2024 Nissan Kicks S

The 2024 Kicks is Nissan's smallest crossover, a subcompact SUV that slots below the Rogue and competes with the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross. The Kicks feels light and nimble around town, with quick steering and a small footprint that makes parking easy, though the engine needs revs to keep up on the highway. The ride is on the firm side, but the seats are supportive and the cabin stays reasonably quiet for a subcompact crossover. The hatchback body opens to a useful cargo area, and the rear seats fold flat to swallow bulky items, making the Kicks more versatile than its size suggests. Standard tech includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims add a larger display and Nissan's Safety Shield 360 driver aids. Steel wheels and manual mirrors set the S apart as the entry-level Kicks, leaving the SV to add alloy wheels and the SR to bring sport looks. A 1.6L I4 makes 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque through an automatic transmission, which means you'll want to plan highway merges with a little extra throttle.