Nissan Kicks

• The engine works through an X-Tronic CVT that Nissan has tuned well. It simulates gear shifts, so you do not get that old rubber-band feeling that used to put people off CVTs.
• Around Al Nuzha or along the Corniche in Jeddah, the Kicks feels light and willing. There is enough torque down low to move through stop-and-go traffic without any fuss.
• Three drive modes come as standard. Sport sharpens throttle response and works well for merging on King Fahd Road. Eco mode helps during long stretches on the highway to Makkah or Al Khobar, where fuel efficiency matters. Nissan claims mileage of 15 to 15.5 km/l, but in real Saudi driving, with air conditioning running hard, expect 13 to 14 km/l.
• Ground clearance on the Saudi-spec model is a useful 194 mm, which handles most speed breakers on the road to Madinah without drama.

Some Realities

• Once you hit highway speeds and need to overtake quickly, the naturally aspirated engine runs out of enthusiasm.
• It is possible, but beyond 120 km/h, it can feel loud, and the thrust begins to fade. It becomes clear that some turbocharged rivals at similar prices pull away more confidently.
• The suspension handles smooth roads well but feels firm on broken patches commonly found in older parts of Riyadh or Dammam. Not uncomfortable, but not particularly refined either.
• Front-wheel drive is standard across all Saudi trims, with no AWD option available locally.

• The high seating position gives a natural sense of command without the bulk of a larger SUV.
• The 3D Around View Monitor on the SL provides a full 360-degree bird’s-eye view during parking, which is genuinely useful in busy Saudi car parks.
• On smooth highways, the cabin stays quiet, and the ride remains composed at legal speeds.

Things That Matter More

• On rough secondary roads in the Eastern Province, potholes send noticeable jolts through the cabin. Not punishing, but you feel them.
• The steering is accurate but light and somewhat disconnected. You always know where the wheels are pointing, but the road does not communicate much back through your hands. Fine for daily commuting, but not engaging beyond that.
• The CVT occasionally hesitates when you demand sudden acceleration from low revs, such as when pulling onto a busy road from a side street. It is brief and not dangerous, but worth knowing before your test drive.

• The 12.3-inch Monolith Digital Display on higher trims combines the instrument cluster and infotainment into one clean, flowing panel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work without needing to plug in.
• The soft-touch AC control panel keeps the dashboard looking uncluttered and remains simple to use.
• The Zero Gravity front seats are one of the standout features of this car. Nissan designed them to reduce fatigue, and on a drive from Riyadh to Qassim, the slightly reclined angle and lumbar support keep your back relaxed for hours. You genuinely feel the difference. It is something worth paying attention to during your test drive.

What's Missing

• Lower door panels and areas around the knees use hard plastic, which reminds you of the price point.
• The base S trim misses wireless CarPlay entirely, which feels like a stingy omission in 2025.
• Boot space is functional for city use but tight when loading luggage for a family of four heading to Al Ula.
• Three adults across the back seat is possible, but not something any of them will enjoy.

• Six airbags come standard on all trims, including front, side, and curtain airbags. ABS, electronic brake distribution, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, and hill start assist are included across the range.
• Every trim also includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. That is a strong safety base for a car starting below SAR 90,000.
• The SL trim adds ProPILOT Assist, which manages steering, braking, and acceleration on long highway drives while keeping the car centered in its lane. It genuinely reduces fatigue on routes like Riyadh to Dammam.

Things to Consider

• The Kicks has not been crash-tested specifically for the Middle East market, which is worth noting for safety-conscious buyers.
• Nissan’s dealer and service network through Manahil International and Petromin is among the strongest in the Kingdom. Finding a service center in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam is straightforward, and that matters a great deal for long-term ownership confidence.
• Resale value sits ahead of most newer Chinese brands and some European competitors but behind Toyota and Hyundai in the Saudi used car market. Factor this into your Tawarruq or financing plan before signing.