Crossover Nissan Kicks The 2023 model has become one of the most talked about vehicles in the compact city SUV segment. After restyling, the model acquired not only an updated design, but also improved technical characteristics, which made it even more attractive to Russian buyers. In this article we will look at all the key aspects: from engines and transmissions to real owner reviews and comparisons with main competitors - Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos And Toyota Corolla Cross.
We will pay special attention to the changes for 2023: new 1.6 liter engine with the system DIG-S, an upgraded suspension for better handling on Russian roads, as well as an expanded list of options in top trim levels. If you are planning a purchase Kicks or are simply interested in the latest news on the car market - here you will find answers to all questions, including unique data on real fuel consumption in the urban cycle (from 7.2 l/100 km according to the “Behind the Wheel” tests) and nuances of service under sanctions.
Technical characteristics of Nissan Kicks 2023: engines, transmissions, suspension
In 2023 Nissan Kicks is offered with two gasoline engines adapted to Russian operating conditions. Basic 1.6 liter HR16DE (114 hp) is equipped with a distributed injection system and complies with environmental standards Euro 5. More powerful version - 1.6 DIG-S (129 hp) turbocharged - only available in conjunction with Xtronic CVT.
The transmission line includes:
- 🔧 5-speed manual transmission (only for 1.6 HR16DE)
- 🔄 Xtronic CVT with manual mode (for both engine versions)
- 🚗 All-wheel drive All-Mode 4×4-i (optional for DIG-S)
Suspension Kicks 2023 has undergone noticeable changes: the A-pillar MacPherson received reinforced silent blocks, and the rear multi-link received modified shock absorbers with increased travel. This improved the ride quality on rough roads without compromising handling. It is important to note that the ground clearance remained at the level 200 mm, which makes the car one of the highest in its class.
- 1.6 HR16DE (114 hp)
- 1.6 DIG-S (129 hp)
- All wheel drive is important to me
- I haven't decided yet
Options and prices in Russia: what has changed in 2023
In 2023 Nissan simplified the range of configurations Kicks up to three options: Comfort, Elegance And Tekna. Basic version Comfort (from RUB 1,899,000) includes:
- 🔑 2 front airbags
- 📱 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay And Android Auto
- 🔦 Halogen headlights with daytime running lights
- 🌡️ Air conditioning (without climate control)
Top Tekna (from 2,450,000 ₽) adds:
- 🚨 System ProPILOT (adaptive cruise control + lane keeping)
- 💡 LED headlights with automatic adjustment
- 🔥 Heated steering wheel, seats and windshield
- 🎵 Premium audio system Bose with 6 speakers
| Equipment | Price (₽) | Engine | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 1 899 000 | 1.6 HR16DE (114 hp) | Manual/CVT | Front |
| Elegance | 2 150 000 | 1.6 HR16DE/DIG-S | CVT | Front/Full |
| Tekna | 2 450 000 | 1.6 DIG-S (129 hp) | CVT | Full |
⚠️ Attention: From 2023 Nissan Kicks in Russia it is officially sold only with engines assembled at the plant in St. Petersburg. This means that spare parts for them will be more affordable than for imported versions, but prices for original consumables (for example, a timing belt or spark plugs) have increased by 15-20% compared to 2022.
Real fuel consumption: test data and owner reviews
Official fuel consumption data for Nissan Kicks 2023 looks optimistic: 5.9 l/100 km in a mixed cycle for version with DIG-S and a variator. However, real tests and reviews from owners show different numbers:
According to the test results of the magazine "Behind the Wheel" (March 2023):
- City cycle (Moscow, traffic jams): 9.1 l/100 km (1.6 DIG-S)
- Route (90 km/h): 5.4 l/100 km
- Mixed cycle: 7.2 l/100 km
Owners on forums note that consumption greatly depends on driving style and the quality of gasoline. For example, when using AI-95 instead of recommended AI-98 consumption increases by 0.7-1.0 l/100 km. Also CVT Xtronic requires regular oil changes (every 60,000 km), otherwise consumption may increase by 10-15%.
