2022 Nissan Kicks: Complete Guide to Specs, MPG, Features and Buying in 2026

The 2022 Nissan Kicks is a small crossover SUV designed for drivers who want an affordable, efficient, and easy-to-drive vehicle without moving into a larger SUV. With seating for five, a compact exterior, useful cargo space, modern safety technology, and a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, the Kicks became one of Nissan’s practical choices for city driving. In 2026, the 2022 model is especially interesting on the used-car market because it offers many features associated with newer vehicles while generally costing considerably less than a new SUV.

The 2022 Kicks was offered in three main trims: S, SV, and SR. Every version used the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission. The result is not a performance-focused crossover, but rather a vehicle designed around efficiency, maneuverability, practicality, and value.

What Is the 2022 Nissan Kicks?

The 2022 Nissan Kicks belongs to the subcompact crossover class. It is smaller and easier to maneuver than many traditional SUVs, making it particularly suitable for crowded city streets and parking spaces. Nissan positioned the Kicks as a vehicle for people who wanted the higher seating position and versatility of an SUV without paying for unnecessary size or complexity.

Its exterior measures approximately 169.1 inches in length and 63.3 inches in height, giving it a relatively small footprint. Despite its compact dimensions, the cabin provides seating for five passengers, while cargo capacity is approximately 25.3 cubic feet with the seats in place.

The 2022 model also benefits from the Kicks’ distinctive styling. Sharp headlights, sculpted bodywork, a floating-roof appearance, and available two-tone exterior treatments give the crossover a more youthful appearance than many conventional economy vehicles.

For buyers considering one in 2026, the biggest attraction is the combination of compact dimensions, good fuel economy, practical interior space, and relatively modern safety equipment.

2022 Nissan Kicks Engine and Performance

All three 2022 Nissan Kicks trims use a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder gasoline engine. It produces 122 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 114 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Nissan paired the engine with an Xtronic CVT, and all versions use front-wheel drive.

The Kicks is not intended to compete with sporty crossovers. Instead, the engine is tuned for everyday transportation. Around town, its compact size and relatively light weight make it easy to maneuver, while the CVT keeps the engine operating efficiently during normal driving.

One important point for potential buyers is that all-wheel drive was not available on the 2022 U.S.-market Kicks. This makes the vehicle particularly suited to urban and suburban environments rather than buyers who regularly require serious winter or off-road capability.

The suspension and steering prioritize comfort and predictable handling rather than aggressive performance. If acceleration and towing ability are major priorities, a larger SUV may be more appropriate. If the goal is an economical commuter that is easy to park and inexpensive to operate, the Kicks makes considerably more sense.

Fuel Economy and Everyday Practicality

Fuel economy is one of the strongest reasons to consider a 2022 Nissan Kicks. The EPA-rated figures are approximately 31 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, with a combined rating around 33 mpg depending on the specification and testing information cited.

That efficiency can make a meaningful difference for drivers who spend a lot of time commuting. The Kicks’ relatively compact dimensions also make it convenient for city streets, parking garages, and tight parking spaces.

Inside, there is room for five people, although rear-seat comfort is naturally more limited than in a larger compact SUV. The cargo area is one of the Kicks’ practical advantages, providing approximately 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats allows owners to carry larger objects when needed.

This makes the Kicks a useful option for everyday activities such as grocery shopping, commuting, school runs, and weekend trips. It is not a large family hauler, but its space is respectable for its class.

S, SV and SR Trim Levels

The 2022 Nissan Kicks was available in S, SV, and SR trims, allowing buyers to choose between affordability and additional convenience or styling features. The original U.S. starting MSRPs were approximately $19,990 for the S, $21,850 for the SV, and $22,550 for the SR.

The Kicks S served as the entry-level version. It offered the same 1.6-liter engine and CVT as the more expensive models, making it a sensible choice for buyers who prioritized basic transportation and value.

The SV added more convenience and equipment and is often an appealing middle ground for used-car shoppers. It also received four-wheel disc brakes, compared with the S’s vented front discs and rear drum setup.

The SR was the sportier-looking model, emphasizing exterior and interior appearance. For many buyers in 2026, the choice between trims will depend less on the original MSRP and more on the condition, mileage, maintenance record, equipment, and current used-car price of each individual example.

Safety and Technology in the 2022 Kicks

Safety is another strong point of the 2022 Kicks. Available and standard driver-assistance technology included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and pedestrian-detection capability, depending on the feature configuration.

The Kicks also includes fundamental safety equipment such as four-wheel ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, and a rearview camera.

Crash-test results provide additional information for used buyers. NHTSA gave the 2022 Kicks an overall 4-star rating, including a 5-star overall side-crash rating and a 4-star rollover rating.

IIHS testing also produced several Good ratings, including the driver-side and passenger-side small-overlap front tests, the original moderate-overlap front test, and the original side-impact test. The Kicks’ structural and occupant-protection results therefore provide useful reassurance for shoppers evaluating a used example.

Is the 2022 Nissan Kicks Worth Buying in 2026?

For the right buyer, the 2022 Nissan Kicks can still be a smart used SUV choice in 2026. Its strongest qualities are its compact size, fuel efficiency, five-passenger seating, practical cargo area, straightforward powertrain, and useful safety technology.

However, buyers should understand its limitations. The 122-horsepower engine is adequate rather than powerful, the CVT may not appeal to drivers who prefer traditional automatic transmissions, and the lack of available AWD limits its appeal for people who regularly deal with difficult winter conditions.

Because these vehicles are now several years old, condition matters more than trim badges alone. Before buying, inspect the CVT, engine, brakes, suspension, tires, air-conditioning system, electrical equipment, and underbody. A complete service history is also valuable. Check the vehicle identification number for any outstanding recalls or manufacturer campaigns and have a qualified mechanic inspect an example that you are seriously considering.

The Kicks originally came with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty, meaning most 2022 examples will now be outside their original factory coverage.

Final Verdict on the 2022 Nissan Kicks

The 2022 Nissan Kicks makes the most sense for drivers who value practicality and efficiency over outright performance. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, 33-mpg combined fuel economy, five-seat cabin, 25.3-cubic-foot cargo capacity, and extensive safety technology create a well-rounded package for everyday driving.

In 2026, its age can actually be an advantage for used-car shoppers who want a modern-looking small crossover without paying new-vehicle prices. The S, SV, and SR trims provide different equipment levels, while the consistent front-wheel-drive powertrain keeps the lineup relatively simple.

Ultimately, the best 2022 Kicks is not necessarily the one with the highest trim level. A well-maintained example with reasonable mileage, clean history, good tires, and documented servicing is likely to be a better purchase than a neglected higher-spec model. For urban commuters, first-time SUV buyers, and drivers searching for an economical used crossover, the 2022 Nissan Kicks remains a vehicle worth considering in 2026.