Nissan’s Juke got a replacement in North America. Now, we are asking ourselves why anyone would do that. The newcomer is slower, it lacks power, and it’s definitely less attractive, plus the outgoing SUV offers more space inside. The only advantage may be better equipment, but the Japanese car manufacturer could offer the kit inside of the Juke instead of introducing the 2018 Nissan Kicks.
The new subcompact is new for North America, yet not worldwide. The carmaker introduced the high-riding vehicle back in 2016 in Brazil. The U.S. model won’t get anything new to offer, at least not right away.
Where’s Power?
The worse part of the 2018 Kicks is definitely the powertrain. The SUV, if we may call it that way, is featuring a 1.6-liter I-4 engine capable of delivering 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, which puts it at almost the last place in the segment. Though, the combined fuel economy of 33 mpg may improve the overall impression just a little bit. Still, compared to Juke’s 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, the 2018 Nissan Kicks really seems to be a turtle. This is not the only trouble. No sir, because the engine comes strictly paired with CVT and without all-wheel drive.
Worthy Equipment
Okay, this is enough of bad news for today. The upcoming crossover does have some advantages. There will be three available trims and all three offer some exceptional features. For instance, the base 2018 Nissan Kicks hosts automatic emergency braking, which you can’t find anywhere else at the moment. The starting option also gets 7.0-inch infotainment and three USB ports, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Not bad for a starter at all.
The mid-ranged Kicks SV SUV offers everything as the base model, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and blind sport monitoring. You will find inside a proximity key with a remote engine start and a rear cross-traffic alert, while the standard 16-inch wheels make space for bigger 17-inch alloys.
At last, the topping SR version hosts fog lamps and LED headlights. A 360-degree camera is standard here, while a pair of 2.5-inch speakers improves the driver’s sound because they lie into the headrest. We don’t have to spend our time on explaining how amazing the Bose Personal Plus audio system, which is a standard option as well.
Reasonable Price Range
It’s pretty clear that the 2018 Nissan Kicks isn’t going to be the topping option in the subcompact segment because it needs something better under the hood. Still, with its starting price below $19,000, the crossover may have a decent sale. The carmaker hasn’t set the base price yet, but our insider claims that it will range between $19,000 and $25,000 depending on equipment.
