The 2026 Nissan Kicks has officially arrived in Canada, bringing with it a host of significant upgrades aimed at modernizing this compact crossover SUV for today’s drivers. Designed for urban explorers, first-time SUV owners, and budget-conscious Canadians, the new Kicks delivers enhanced size, comfort, technology, and—most importantly for many—available all-wheel drive. This in-depth review covers everything you need to know about the 2026 Kicks: from performance and design to features, trims, and real-world practicality.
For 2026, Nissan continues with the second generation of the Kicks, first introduced globally in 2024. In this new version, the Kicks undergoes a complete redesign. It’s now longer, wider, and taller than the previous generation. The 2026 model gains 71 mm in length, 41 mm in width, and 20 mm in height. The wheelbase also grows by 50 mm, enhancing interior space and improving handling stability.
These updates are not just cosmetic. The changes result in a noticeably larger interior and more cargo capacity, making the Kicks more versatile than ever before. In a segment often criticized for tight rear seating, the 2026 Kicks offers increased legroom and improved rear passenger comfort, all while remaining easy to maneuver in city traffic and parking.
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the introduction of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder direct-injection engine. This new powertrain produces 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the outgoing 1.6-litre engine, drivers can expect more responsive acceleration and smoother highway merging.
Nissan continues to pair this engine with its well-known Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provides a balanced mix of smoothness and fuel efficiency. For the first time in the Kicks’ history, Canadian buyers can now opt for Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This makes the 2026 Kicks far more suitable for driving in Canadian winters, where snow, slush, and ice are common.
Limited Time Automotive Amazon DealsEstimated fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model is around 6.4 L/100 km combined, while the AWD variant is expected to add a slight increase—likely in the range of 7.0 to 7.5 L/100 km depending on driving habits and climate.
Step inside the 2026 Kicks and you’re greeted with a refreshed cabin that feels more upscale than previous models. The dash layout is clean and functional, and higher trims include stitched materials, upgraded finishes, and soft-touch surfaces.
Standard across the lineup is a dual-screen setup: a 7-inch digital driver display and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Higher trims, such as the SR, come equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and a fully digital instrument cluster of the same size.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on most trims, making connectivity simple and cable-free. There are multiple USB-C ports available, and an optional wireless charging pad is offered for added convenience.
One of the standout features in higher trims is the optional Bose Personal Plus audio system. This includes UltraNearfield speakers built directly into the front headrests, delivering an immersive sound experience rarely found in this price category.
Despite its compact size, the 2026 Kicks offers generous cargo space. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find roughly 850 litres of cargo capacity. Fold those seats flat, and the space expands to nearly 1,700 litres—plenty for weekend getaways, sports gear, or a big grocery haul.
The rear seats split 60/40, and the load floor can be adjusted for either a flatter base or a deeper storage area. This type of flexibility makes the Kicks an ideal choice for buyers who need urban practicality with occasional cargo needs.
Safety is a major focus for Nissan, and the 2026 Kicks is no exception. All trims come standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360. This includes:
In upper trims, you’ll also find features like Adaptive Cruise Control and ProPILOT Assist, Nissan’s semi-autonomous highway driving system that helps maintain lane positioning and speed relative to traffic.
The Kicks also achieved strong crash-test ratings and includes ten airbags standard, making it one of the safer choices in the subcompact SUV segment.
While final Canadian pricing for the 2026 model year has not been officially announced, it is expected to remain close to the 2025 price structure, which started around $28,000 CAD for the base S trim and topped out near $35,000 CAD for a fully loaded SR AWD model.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what Canadian customers can expect:
These prices are competitive when compared to rivals like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Toyota C-HR, and Honda HR-V—especially when considering the Kicks’ now-standard safety features and available AWD.
Owners of the second-generation Kicks, including the 2025 model, have praised its fuel economy, urban maneuverability, and updated tech. Those living in areas with harsh winters have expressed excitement over the introduction of AWD, long considered a missing piece.
The driving experience remains more comfort-focused than sporty, but for most Canadians prioritizing value, safety, and winter readiness, the 2026 Kicks strikes the right balance.
If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient, tech-savvy subcompact SUV with AWD and modern features, the 2026 Nissan Kicks should be at the top of your list. It checks all the boxes for daily drivers, first-time SUV buyers, and young families who want more space and safety without breaking the bank.
With its expanded size, available AWD, excellent safety ratings, and new digital interface, the 2026 Kicks is a massive leap forward for Nissan—and for Canadian drivers looking for value-packed versatility.
