upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shift knob
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Optional SR Premium package:
- Eight-speaker Bose audio system
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Eligibility for two-tone paint scheme.
What Engines Come In the Nissan Kicks?
The 2020 Nissan Kicks is equipped with a single engine option. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine that produces 122 horsepower. This engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which helps optimize fuel efficiency. As for fuel economy, the 2020 Kicks achieves a commendable combined rating of 33 MPG. When it comes to performance, the 0-60 MPH acceleration time isn’t particularly sporty, taking roughly 9.7 seconds, reflecting the vehicle’s focus on efficiency and everyday usability rather than outright speed.
What Colors Does the Nissan Kicks Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Kicks?
The 2020 Nissan Kicks places a commendable emphasis on comfort, especially given its position in the subcompact SUV segment. The front seats are particularly noteworthy, offering supportive cushioning and decent adjustability, ensuring that both the driver and the front passenger can find a comfortable driving or seating position. The rear seats also provide adequate legroom and headroom, making them suitable for adults on shorter journeys. The ride quality is smooth, as the Kicks is designed to absorb most road imperfections, providing a comfortable driving experience in urban settings.
Noise insulation is decent, making sure that the cabin remains relatively quiet from external disturbances. The cabin materials, while not luxurious, are soft in key areas, further enhancing the comfort feel of the interior. The infotainment system is user-friendly and adds to the overall convenience, making the driving and riding experience more enjoyable. The 2020 Nissan Kicks offers a balanced mix of comfort and practicality that will appeal to many buyers in its category.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Kicks Have?
The 2020 Nissan Kicks offers a generous amount of storage space for a subcompact SUV. In the cargo area behind the rear seats, it provides 25.3 cubic feet of room, which is ample space for daily errands or weekend trips. This is enough to fit a few suitcases, multiple grocery bags, or even larger items like a stroller. If you need more room, folding down the rear seats will expand the cargo area considerably.
Additionally, the Kicks is equipped with various small interior storage solutions. These include door pockets, a glovebox, cup holders, and a center console bin. The compartments make it convenient for drivers and passengers alike to store personal items such as smartphones, wallets, beverages, and other smaller essentials, making sure that everything has its place and the interior remains organized.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Nissan Kicks was launched for the 2018 model year.
2018: First model year for the Nissan Kicks which was built to be a smaller SUV than the other offerings from Nissan.
2019: Slightly less powerful engine than when it was launched in 2018.
2020: Additional driver assistance features added to entry-level models, roof rails are no longer standard.
2021: Some small exterior styling changes, upgraded cabin materials, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on all models.
2022: No updates from earlier years.
How Does the Nissan Kicks Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Nissan Kicks is a good small SUV since it offers low running costs paired with a reasonably comfortable cabin, which helps it earn our recommendation for shoppers on a budget.
The Nissan Rogue is a slightly larger SUV, which can be found for about $1,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Nissan Rogue, while the Nissan Kicks is easier to park in large cities with small parking spaces. We recommend the Nissan Rogue for most shoppers since it’s more practical, making it worth the extra money.
The Hyundai Tucson is another small SUV, which costs about $2,500 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Nissan Kicks offers more responsive and nimble steering. We recommend the Hyundai Tucson since it’s a more upscale choice with similar long-term reliability ratings as it ages.
