DecodedCars2020 Nissan Kicks
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 31 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 169.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,646 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2020 midsize car (27.6 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Nissan Kicks is a midsize car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,646 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (31 city / 36 highway), 20% better than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the forward collision avoidance.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Kicks — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Kicks →
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2020 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 | 169.3 in | 69.3 in | 61.4 in | 103.1 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 2,646 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 | +20% | $2,050 | 268 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Kicks SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2020 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Kicks (this car) | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda 3 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Yaris | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Nissan Leaf | 226 mi | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Mazda 6 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Nissan Kicks.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Nissan Kicks is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Nissan Kicks buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 29 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Electrical System — 26 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,000 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 2020 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 | 39 |
| 2023 Kicks | 33 | 169.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 18 |
| 2022 Kicks | 33 | 169.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 24 |
| 2021 Kicks | 33 | 169.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 78 |
| 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 →