Choosing your first crossover should feel exciting, not overwhelming. The 2026 Nissan Kicks simplifies the decision with a well-equipped package that includes standard safety technology, modern connectivity, and practical design. Starting at $27,198 MSRP, the Kicks S grade delivers standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, Intelligent Cruise Control, all-LED exterior lighting, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For young professionals and students in Waterloo looking for a compact crossover that fits both city driving and Ontario winters, the Kicks balances value with capability.
The 2026 Kicks offers three grades—S, SV, and SR—each built around a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive provides added traction for snowy commutes around the University of Waterloo campus or trips to Kitchener and Cambridge.
Standard Safety Technology on Every Kicks
Nissan Safety Shield 360 comes standard on all Kicks grades, including S. This suite of driver-assistance features includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist. Predictive Forward Collision Warning and rear sonar are also standard across the lineup.
Intelligent Cruise Control is standard on the S and SV grades, maintaining a set speed and following distance on highways. The SR grade takes safety a step further with ProPILOT Assist, which adds steering assistance to help keep the driver centred in their lane, making highway driving simpler. The SR grade also includes Lane Departure Prevention, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, front sonar, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intersection Assist.
Connectivity and Infotainment
All Kicks grades feature a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The system integrates with your smartphone to access navigation, music, messaging, and apps without needing to plug in a cable. Two front USB Type-C ports come standard, and the SR grade adds two rear USB Type-C ports.
The SV and SR grades include a wireless phone charging pad, keeping your device powered during commutes without cable clutter. The SR grade also features ambient LED lighting and a touch-sensitive climate control panel for a more refined interior.
Best-in-Class Cargo Space
The 2026 Kicks offers 849.5 litres of cargo space behind the second row in front-wheel-drive models, or 676.8 litres in all-wheel-drive configurations. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity expands to 1,699.6 litres (FWD) or 1,418.7 litres (AWD). This makes the Kicks one of the most practical compact crossovers for hauling groceries, sports equipment, or weekend luggage.
The Kicks also provides 214.2 millimetres of ground clearance, offering confidence when navigating rough roads or snow-covered parking lots. A standard drive mode selector lets you choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport modes (Snow mode is available with AWD), allowing you to tailor the driving experience to conditions.
Exterior Design and Lighting
All Kicks grades come with all-LED exterior lighting, including headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. LED lighting provides better visibility in low-light conditions while using less energy than traditional halogen bulbs.
The S grade comes with 6.5 x 16-inch steel wheels with covers, while the SV grade upgrades to 7.0 x 17-inch steel wheels with covers (alloy wheels are optional). The SR grade features 7.0 x 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, with optional 7.5 x 19-inch alloy wheels available.
Key Features by Grade
- S Grade (from $27,198 MSRP): Nissan Safety Shield 360, Intelligent Cruise Control, 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all-LED exterior lighting, rear sonar, two front USB Type-C ports, 214.2 mm ground clearance
- SV Grade (from $28,748 MSRP): Adds wireless phone charging, two rear USB Type-C ports, heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror
- SR Grade (from $33,548 MSRP): Adds ProPILOT Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Intervention, front sonar, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Around View Monitor, ambient LED lighting, touch-sensitive climate control, 12.3-inch colour meter
Available Bose Personal Plus Audio System
The SR grade offers an available Bose Personal Plus audio system with 10 speakers, including front-seat headrest speakers. This system delivers clear sound throughout the cabin and allows the driver to direct phone calls or navigation directions only to the front seat, reducing distraction for rear passengers.
Fuel Economy for Ontario Driving
The 2026 Kicks delivers fuel economy ratings of up to 8.1 L/100 km city and 6.6 L/100 km highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models are rated at 8.5 L/100 km city and 6.9 L/100 km highway. These ratings help keep ownership costs manageable for students and young professionals navigating daily commutes around Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo.
At a Glance: 2026 Nissan Kicks Value Features
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Feature
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Details
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Starting Price
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$27,198 MSRP (S FWD)
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Engine
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2.0 L 4-cylinder, 141 hp, 140 lb-ft torque
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Standard Safety
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Nissan Safety Shield 360 on all grades
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Intelligent Cruise Control
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Standard on S and SV grades
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Touchscreen
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12.3-inch with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Cargo Space (FWD)
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849.5 litres (seats up), 1,699.6 litres (seats down)
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Ground Clearance
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214.2 mm
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All-Wheel Drive
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Available with Snow drive mode
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Lighting
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All-LED exterior lighting (standard)
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Fuel Economy (FWD)
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8.1 city / 6.6 highway L/100 km
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Explore the 2026 Nissan Kicks at Waterloo Nissan
The 2026 Nissan Kicks brings together safety, space, and connectivity in a compact crossover designed for Ontario drivers. From standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 and Intelligent Cruise Control to best-in-class cargo space and available all-wheel drive, the Kicks offers practical features at a manageable size. Visit our team right here in Waterloo to learn more about how the Kicks fits into your daily routine.
