The 2018 Nissan Kicks is a high-riding compact hatchback, but its spec sheet doesn't look very thrilling.The 2018 Nissan Kicks is a far more conventional crossover than its Juke predecessor. That doesn't mean it's a dullard in the looks department, though.
Pros Distinctive styling Standard automatic emergency braking City-size dimensions
Cons Decidedly short on power No AWD? Could be a great value
Replacing the Juke at the small end of Nissan’s SUV lineup, the Kicks is a cheeky entry into the subcompact-crossover class. The sole engine is a 125-hp four-cylinder mated with a CVT and front-wheel drive, so it loses the turbocharged Juke’s fun factor, but it attempts to make up for that with more interior space and plenty of features. Forward-collision warning and autonomous emergency braking are standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional. It goes on sale in June 2018. Despite the jump in size, Nissan hasn’t seen fit to augment anything under the hood. In fact, it has done exactly the opposite by installing a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline-four in the Kicks as the sole powerplant. It produces a paltry 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, down 63 ponies and 62 lb-ft compared with the Juke’s turbocharged 1.6-liter unit. Further sapping the fun, the Kicks comes only with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Nissan has introduced the newest member of its lineup, the 2018 Kicks, which slots into Nissan's SUV lineup below the Rogue Sport. It hits dealerships in summer 2018.
We're not sure what the introduction of another small utility vehicle means for Nissan's existing subcompact SUV, the Juke. There's no official word from Nissan yet on the Juke's fate, but if I had to guess, it's just a matter of time before the Kicks ... well, kicks the Juke to the curb.
The Kicks will be offered in three trim levels: Kicks S, Kicks SV and Kicks SR.
The 2018 Nissan Kicks ranked #7 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Nissan Kicks has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 10 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent fuel economy Low base price Plenty of standard and optional features Ample cargo space
Cons Somewhat weak engine Rear seats don't fold flat
The 2018 Honda Civic is a good car made better by plenty of options and value at nearly every stop.
Pros Sharp style in every body Incredible value across lineup Great turbocharged engines Stellar safety record Impressive fuel economy
Cons Buzzy base engine Breathtaking number of trims Boy-racer look on some models The Si could use more power
The 2018 Honda Civic ranked #3 in Compact Cars. Currently the Honda Civic has a score of 8.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 40 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros High-grade cabin Plentiful cargo space Spacious seats Great fuel economy Comfortable ride and agile handling
Cons Available infotainment system is tricky to use
For 2018, Honda has tinkered with the availability of certain features. Overall, though, the Civic is unchanged.For mainstream Civic buyers, we think the extra power and fuel economy of the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine make it one of the Civic's best options.
PROS Excellent fuel economy and performance from turbocharged engines Ride quality expertly balances comfort and athleticism Many available advanced technology and safety features Roomy cabin with high-quality materials
CONS Slow-responding adaptive cruise control system Overly vigilant forward collision warning system is frustrating Touchscreen interface is confusing and slow to respond to inputs
