Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Nissan Kicks near Santa Maria, CA

Key Features of the 2026 Nissan Kicks

2.0-Liter Engine and Available All-Wheel Drive

The 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four in the Kicks is tuned for real-world responsiveness, delivering 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque through Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. Around town, low-speed smoothness stands out, while on-ramps and two-lane passing benefit from the engine’s improved midrange response over the prior generation. Front-wheel drive is standard, and available all-wheel drive adds confidence with intelligent torque distribution and a dedicated Snow mode in addition to Normal, Eco, and Sport drive settings. That added Snow mode helps optimize throttle mapping and traction controls in low-grip conditions. An engineering detail many drivers appreciate: AWD models receive a more compliant strut-type rear suspension, while FWD models use a lighter torsion-beam setup. The result is a calm, controlled character on rough pavement and a secure feel when cruising the highway or navigating winding coastal routes.

Safety Shield® 360

Every 2026 Kicks includes Safety Shield® 360, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies designed to bolster confidence without getting in your way. Standard systems include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking. Together, they work to monitor your surroundings and provide feedback or intervention as needed. For those who spend more time on the highway, available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature adds an extra layer of comfort by helping maintain set speeds, following distances, and centered lane positioning on well-marked roads. The overall effect is simple: less stress in traffic, easier lane changes, and extra support when you need it most.

12.3-Inch Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Tech-forward shoppers will appreciate the Kicks’ available 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which anchors the dashboard with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you leave the cords at home, while an available wireless charging pad cleans up the console and keeps phones topped off. Trim content matters here: while the entry model uses a smaller screen, step-up trims add the larger display and expand connectivity with additional USB-C ports. The SV and SR trims bring a polished everyday experience, including SiriusXM and multiple fast-charge ports up front, while the SR makes rear-seat life easier with extra USB-C ports and ups audio quality with more speakers. For the ultimate in in-cabin sound, an available 10-speaker Bose system places speakers in the front headrests, creating a more immersive listening experience without cranking the volume.

Zero Gravity Seats and Flexible Cargo Capacity

Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats are designed to support the spine’s natural posture, helping reduce pressure points on longer drives. That means less fatigue and more comfort as your day stretches from morning errands to evening plans. The rear bench provides easy entry and exit with a generous door opening and a relaxed seating position. Cargo flexibility is equally thoughtful, with generous room behind the second row for groceries, sports gear, and strollers. Need more space? Fold the rear seatbacks and you’ll open up a sizable, flat area for larger items. Front-wheel-drive models offer the maximum cargo volume, while all-wheel-drive versions still provide excellent usability with only a modest reduction in capacity. Whether it’s packing up beach gear or hauling weekend project supplies, the Kicks adapts cleanly to the task.

Intelligent Around View® Monitor and Driver-Centric Cabin

Parking and tight maneuvers become less stressful with the available Intelligent Around View® Monitor, which stitches multiple camera angles into a virtual 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle. It’s the kind of upgrade you immediately appreciate in busy lots or tight garage spaces. The rest of the cabin keeps the focus on the driver: landscape-oriented screens are angled for visibility and minimal glare, climate controls are straightforward, and the SR trim’s touch HVAC interface adds a modern flourish. Materials feel durable yet refined, with consistent fit and finish throughout. Steering-wheel controls, an available configurable driver display, and useful storage cubbies round out a cockpit that’s as easy to learn as it is to love.