As a result of the 2021 Kicks is only a facelifted model, it drives nearly identically to the outgoing model. Householders of the pre-facelift Kicks might be conscious the improved stopping power courtesy of the model new rear disc brakes on SV and SR fashions and one other minor adjustments, though. The Kicks nonetheless rides on Nissan’s V-Platform, which might be shared with the Versa sedan. This suggests it misses out on the fantastic unbiased rear suspension found on the larger Sentra with its CMF-C/D platform. The simpler twist beam setup ends in bumpier expertise comfort and fewer agile coping with, nevertheless on the worth degree, the Kicks is ample. We not at all felt identical to the suspension jarred us on robust roads, which is spectacular for an affordable car.
With no all-wheel-drive selection, the Kicks seemingly is not going to shine in snow driving nevertheless its gentle curb weight ought to take care of it from struggling on snow-packed roads. That gentle curb weight retains the Kicks feeling spry, though it’s highly effective to learn from the auto’s surprisingly nimble coping with with the overly assisted steering. The wheel turns with minimal effort, making parking maneuvers easy whereas stripping away the driving enjoyment. Nissan hides a sport mode with an unmarked button on the shifter, nevertheless all it does is drop the transmission ratios to supply greater engine responsiveness. At its worth degree, the Kicks delivers a comfy and satisfying driving experience with none surprises.
