Although there are no major changes for the 2022 Kicks, this compact crossover rides on its seemingly endless fun-factors. This week-long test driver loved the responsive steering for easy parking and easy U-turning (curb-to-curb turning diameter is slightly more than 34 feet). The tested Nissan Kicks SR kicked out the jams with driver headrest speakers among the 8-speaker audio system in the Premium Package. (This Kicks SR package option also provides heated front seats, heated steering wheel, tonneau cover, Nissan Connect with Wi-Fi Hotspot, and more.)

Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that pushes out 122 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 114 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Engine mates to a continuously variable transmission. Front wheel drive Kicks is sold in three trims: S, SV and SR. Among the standard fare list for all trims is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as the Nissan Safety Shield 360 with lane departure warning, blind spot warming, and pedestrian detection among the safety technologies. Cargo space with the 60/40-split rear seat upright is more than 25 cubic feet, increasing to more than 53 cubic feet with rear seat folded. The tested 103.1-inch wheelbase Nissan Kicks SR with 17-inch alloy wheels collects 31 city and 36 highway mpg and carries a MSRP of $22,240.