Urban driving in Kenya demands a very specific kind of car. You need something compact enough to thread through Nairobi's notorious traffic, high enough off the ground to handle the potholes that appear overnight, fuel-efficient enough to survive rising petrol prices, and practical enough for a weekend run to Naivasha or Nakuru. The 2022 Nissan Kicks checks most of those boxes — and it does so with a level of style and equipment that makes it one of the more appealing compact crossovers in its price range.

But is it the right buy for you? This review covers everything Kenyan drivers need to know before making a decision.

 

Quick Specs: 2022 Nissan Kicks

Spec

Detail

Body type

Subcompact crossover SUV

Engine

1.6L naturally aspirated petrol

Transmission

CVT automatic (FWD)

Ground clearance

~170 mm

Fuel economy

Competitive for segment

Resale value

Good

 

Exterior Design: City Chic with a Crossover Edge

The 2022 Nissan Kicks has a design language that walks the line between city car and proper crossover — and it does it convincingly.

At the front, Nissan's signature V-motion grille pairs with slim LED headlights and sharp LED daytime running lights to create a face that feels modern and assertive. The front bumper features darker lower trim accents that give the Kicks a subtle hint of ruggedness without trying too hard to be an off-roader.

Along the sides, strong character lines combine with a slightly raised ride height and protective plastic cladding around the wheel arches and side sills. The cladding is particularly practical for Kenyan conditions — shrugging off minor scratches and kerb rash that city driving inevitably brings. Alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 17 inches balance visual appeal with ride comfort over uneven surfaces.

Higher trims introduce contrasting two-tone roof colours, body-coloured mirrors with integrated indicators, and exterior chrome accents that lift the overall sense of quality noticeably.

At the rear, the Kicks maintains a clean, cohesive profile. Distinctive wraparound tail lamps, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a tidy bumper design keep things fresh. A reversing camera and rear parking sensors come standard on many trims — a welcome addition when manoeuvring in tight Nairobi parking lots.

Ground clearance sits at approximately 170 mm — sufficient for most Kenyan urban and peri-urban roads, though not suited for serious off-road terrain.

 

Trim Levels: Which Nissan Kicks Should You Buy?

Kicks S — The Value Entry Point

The base trim is built around core practicality and affordability. It comes with the 1.6L naturally aspirated petrol engine, CVT automatic transmission, cloth upholstery, a standard infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, and air conditioning. Safety essentials — ABS, stability control, and airbags — are included. For buyers on a tighter budget who want a reliable daily driver, the S delivers exactly what it promises.

Kicks SV — The Sweet Spot

Step up to the SV and the improvement in comfort and convenience is immediately noticeable. A larger infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, premium cabin materials, keyless entry, cruise control, and enhanced driver assistance systems all come into play. This is the trim most Kenyan buyers will find offers the best balance of features, running costs, and value — and it is the most commonly available grade on the local used-car market.

Kicks SR — The Fully Loaded Option

The SR is the range-topping Kicks and the most feature-dense of the three. It adds sportier exterior styling, LED headlights, alloy wheels, leather or leatherette upholstery, a premium sound system, and advanced safety tech including blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. If you want the most equipped, most refined version of the Kicks, the SR delivers a genuinely premium subcompact crossover experience.

 

Interior: Practical, Functional, and Surprisingly Well-Equipped

Dashboard & Cabin Design

The Kicks interior centres on a clean, functional philosophy. The dashboard places the touchscreen infotainment display front and centre, keeping it visible and accessible without requiring the driver to reach or squint. Physical controls for essential functions are well-positioned and intuitive — a practical choice that reduces distraction while driving.

Entry-level trims use durable cloth materials that hold up well to daily use. Higher grades introduce softer materials, better trim quality, and ambient touches that genuinely elevate the cabin ambience. While it does not match the premium feel of a Honda Vezel or Mazda CX-30, the SR trim in particular punches above its segment's average.

Passenger Space & Comfort

For a subcompact crossover, the Kicks manages its interior space sensibly. The front seats offer adequate headroom, supportive cushioning for daily commutes, and an elevated seating position that improves visibility in traffic — a feature Kenyan city drivers consistently appreciate.

The rear seat comfortably accommodates two adults for short to medium trips, with reasonable legroom for the segment. Wide-opening doors and a sensible ride height make getting in and out easy, which matters for passengers of all ages.

Cabin Storage

Storage solutions cover the essentials well. Up front, occupants get door pockets, dual cup holders, and a centre console for personal items. USB charging ports come standard, with additional charging options available on higher trims. Rear passengers have access to seatback pockets and cup holders — practical enough for everyday family use.

Boot Space

The boot offers a practical cargo area for its class — sufficient for a weekly shop, a couple of pieces of luggage, or school gear. With the rear seats folded, the loading floor expands meaningfully, adding the versatility that compact SUV buyers often need for weekend trips or larger loads.

The Kicks is not the segment leader for raw cargo volume, but for a daily urban driver, the space is more than adequate.

 

Engine & Performance

The 2022 Nissan Kicks runs a single powertrain across all trims: a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) driving the front wheels.

The engine is engineered primarily for efficiency, smoothness, and long-term durability rather than outright performance. In everyday Nairobi driving — pulling away from traffic lights, merging onto the expressway, navigating roundabouts — it handles these tasks without complaint.

What to expect:

  • Smooth, linear power delivery suited to city and light highway use

  • Competitive fuel economy for regular urban commuting

  • A CVT gearbox that prioritises economy over engagement

  • Some hesitation under heavy loads or when overtaking on highways at speed

Honest assessment: the Kicks is not a fast car and it does not pretend to be. Drivers expecting spirited acceleration — particularly when fully loaded or on steep inclines — may find it slightly underwhelming. But for the vast majority of Kenyan daily driving scenarios, it is entirely adequate.