To reduce fuel consumption in Nissan Kicks with a CVT, avoid sudden acceleration in the first 5 minutes after starting the engine - this allows the oil in the transmission to warm up to operating temperature.
Pros and cons of Nissan Kicks 2023: an honest analysis
Like any car, Kicks has its strengths and weaknesses. Main advantages:
- 🚗 High ground clearance (200 mm) - one of the best in class
- 💺 Spacious interior (the back row is suitable for passengers up to 185 cm tall)
- 🛡️ Good sound insulation (improved in 2023 due to new door seals)
- 🔧 Simple and reliable design (maintainability is higher than that of Hyundai Creta)
The main disadvantages that owners complain about:
- 🔊Weak basic audio system (in Comfort only 4 speakers)
- 💨 CVT Xtronic may become “stupid” when overtaking (especially noticeable on the 1.6 HR16DE)
- 🛑 The braking distance is longer than that of competitors (52 m from 100 km/h versus 48 m at Kia Seltos)
- 🔋 The battery drains quickly in cold weather (the problem can be solved by installing an AGM battery)
⚠️ Attention: In versions with CVT Xtronic It is strictly not recommended to tow a trailer weighing more than 600 kg - this leads to overheating of the transmission. This point is indicated in small print in the operating instructions, but the consequences of ignoring it can cost 150,000+ rubles for repairs.
Comparison with competitors: Kicks vs Creta vs Seltos vs Corolla Cross
In the compact crossover segment Nissan Kicks competes with four major models. For clarity, let’s compare the key parameters:
| Parameter | Nissan Kicks | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic version price (₽) | 1 899 000 | 1 950 000 | 2 050 000 | 2 100 000 |
| Base engine power (hp) | 114 | 123 | 123 | 116 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 200 | 190 | 190 | 195 |
| Warranty (years/km) | 3/100 000 | 5/150 000 | 5/150 000 | 3/100 000 |
Kicks wins in price and ground clearance, but loses to Korean competitors in terms of warranty. An important advantage over Corolla Cross — the presence of all-wheel drive in top trim levels (for Toyota front only). According to owner reviews, Kicks behaves better off-road thanks to a more energy-intensive suspension, but is inferior in comfort at high speeds (over 120 km/h).
Nissan Kicks 2023 is the optimal choice for city use with rare trips into nature. If you're looking for on-road reliability or a long warranty, consider the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos.
Owner reviews: what they say after a year of operation
After analyzing the reviews on Drive2, Drome and thematic forums, we have highlighted the most frequent opinions of owners Nissan Kicks 2023:
Positive Feedback:
- 👍 "Drove 25,000 km in a year - not a single breakdown. Only maintenance and oil changes. The variator works smoothly, if you don’t accelerate when it’s cold." (Alexey, Moscow)
- 👍 "Ideal for the city: it parks like a hatchback, and the ground clearance allows you not to be afraid of curbs." (Maria, Ekaterinburg)
- 👍 "Heated steering wheel and seats in Tekna saves in winter. The battery does not fail even at -25°C." (Dmitry, Novosibirsk)
Negative feedback:
- 👎 "Noise insulation is better than Creta, but at a speed of 110+ km/h you can still hear the noise from the wheels." (Igor, Kazan)
- 👎 "Interior plastics squeak after 3 months. Door panels are especially annoying." (Olga, Samara)
- 👎 "Consumption on the highway is 6.5 l/100 km instead of the declared 5.4 l. I drive on 95th gasoline." (Sergey, Krasnodar)
Interesting fact: among the owners Kicks 2023 68% chose the version with a variator, and 32% - with mechanics. At the same time 85% respondents noted that they do not regret the purchase, despite minor shortcomings.
What problems most often arise after 50,000 km?
