DecodedCars2023 Nissan Kicks
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 31 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 169.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,692 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2023 midsize car (27 MPG).
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Nissan Kicks is a midsize car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 170 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,692 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (31 city / 36 highway), 22% better than the 2023 midsize car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the forward collision avoidance.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Kicks — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Kicks →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Aguascalientes, Ags.
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2023 Kicks configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 169.7 in | 69.3 in | 63.4 in | 103.1 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 2,692 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kicks | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 36 / 33 | +22% | $2,050 | 269 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Nissan Kicks Later Release SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2023 Nissan Kicks Early Release SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2023 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Nissan Kicks (this car) | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Nissan Leaf | 212 mi | Not rated | 3 |
| 2023 MINI Countryman | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Kia Rio | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 MINI Clubman | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mazda MX-30 | 100 mi | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota Prius Prime | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 27, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V154000 · 351 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD104, and PMA34.
Not every 2023 Nissan Kicks is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Nissan Kicks buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 4 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 64,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Nissan Kicks. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Kicks years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kicks | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Kicks | 31 | 172 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2025 Kicks | 33 | 172 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 42 |
| 2024 Kicks | 33 | 169.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 40 |
| 2022 Kicks | 33 | 169.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 24 |
| 2021 Kicks | 33 | 169.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 78 |
| 2020 Kicks | 33 | 169.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 98 |
| 2019 Kicks | 33 | 169.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 134 |
| 2018 Kicks | 33 | – | Not rated | 1 | 86 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →