Is the Nissan Kicks a subcompact SUV or a compact SUV?
3 Answers
Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV, a five-door, five-seater SUV model. The dimensions of the Nissan Kicks are 4295 mm in length, 1760 mm in width, and 1588 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2620 mm, meeting the standards of a subcompact SUV. It features a MacPherson strut independent suspension at the front and a torsion beam non-independent suspension at the rear. The Nissan Kicks is equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine across all variants, with the engine code HR15. This engine delivers a maximum power of 90 kW and a maximum torque of 143 Nm. It incorporates TCV technology and multi-point fuel injection, and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT transmission.
I've driven my friend's Nissan Kicks a few times and found it particularly agile and easy to park in the city. It's about 4.3 meters long, not too big, and classified as a subcompact SUV, not a compact one. Think of compact SUVs like the X-Trail, which is nearly 4.6 meters long with more space, making it better for family road trips. The Kicks has a wheelbase of around 2620mm, so the interior is relatively compact, but it’s fuel-efficient—perfect for city commuting, with fuel consumption as low as just over 6L/100km. That’s a big advantage for new drivers or commuters. Plus, it’s affordable, with entry-level configurations staying within budget, and parking spots are easy to find. Overall, it’s positioned as an urban subcompact SUV.
In my opinion, from the perspective of automotive size standards, the Nissan Kicks is undoubtedly a representative of compact SUVs. With a body length of approximately 4.3 meters, it is significantly shorter than the mainstream 4.5-4.7 meter range of compact SUVs. The wheelbase is designed around 2620mm, making it more suitable for short-distance driving and urban navigation, unlike compact SUVs that prioritize spaciousness. Additionally, the engine power is relatively modest, providing smooth but not powerful acceleration in daily driving, coupled with high fuel efficiency, which aligns with the positioning of a compact SUV. I have compared it with other models, such as the Honda HR-V, which is also a compact SUV, both emphasizing economy and practicality. The Kicks has a low entry-level price, targeting young drivers, offering a relaxed driving experience and flexible parking and turning.