Owners on forums Nissan Kicks 2020-2022 models note the following typical problems that may appear in the 2023 model:
- Wear of the silent blocks of the front levers (requires replacement every 60,000 km)
- Rear gearbox oil seal leak (in versions with all-wheel drive)
- Failure of the absolute pressure sensor (symptoms: floating speed at idle)
- Corrosion of door edges in the absence of anti-corrosion treatment
Is it worth buying Nissan Kicks 2023: conclusions and recommendations
Nissan Kicks 2023 is a worthy option for those who are looking for a reliable and practical crossover for the city with the possibility of rare trips into nature. The car stands out:
- 💰 Optimal price/quality ratio (cheaper Toyota Corolla Cross with similar characteristics)
- 🛠️ Easy to maintain (parts are cheaper than the Koreans, and the design is simpler)
- 🏙️ Adaptation to Russian roads (clearance, suspension, crankcase protection)
However, there are nuances that are worth considering:
- 🔧 The variator requires careful treatment and regular maintenance
- 📉 Resale value is lower than Hyundai/Kia (after 3 years it loses ~40% of the price)
- 🔋 In frosts below -20°C, problems with starting are possible (solved by installing a pre-heater)
If you need a car “for every day” with minimal maintenance costs - Kicks will fit perfectly. For those who like dynamic driving or frequent long trips, it is better to consider Kia Seltos with 1.6 Turbo (200 hp) or Hyundai Creta with a 2.0-liter engine.
- Condition of the silent blocks of the front levers (play is not allowed)
- Oil level in the variator (must be between the MIN and MAX marks)
- System operation ProPILOT (in Tekna - parking test)
- The presence of corrosion on the sills and arches (even on new cars)
- Multimedia firmware version (current - 2.0.14 or later) -->
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2023 Nissan Kicks
❓ Which engine is more reliable: 1.6 HR16DE or 1.6 DIG-S?
Engine HR16DE (114 hp) is considered more reliable due to its simple design without a turbine. DIG-S (129 hp) is more powerful, but requires higher quality fuel (AI-98) and more often requires turbine diagnostics. According to service center statistics, HR16DE running until major overhaul 250,000+ km, whereas DIG-S - about 200,000 km.
❓ Is it possible to install gas equipment on Kicks 2023?
Officially Nissan does not recommend installing HBO on models with engines HR16DE And DIG-S due to the risk of damage to the catalyst. However, many services offer 4th generation installation with adaptation for Euro 5. Average installation cost - 50 000–70 000 ₽. Important: after installing HBO, you will have to 10,000 km check the condition of the spark plugs.
❓ Which tires are best to choose for Kicks for the winter?
Factory wheel size - 205/60 R16. For winter use, owners recommend:
- 🏔️ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (soft tires, good grip on ice)
- ❄️ Michelin X-Ice North 4 (quiet, durable)
- 🚗 Bridgestone Blizzak VRX (optimal for urban conditions)
Important: tire pressure in winter should be at 0.2 bar abovethan in summer (recommended - 2.3 bar).
❓ How much does insurance (MTPL/CASCO) cost for Kicks 2023?
Cost OSAGO for Nissan Kicks 2023 (power 114–129 hp) in Moscow is 7 000–9 000 ₽ depending on the driver's experience. CASCO will cost:
- 📄 80 000–120 000 ₽ for version Comfort
- 📄 120 000–160 000 ₽ for Tekna (due to expensive electronics)
Advice: when applying for CASCO, check whether the policy covers damage to the variator - some companies exclude the transmission from the list of risks.
❓ Where is it better to service Kicks: at an official dealer or in a third-party service?
Official service from a dealer is more expensive (for example, TO-1 costs 12 000–15 000 ₽ against 8 000–10 000 ₽ in proven services), but provides a guarantee for the work. Advantages of third-party service stations:
- ⚡ Faster registration (the dealer has a waiting list of 2–3 weeks)
- 💰 Cheaper spare parts (for example, an original oil filter costs 1,200 ₽ at a dealer and 600 ₽ in online stores)
- 🔧 Flexibility (you can use non-original consumables, for example, Mann or Bosch)
⚠️ Attention: If the car is under warranty, it is better to do some work (for example, changing the oil in the variator) at the dealer - otherwise they may refuse warranty repairs.