2020 Nissan Kicks Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Nissan has been trying to up the ante in all segments over the past few decades. The chic new 2020 Nissan Kicks has an upscale, aggressive looking exterior that comes in a number of different color options. The wraparound taillights are super cool and keep up with the trend for this model year.

But is the Kicks the right vehicle for you? Okay, we have to admit, the Color Studio feature that Nissan has for picking the exterior body paint and trims is innovative and fun. This really is a vehicle that is all about customization. Of course, you can create the interior to your liking with charcoal Prima-Tex, charcoal cloth with orange stitching, or charcoal cloth with white stitching. All of these options give the Kicks a sporty interior vibe, which carries over with the trims that are used.

As far as trim levels go, Nissan keeps it pretty straightforward. You can choose between three trims: the S, SV, and SR. All of these trims come with a standard Xtronic CVT transmission and 1.6-L 4-cylinder engine. This engine produces 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. FWD comes equipped on all three trim levels, but there are no options for AWD.

With that being said, let us take a further look at how these three trims stack up against each other. By the end of this comparison review, you should have a good idea of which - if any - 2020 Nissan Kicks trim level is right for you.

Compare the 2020 Nissan Kicks S vs SV Trims. What is the difference?

The 2020 Nissan Kicks line-up starts with the base S trim level. The S trim, like the two higher trim levels, comes with mechanical features like brake assist, an independent strut front suspension system, a torsion beam rear suspension, and electric power steering. In the mechanical sense, these three trims are all very similar and will not warrant much further discussion on that subject.

So, let's switch it over to the driver aids that are available on the S and SV. The S is pretty well-loaded for a base trim. It gets driver aids like cruise control, automatic emergency braking with a pedestrian detection function, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, a blind spot monitoring system, high beam assist, a rear view camera, and hill start assist. Considering that a lot of automakers are leaving some of these features (like blind spot monitoring) off their base trims, this is quite generous of Nissan. The SV does get the added advantage of having intelligent driver alertness, which detects when a driver is getting drowsy, issues a warning, and kicks in to help keep the vehicle in control if the driver does not respond.

As far as the outside of the vehicle goes, the S gets smaller 16-inch wheels while the SV rides atop 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. All come equipped with all-season tires. Halogen headlights come standard on both trim levels, as do a chic chrome grille and power side mirrors. However, the SV gets a few really nice gains, such as heating for the side mirrors (which are body-colored, unlike on the S), body-colored door handles, and roof rails.

On the inside, you will find some similarities between the S and SV. They both have one-touch auto up/down on the driver's window, power locks that have auto-locking capability, a push button ignition, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and a 12-volt DC power outlet. Also, they both have an arm rest in the rear seat, four bottle holders, and two cupholders. There are also four cargo tie-down hooks. The SV does, of course, offer more creature comforts. The SV gets an automatic climate control system, the Nissan intelligent key, a remote start system for the engine, a rear door alert, and a cargo cover.

When it comes to seating, all three trim levels have a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat and 4-way manually adjustable front passenger's seat. The rear seat is 60/40 split-folding, and each comes with cloth trim (in one of three style choices, as mentioned above). The Sv does add chrome interior door handles, but nothing else looks that different.

Now, on to infotainment. There are some important differences here. While the S gets a 7-inch touchscreen display, the SV gets upgraded to a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and 7-inch Nissanconnect touchscreen display. The S does not have smartphone app integration, but the SV adds it on, so you can use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to connect your phone to your Kicks. Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, and an AM/FM radio come standard. The SV does add a three-month trial to SiriusXM Satellite Radio. As far as USB ports go, there are a grand total of three available in each trim level.

Keep in mind that no extra packages are available for either of these trim levels. You will have to upgrade to the line-topping SR trim level to get the SR Premium Package, which will give you a vehicle security system, heated front seats, Prima-Tex upholstery, and a Bose premium sound system. But more on that in a minute.

Compare the 2020 Nissan Kicks SV vs SR Trims. What is the difference?

