CarBuzz Says The Subcompact Crossover Is Ideal For City Living

There is a reason that crossovers are the top-selling vehicles behind the incomparable pickup. They embody practicality, versatility, modern sophistication, and even some rugged athleticism. One of the best ways to get into the segment, in CarBuzz’s opinion, is to buy a subcompact like the Nissan Kicks, which perfectly fits the city lifestyle.

Performing where it counts

Straight-up power isn’t really important in the city, where you’ll spend most of your time hopping between traffic lights. This is why the Nissan Kicks’ performance is focused on maximizing economy. The four-pot under the hood isn’t turbocharged, but it is low-displacement and develops just 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. Despite this, it manages to achieve respectable mileage figures of 31/36/33 mpg city/highway/combined.

A comprehensive package

City driving can be stressful with all the traffic and people in a rush to get wherever they are going. A decent suite of safety features can really ease the tension, and the Nissan Kicks safety rating is proof that it has more than enough. Even base models come with forward collision avoidance systems, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Thanks to these, and its smart construction, the subcompact earns a four-star rating from the NHTSA and an overall score of Good from the IIHS.

It just keeps kicking

The last thing you want is an unexpected problem with your car while you’re out on the town, but that isn’t something you’ll need to worry about here. Cheaper, mainstream cars have become more reliable than ever in recent years, and the Nissan Kicks’ reliability is clear, with two years of no recalls. Complaints have been minimal, too, proving that the automaker has really sanded all the rough edges.

Modern but minimalist

While there is plenty of safety tech as standard, there are only limited conveniences and comforts on the base model. The infotainment interface is only seven inches big and lacks several desirable functions. But the features making life easier are keyless entry and push-button start. Luckily, the price is so low that getting the Nissan Kicks interior you want won’t set you back by all that much. This unlocks heated seating and a steering wheel, a larger touchscreen, additional USB ports, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.

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