There isn't a lot to state when we are discussing the engine of subcompact SUVs. Talking about the 2019 Nissan Kicks, it's powered by the familiar 1.6-liter inline-4 engine that churns out 125 hp and 115 lb-ft of torque. The Kicks however is an aggressively priced product and is focused towards the market. Keeping this fact in mind, the Kicks' engine doesn't disappoint when taking this fact into consideration and is the least powerful among the competition.
It has the least motor output in the class when you see it on paper but that compromise has been done to favor better fuel efficiency figures. With regards to power to weight ratio, the Kicks does nicely well and the engine ensures that the Kicks doesn't run out of breath when performing that odd overtaking maneuver. Though at higher speeds, the engine does seem to struggle, under city driving conditions, power comes in smooth and quick and the engine feels very refined.
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Models
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Nissan Kicks S suv
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Honda HR-V LX suv
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Hyundai Kona SE suv
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MSRP
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$18,540
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$21,515
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$21,035
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Engine
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1.6-liter inline-4
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1.8-liter inline-4
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2.0-liter inline-4
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Transmission
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Continuously variable automatic
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Continuously variable automatic
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6 Speed automatic
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm)
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125 @ 5800
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141 @ 6500
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147 @ 6200
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Torque (ft-lbs @ rpm)
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115 @ 4000
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127 @ 4300
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132 @ 4500
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A CVT Transmission comes in as the only transmission option for the 2019 Kicks which is a typical CVT nonetheless. The transmission is quick and smooth in its power disposal but is too rushed as every other CVT. Nissan Engineers have done well, when it comes to keeping the "Rubber band Effect" at the minimum level in the Kicks. The transmission system still has room for improvements and hopefully, we might see them in the upcoming model years.
Acceleration
The Kicks isn't the best Car, to do 0-60 sprints and the motor hasn't been tuned to do the same. However, when coming off a Red Light, the Kicks' motor doesn't feel that slow. Pulling off the overtaking maneuvers won't be a tough task and slot the Kicks in the right gear and the Kicks won't disappoint you.
When floored harder, a 2019 Nissan Kicks would pull from 0-60 MPH in 9.9 seconds. Thats surely not fast by any means, but sees to be fine when you just start considering its price, segment, powertrain and ambitions. While its feels energetic down the lower rom range, it grapples for more power in the higher range.
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Models
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Nissan Kicks S suv
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Honda HR-V LX suv
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Hyundai Kona SE suv
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0-60 MPH (sec)
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9.9
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9.3
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10.0
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Quarter mile (sec)
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17.6
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17.3
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17.3
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Engine
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1.6-liter inline-4
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1.8-liter inline-4
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2.0-liter inline-4
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Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
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5.3
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6.0
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6.6
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Other rival SUVs in the segment have similar acceleration figures where the Honda HR-V takes a small lead over the other two. The Honda HR-V does the 0-60 MPH task in slightly better 9.3 seconds. However, that still seems like ages from behind the wheels. People looking for a faster accelerating sub-compact SUv can upgrade to a Buick Encore but that would cost you some extra dollars for sure.
Ride and Handling
The Nissan Kicks offers very disciplined ride quality for its class and floats over all undulations and potholes effortlessly. The suspension guarantees the ride quality isn't startling or unsteady and is a standout amongst the competition. The Steering anyway isn't one of the qualities of the Kicks. It is a run of the mill Nissan in feel and it implies that it doesn't offer much feel and feedback at Slow City speeds.
When you accelerate however, the Electronic Steering weighs up well and offers better input.One of the beneficial things in the Kicks is its Turning Radius, which is likewise among the Best in the Segment. It makes taking U-Turns a Breeze and without much fuss aided by the electronic steering again.
Braking
Well, you don't expect outstanding braking setup in the segment for sure. The 2019 Nissan Kicks is no different in that regard. The sub-compact SUV gets 4-wheel disc brakes and ABS that helps it stop from 60-0 MPH in 133 feet. The brake pedal is neither firm nor too soft and has a good bite and responsiveness into it.
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Model
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Nissan Kicks S suv
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Honda HR-V LX suv
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Hyundai Kona SE suv
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Brake Front (in.)
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10.2
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11.5
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11
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Brake Rear (in.)
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8.0
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11.1
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10.3
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Curb Weight (lbs.)
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2639
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2902
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2890
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60-0 MPH (ft.)
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133
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127
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175 (70-0)
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Among the competition here, the other rivals are similarly equipped in terms of braking apparatus. However, with a larger set of discs at the front and rear, the Honda HR-V turns out to be the most efficient stopper with a 60-0 stopping distance of 127 feet. That number doesn't sways much than that of the Kicks for sure.
