Let’s start with the obvious confusion—because if you’re confused, you’re not alone. Nissan completely redesigned the Kicks for 2025, giving us the sharper, more SUV-like 2026 Nissan Kicks you see here today. But instead of retiring the old model, they kept it alive under a new name: the Kicks Play.
Now, the original Kicks has been around since the 2018 model year, which in some automotive lifecycle/body-style terms is basically a full career. So why keep it around? Simple—because it still makes money. The tooling is paid off, production costs are low, and margins are likely very healthy. In other words, the Kicks Play is that dependable employee who’s already paid off their house and just keeps showing up to work.
Expect the Kicks Play to stick around for at least another couple of years, primarily as an entry-level, budget-friendly option. It also gives Nissan a two-tier strategy: the Play for price-conscious buyers, and the new Kicks for those who want modern styling, AWD, and updated tech. Important note for shoppers, this is not a trim level. These are two completely different vehicles wearing similar name tags.
What Shines: Snow Problem? What Snow Problem?
Let’s get right into the good stuff. My first drive in the Kicks SV AWD happened during a proper Canadian snowstorm—because of course it did—and honestly, it couldn’t have been a better test.
The Intelligent AWD system? Fantastic.
No winter tires? Still composed.
Snow Mode dial discovered mid-drive? Immediate confidence boost.
This system doesn’t just exist for marketing, it works. And in a segment where AWD systems can range from “helpful” to “why bother,” this one lands firmly in the “actually useful” category.
Other highlights include:
- Modern tech & connectivity: Nothing revolutionary, but solid, intuitive, and competitive. No learning curve headaches here.
- Safety & driver assist features: Full suite included—not hidden behind expensive packages. That’s becoming rare, and it matters.
- Bose Personal Plus audio: Surprisingly punchy for a vehicle in this class. Your Spotify playlists will thank you.
- Size perception: The new Kicks feels bigger than it is—borderline Nissan Rogue vibes without the added bulk or price.
- 2.0L engine: For buyers who equate engine size with confidence, this checks a psychological box. Bigger number = better… even if that’s not always reality.
The Let Downs: Not All Kicks Land Cleanly
Now, let’s balance things out—because no vehicle is perfect, and the Kicks has a few areas worth noting.
- Power delivery: That 2.0L 4-cylinder? It’s… fine. But “fine” isn’t exactly thrilling. Off-the-line acceleration feels sluggish, and highway passing requires some planning, especially with AWD adding weight.
- Crash test chatter: While packed with safety features, the actual crash test scores aren’t class-leading. For some buyers, that’s a dealbreaker, even if it’s more about perception than real-world concern.
- CVT transmission: Smooth? Yes. Engaging? Not so much. It does its job quietly, but it may also be contributing to that underwhelming acceleration feel. Think snowmobile, not sports sedan.
On the Road: Calm, Composed, and Surprisingly Confident
Out on the road, the Kicks delivers a driving experience that leans heavily toward comfort and control. The ride is smooth and well-damped, soaking up rough pavement without complaint, while the added weight of the AWD system actually works in its favour at highway speeds—giving it a planted, muscular feel. Steering is predictable, and cornering is more confident than you’d expect from a subcompact crossover. It’s not sporty, but it’s far from clumsy. In fact, it’s the kind of vehicle that quietly reassures you the longer you drive it.
Pricing & Value: Courtesy of CarCostCanada
Here’s how the 2026 Kicks lineup breaks down:
- S FWD: $27,198
- SV FWD: $28,948
- S AWD: $29,498
- SV AWD: $31,248
- SR AWD: $33,748
My tester—the SV AWD—came in at $33,398 pre-tax after freight and fees.
Now, let’s translate that into real-world language: monthly payments.
- Lease: ~$411/month + tax (60 months, 2.9%, 20,000 km/year, $0 down)
- Finance: ~$462/month (84 months, 4.4%) – need to put the sales tax down.
That’s strong value for a well-equipped AWD crossover. And according to the folks at LeaseBusters, these are solid performers in the lease transfer market—which tells you something about real-world demand.
Quick tip: avoid financing sales tax unless rates are ultra-low. Depreciation plus tax equals a financial headache if you need out early.
The Competition: A Knife Fight in a Phone Booth
This segment is brutally competitive. The Kicks SV AWD goes head-to-head with:
- Hyundai Kona Preferred AWD – $31,249
- Mazda CX-30 GS AWD – $32,200
- Toyota Corolla Cross LE AWD – $31,905
- Honda HR-V LX AWD – $32,600
Notice anything? They’re all within a few hundred bucks of each other. Same size, same mission, same price war.
Every brand is looking for that edge—whether it’s better financing, more inventory, a slightly bigger engine, or a feature advantage. The Kicks fights back with strong AWD performance, solid tech, and aggressive pricing.
Final Thoughts: Smart, Sensible… and Slightly Split Personality
The 2026 Nissan Kicks SV AWD is a smart, well-rounded crossover that delivers where it matters most for Canadian buyers—confidence in bad weather, practical features, and strong value.
Is it exciting? Not really.
Is it effective? Absolutely.
And when you factor in Nissan’s two-pronged approach with the Kicks Play, it becomes clear this isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a strategy. One for the budget buyer, one for the modern crossover shopper.
Just make sure you know which Kicks tires you’re kicking before you drop the hammer.
James Matthews is the President, General Manager and Co-Founder of LeaseBusters. James launched LeaseBusters in 1990 and is considered one of Canada’s leading experts on new vehicle leases, lease-take-overs and vehicle lease (re)marketing. James can be reached directly at jmatthews at leasebusters.com
