Kicks

With its sneaker-inspired styling and bright paint-color options, the 2026 Nissan Kicks is among the more playful designs in the subcompact SUV segment. Its cabin is reasonably spacious, modern-looking, and uncluttered, and the infotainment system is easy to use. Though not as fuel-efficient as the last-gen model—which Nissan still sells as the Kicks Play—the 2026 Kicks is the better performer overall, thanks in part to its higher-output engine. It can’t keep pace with rivals like the Mazda CX-30 or Volkswagen Taos, but it should serve most commuters just fine. Plus, it’s available with all-wheel drive, which not only helps with traction but, in this model, brings with it a more compliant strut-type rear suspension than the front-drive version’s torsion-beam setup.