At last, we have arrived at the top of the 2020 Nissan Kick's line-up. The SR trim is less than $1,000 more than the SV to start off, and there is not a whole lot to add on aside from the $1,000 SR Premium Package. Most of the stand-alone optional accessories that come on the SV can be equipped on the SR. For example, you can get exterior ground lighting, splash guards, 17-inch black aluminum alloy wheels, a cargo level load floor, and a center arm rest with storage. However, exclusive to the SR trim are LED fog lights.

Let us get back to the standard features that come on the SR trim level. First of all, the mechanics, as already stated are totally the same as those on the lower trim levels. There are a few extra driver aids though. The rear view monitor that gets equipped on the S and SV gets swapped out in favor of an intelligent all around view monitor, which means you get a 360-degree view of what is in the vicinity of your vehicle. Handy, right? The integrated dynamics system makes things even better. This bundle includes active ride control, intelligent trace control, and intelligent engine brake. While these features do not mean you should relinquish control of the vehicle to the vehicle, they can step in and assist when they detect a need.

The SR is a bit different on the outside. It gets LED headlights that have LED signature accents, fog lights, a dark chrome grille, high gloss black on the side mirrors (which have integrated turn signals), rear and front bumpers with body-colored mesh inserts, exterior door trim done in sleek-looking silver, and a rear roof spoiler.

The interior includes some seriously chic aesthetic upgrades as well. The SR's cabin is treated to sport cloth seat trim (instead of the regular cloth) with orange stitching and accents to offset it. If you want, you can opt for a Prima-Tex appointed seat trim instead, and it too has the orange stitching and accents. Heated front seats are also optional. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob get included as standard features, as do some cool black Prima-Tex accents and orange stitching that can be found throughout the cabin. Overall, you will get the impression that this is a sportier trim level than the S and SV.

As far as infotainment and safety features go, much remains the same. However, the SR does have the option of adding a Bose Personal Plus sound system. This stellar sound system comes with eight speakers, and that includes Bose Ultranearfield speakers that are mounted into the driver's headrest. Also, you do get the option of adding the vehicle security system to the SR. But, aside from that, you will not get too much that is different.

Also, bear in mind that all three trims have the same engine and CVT equipped. This means, of course, that gas mileage is not going to differ between the trims, especially since you can only get FWD. (AWD tends to take fuel economy numbers down a few notches.) On each trim level, you will get 33 mpg combined, with 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. These are the EPA estimates, but real world tests show that the 2020 Nissan Kicks pretty much matches these estimates. All in all, not a bad showing in terms of fuel economy. And, let's face it, that is probably one of the biggest reasons why people want to buy a Nissan Kicks.

2020 Nissan Kicks: Which Trim to Choose?

Alright, it is time to cut to the chase and determine which 2020 Nissan Kicks trim level - the S, SV, or SR - is the best choice out of the three. It is definitely not going to be the S. The S feels nice and comfy, and it does have the advantage of highly desirable features like blind spot monitoring. But it still lacks a bit of technology. The SV is a good step up and is loaded with a lot of great features, but it is hard to resist the line-topping SR trim level.

The SR trim is our pick since, at less than $1,000 more than the starting MSRP of the SV, you get a lot of gorgeous interior and exterior upgrades. The addition of LED headlights and fog lights (with the option of making them LED too) is definitely a high point here. Since this trim level is both loaded and affordable, it is the best one to go with.

But should you get the 2020 Nissan Kicks at all? That's a tough call. Sure, this vehicle is inexpensive, but its extremely slow acceleration will probably prove to be frustrating to a lot of drivers. Also, who wants to drive on squishy brakes? The Kicks has some seriously soft ones, and the panic stopping distance of 140 feet (from 60 mph down to 0) is alarmingly long for this segment - and, really, for any segment. There are many small crossover vehicles that can make the stop in a much shorter distance.

We also need to talk about the seats. They look cool, but they are so far from comfortable that it is a wonder Nissan would put them in any vehicle. These seats need to go. If you buy this car, you might want to get a seat cushion to put under your bum. You are also going to find that this vehicle is cramped, even by its segment's standards.

But, again, if you are settled on getting the Kicks, go all the way up to the SR trim. It is still very affordable and the most inclusive one in the line-up.