Nissan is a brand that has been fighting to improve their model lineup for a while now. Between outdated models and issues with their CVTs, public perception has not been at an all-time high. However, one thing that they certainly have gotten right, is that their newer gas-powered engines are extremely efficient.

A perfect example of this is the 2024 Nissan Kicks. This subcompact SUV comes standard with a 1.6-liter engine that helps it achieve higher fuel economy figures than any other SUV on the market. This is an incredibly impressive feat given the number of rivals invested in producing super-efficient powertrains.

We explore Nissan’s subcompact offering, dissecting the little four-cylinder engine under its hood and what makes it so efficient. We also take a look at some of the Kicks’ closest competitors and how they fare in comparison. We also briefly look at the changes that Nissan has in store for the 2025 model year and how this could affect efficiency.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Nissan websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, and Car And Driver.

The Nissan Kicks Can Achieve Up To 33 Miles Per Gallon Combined

The Nissan Kicks markets itself as being an affordable and functional option in the subcompact segment. One of the big parts of being affordable is fuel economy. Not only is the Kicks affordable to buy, but its efficient powertrain ensures that the savings transition into your daily life.

Performance

Nissan has powered the 2024 Kicks using a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine. This engine certainly isn't a performance powerhouse, and the Kicks is actually one of the slowest new cars on the road. Car And Driver managed to get the Kicks from zero to 60 miles per hour in a leisurely 9.7 seconds.

The Kicks doesn't need to be quick, though. It embraces its identity as an affordable subcompact SUV and offers value before performance. Nissan's Kicks is targeted at people who want a smooth and comfortable experience getting from A to B, but don't want to have to spend a lot of money on their car. Hence why only front-wheel drive is offered.

Fuel Economy

Nissan only offers the Kicks in one drivetrain and powertrain combo. This works to achieve some impressive fuel economy figures, though, with the Kicks easily breaking the 30 miles per gallon mark. The compact SUV is most efficient on long hauls, as is usually the case with gas-powered cars, but its efficiency in city environments is still pretty impressive.

Helping the Nissan Kicks achieve its high levels of efficiency is a continuously variable transmission. While Nissan has a wobbly past with the transmission layout, they've had a long time to perfect it and their investment has really started paying off in recent times. One of the benefits of CVTs is that they are generally more fuel-efficient.

Nissan’s Kicks Is One Of The Most Affordable New SUVs You Can Buy

Like many of its subcompact competitors, the main idea behind the Kicks is to offer high levels of value at an affordable price tag. This is something that Nissan truly achieves with their little SUV. It is one of the cheapest new SUVs that you can buy, yet still comes with plenty of desirable equipment.

Trim Levels

Nissan makes selecting a trim level a simple affair, offering three different variations of the 2024 Kicks. The cheapest of which starts incredibly close to the $20,000 mark, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. Even in its base form, Nissan has packed the Kicks with enough equipment to make it a great value proposition.

While the S comes with plenty of driver-assist tech as standard, the SV offers a decent amount of equipment for the small price jump between the two trims. It offers the newest eight-inch infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control, and 17-inch wheels. We'd avoid the SV model as most of the additional equipment is superficial; buying a Kicks and opting for sporty interior trim pieces seems like a waste of money and opposite to the point of the small SUV.

Features

On the inside, the Kicks is minimalist and features an easy-to-use layout. Its interior may not be as stylish as its exterior, but it is decently comfortable. Even those relegated to the back seats won't have too much to complain about, as there is ample room, unlike in some of Nissan's rivals. Cargo space is also abundant.

Technology is where the Kicks shines though. While its base seven-inch infotainment system is a little outdated, if you spring for models with the eight-inch screen, you'll see much improvement. Driver assist tech is the biggest area where the Kicks performs, with Nissan's full suite of safety features being offered on the Kicks and tons of it even coming on the standard S.

Nissan Also Holds Second Place With The Rogue Compact SUV

Nissan technically actually has another SUV which is almost as efficient as the Kicks. The Rogue is the second most efficient SUV in 2024 and sits right behind the Kicks despite its larger size. With its recent makeover, it's also more modern than the Kicks and may be a good option for those looking for slightly higher levels of practicality.

Performance

Compared to the Kicks, the Rogue is a performance powerhouse. Despite having a smaller three-cylinder engine, the Rogue utilizes a turbocharger to make almost 100 more horsepower than its smaller cousin. If you're looking for something efficient that produces a little more oomph than the Kicks, then the Rogue is a great option.

Paired with the 1.5-liter three-cylinder is a continuously variable transmission, which helps the Rogue in its overall efficiency. Unlike the Kicks, which is front-wheel drive only, the Rogue can also come with an all-wheel drive system. Car and Driver managed to race the Rogue from zero to 60 miles an hour in an acceptable eight seconds.

Fuel Economy

Comparatively, the Rogue actually achieves the same combined fuel economy that the Kicks does, they just perform better in different areas. Where the Kicks is more efficient than the Rogue in the city by one extra mile per gallon, the Rogue earns that mile per gallon back in highway driving. This means that if you're confined to the city limits, you'll find the Kicks more efficient, but if you frequently travel long distances, the Rogue will get better fuel economy.

The front-wheel drive models are decently more efficient than the all-wheel drive models, which drop two miles per gallon in every category. Be aware that opting for the more expensive trims also affects the overall economy, with the SL and Platinum being slightly less efficient than the cheaper models.

The 2025 Kicks Gets A Revamp And A New Powertrain

Recently, Nissan previewed the next generation of their cheap and cheerful subcompact SUV. For the 2025 model year, it gets bigger inside and out, it comes with more tech, and it features a brand-new powertrain. This new engine hasn't been tested for efficiency yet, but there is no doubt that it'll be different from the outgoing 2024 model.

The New Engine

For the 2025 model year, the Kicks gets a new two-liter inline-four. Gone is the old and outdated 1.6-liter engine, and Nissan is moving forward toward the future. This new unit also produces 38 more horsepower, which is not negligible in a car of this size. Torque is also up by a substantial amount.

We can't say for certain just how different the efficiency of the Kicks will be in the 2025 model year, but there is some good information to go off of. A similar powertrain currently powers the Nissan Sentra, making a little more power in the sedan. The Sentra achieves a maximum 34 miles per gallon combined.