 

Ride, Handling & Stability

The Kicks delivers the kind of ride that suits its urban mission well. MacPherson strut-based suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections without excessive harshness — useful on Nairobi's mix of smooth expressways and rougher back roads.

The FWD drivetrain provides confident, predictable handling at urban and highway speeds. Steering is light and precise, making the Kicks easy to place in city traffic and simple to park in tight spaces. The 170 mm ground clearance gives it enough height to manage unpaved estate roads, speed bumps, and light gravel without bottoming out.

Electronic stability control and ABS are standard across the range, providing an added safety margin on slippery or uneven surfaces.

The Kicks is not built for off-road adventures, but for Kenya's urban and periurban roads — including rougher county town streets — it handles the daily reality well.

 

Safety Features

The 2022 Nissan Kicks covers safety competently for its class:

Standard across all trims:

  • Multiple airbags

  • ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

  • Vehicle Dynamic Control (stability control)

  • Rear parking sensors and reversing camera (most trims)

SR trim adds:

  • Blind Spot Warning

  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

  • Intelligent Forward Collision Warning

  • Automatic Emergency Braking

For buyers with families or those prioritising safety technology, the SR trim's additional driver assistance systems are worth the step-up in price.

 

Servicing & Spare Parts in Kenya

Service Intervals

  • Minor service: Every 5,000 km — engine oil, oil filter, air cleaner, general inspection

  • Major service: Every 10,000 km — engine oil, oil filter, ATF filter and fluid, cabin filter, air cleaner, front brake pads, full safety check

Parts Availability

Spare parts for the Nissan Kicks are widely available through Nissan dealerships across Kenya and through independent parts suppliers in major urban centres. Parts pricing is reasonable for the make, and the Kicks benefits from Nissan's strong dealer network in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu.

For genuine service parts and body components, yokaspares.co.ke is a reliable local resource.

 

Reliability: What Owners Say

The Kicks' 1.6L engine has a strong reliability record when maintained on schedule. Owners of earlier-generation Kicks models consistently report low incidences of mechanical faults, with the electronics and transmission drawing particular praise for their dependability.

The CVT gearbox, while not the most exciting to drive, is generally trouble-free with regular fluid changes. Keeping up with the 10,000 km service schedule — particularly ATF fluid replacement — is the most important single factor in the Kicks' long-term reliability.

Overall, the Kicks suits Kenyan ownership conditions well: it is not demanding to maintain, parts are accessible, and the powertrain is built for durability over performance.

Resale value: Good — the Kicks holds its value respectably in the Kenyan used-car market, supported by Nissan's strong brand recognition locally.

 

2022 Nissan Kicks vs. Key Rivals in Kenya

Model

Key Advantage Over Kicks

Toyota Raize

Turbocharged engine option, Toyota parts network

Hyundai Venue

More standard tech features, sharper styling

Kia Sonet

Larger boot, diesel option in some markets

Suzuki Vitara

Available AWD, lighter weight

Volkswagen T-Cross

European refinement, more premium feel

The Kicks competes well on fuel efficiency, urban practicality, and parts availability. Where it falls short is in outright performance and boot space compared to some rivals.

 

Finding a 2022 Nissan Kicks in Kenya

If you are in the market for a used 2022 Nissan Kicks, auto24.co.ke is one of the most convenient platforms to start your search in Kenya. You can also compare it directly with alternatives like the Toyota Raize, Hyundai Venue, and Suzuki Vitara — all of which are listed on the platform — to make sure you are choosing the right compact crossover for your budget and lifestyle.

Browsing auto24.co.ke/cars helps you benchmark current market prices and find well-maintained examples before approaching any seller.

For more detailed car reviews, buying guides, and driving tips tailored to Kenyan roads, explore the full library at autoskenya.com. And for the latest automotive news from Kenya and beyond, automag.co.ke is worth keeping in your bookmarks.

 

What We Like & What We Don't

What We Like ✅

  • Efficient 1.6L engine well-suited to Kenyan urban driving

  • Sharp, modern exterior design with premium touches on higher trims

  • Practical and well-organised cabin with good daily storage

  • Competitive spare parts availability and service costs across Kenya

  • FWD stability and 170 mm ground clearance handle most local roads

  • Good resale value in the local market

  • Wide-opening doors and sensible ride height for easy entry and exit

What We Don't Like ❌

  • Acceleration feels sluggish under heavy loads or at highway speeds

  • Boot space is competitive but not a segment leader

  • Base S trim feels underspecified versus some rivals

  • No AWD option — limits appeal for buyers wanting weekend off-road capability

  • CVT transmission lacks the engagement of a traditional automatic for spirited driving

 

Final Verdict

The 2022 Nissan Kicks is a well-rounded compact crossover that fits the demands of Kenyan urban life more confidently than its modest price tag might suggest. It is not trying to be a performance car or a serious off-roader — it is a practical, efficient, comfortable, and stylish daily driver, and it does that job very well.

The SV trim offers the best overall value for most Kenyan buyers, while the SR is worth the stretch for those who prioritise safety tech and a more premium driving environment. Either way, the Kicks represents a sensible, dependable choice in a competitive segment.

Would you choose the Nissan Kicks over a Toyota Raize or Hyundai Venue? Share your thoughts in the comments — we would love to know which compact crossover Kenyan drivers are favouring in 2024.

 

Read more on autoskenya.com:

  • Toyota Raize Review: Is It the Best Subcompact SUV in Kenya?

  • Best Fuel-Efficient Cars to Buy in Kenya in 2024

  • How to Import a Car from Japan to Kenya — Step-by-Step Guide