Are Nissan Kicks AWD? | Trims And Years With AWD

Yes, newer Nissan Kicks models offer available all-wheel drive, while earlier years were front-wheel drive only.

Nissan Kicks At A Glance

The Nissan Kicks is a small crossover that blends hatchback size with SUV stance. It sits high enough for easy entry, sips fuel, and still feels light in tight city streets. Drivers who want SUV style without a bulky footprint often end up eyeing a Kicks.

The nameplate reached North America as a 2018 model and ran several years as a front-wheel-drive-only crossover. A second generation arrived for the 2025 model year with a stronger 2.0-liter engine, more tech, and the headline change for this topic: available all-wheel drive on many versions. That split between early FWD years and newer AWD choices is the core of this question.

• Think of everyday use — The Kicks suits commuting, errands, and light highway trips.
• Look at passenger needs — Tall doors, a flat roofline, and a roomy rear seat help small families.
• Check cargo goals — The upright tailgate makes it easy to load strollers, groceries, and luggage.

Nissan Kicks AWD Or FWD? Drivetrain Basics

Many shoppers start with a simple question: are nissan kicks awd? The reply depends on the model year, but it also helps to understand what FWD and AWD actually do on this crossover.

Front-wheel drive sends power only to the front axle. In a Kicks, that means less weight, a simple layout, and strong fuel economy for the class. On dry pavement or in light rain, a FWD Kicks feels stable and predictable. Most first-generation models, and even many new ones, use this layout as the default.

On newer Kicks models, available all-wheel drive adds a rear differential and electronic controls. The system mainly drives the front wheels, then sends torque rearward when front tires start to slip or when the car pulls away on loose ground. You do not need to press a button every time conditions change; the system reacts in the background while you drive.

• Pick FWD for mild weather — You drive on plowed streets, with rare snow or gravel.
• Pick AWD for mixed seasons — You see snow, slush, or wet leaves for several months.
• Pick FWD to save fuel — You want the best mileage and slightly lower running costs.
• Pick AWD for rough routes — You visit cabins, trailheads, or steep driveways on a regular basis.

Trim Levels And Model Years With AWD

First Generation: 2018–2024 FWD Only

The first-generation Kicks, sold from 2018 through the 2024 model year in North America, used a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive only. Whether you look at the S, SV, or SR trims from these years, every one is FWD. That keeps things simple when shopping used: if the build year is 2018–2024, the car does not have AWD, no matter what badge or ad copy might suggest.

For drivers in warm regions or cities that clear snow quickly, those early FWD models still work well. They often cost less on the used market and keep curb weight down. If you see a low price on an older Kicks and AWD is not a must, this group can still be worth a look.

Second Generation: 2025 And Newer With AWD Option

The 2025 redesign changed the story. The current Kicks rides on a new platform, grows in size, and swaps in a 2.0-liter engine. More power pairs with available all-wheel drive on modern trims, and many markets list AWD versions of S, SV, and SR. Front-wheel drive remains the standard layout, while AWD shows up as an option for shoppers who want more traction.

Pricing differs by dealer and region, yet the pattern stays similar: the AWD version of a given trim usually costs a bit more and loses a little cargo room due to rear hardware. In return, you gain confidence in heavy rain, snow, or on unpaved paths.

Model Years	Common Trims	Drivetrain Choices
2018–2020	S, SV, SR	FWD only
2021–2024	S, SV, SR	FWD only
2025	S, SV, SR	FWD or AWD (by market)
2026 and newer	S, SV, SR	FWD or AWD (by market)

When you look at a listing or a window sticker, search for an “AWD” badge on the hatch and for a drivetrain line in the spec box. Dealer pages often show “FWD” and “AWD” columns for the same trim. If a seller only lists “Kicks S” or “Kicks SV” with no mention of all-wheel drive, assume FWD and ask for a full spec sheet before you sign anything.

How The Kicks Compares To AWD Rivals

The small crossover field is crowded. You will see names like Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Buick Envista, and Chevrolet Trax parked next to the Kicks on a lot. Some of those competitors offer AWD across several trims, while others stay FWD only even today.

Earlier Kicks models gave up AWD entirely, which pushed some shoppers toward rivals in snowy regions. With the second generation, the Kicks joins the group of small crossovers that let you choose between FWD and AWD on the same basic vehicle. It still leans toward city use rather than rock crawling, yet the new system closes a gap for buyers who face real winter weather.

• Against FWD-only rivals — The latest Kicks stands out by adding an AWD choice where some cars still offer only FWD.
• Against off-road-style rivals — Models like Crosstrek keep higher ground clearance and more rugged tires than a Kicks.
• Against larger SUVs — The Kicks feels easier to park and cheaper to run, even with AWD added.

When Front-Wheel Drive Works Well In A Kicks

Not every driver needs four driven wheels. On dry pavement, a FWD Kicks feels light and direct. There is less weight at the back, and the steering stays quick in tight parking lots. If your daily grind involves suburban streets, school runs, and well-kept highways, FWD often fits just fine.

Even with some snow, a FWD Kicks on quality winter tires can stay composed. Electronic stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes all help the car maintain grip when one wheel starts to slip. The main trade-off is that a FWD Kicks may struggle a bit more on steep, icy hills or unplowed side streets than an AWD version on the same tires.

• Pick FWD in warm regions — You rarely see snow or ice where you live.
• Pick FWD on a budget — Sticker prices and long-term fuel costs stay lower.
• Pick FWD for city streets — You spend more time in traffic than on loose gravel or mud.

Shopping Tips If You Need AWD Capability

If you drive through frequent storms, live on a steep hill, or travel to ski areas, AWD on a Kicks can bring real peace of mind. The trick is picking the right mix of year, trim, and features, then pairing the car with the right tires and habits.

• Confirm the model year — Only 2025 and newer Kicks offer factory AWD in North America.
• Scan the trim sheet — Look for S, SV, or SR lines that show both FWD and AWD choices.
• Check for drive modes — Some AWD Kicks versions add a Snow setting and hill-friendly tuning.
• Compare fuel ratings — Expect AWD to use a little more gas than the same trim with FWD.
• Test both back to back — Drive a FWD and an AWD Kicks on the same route and feel the difference in pull and noise.

Before signing, read the spec page for your country, since equipment can change by region. Ground clearance, tire type, and available drive modes all affect how the car behaves once the road gets slick. A Kicks with AWD and worn all-season tires will still struggle, while a FWD Kicks on fresh winter tires can surprise you in a good way.

Key Takeaways: Are Nissan Kicks AWD?

➤ First-generation Kicks from 2018–2024 are front-wheel drive only.

➤ Second-generation Kicks from 2025 add available all-wheel drive.

➤ Most trims now offer both FWD and AWD versions in many regions.

➤ FWD Kicks cost less and return slightly better fuel economy.

➤ AWD Kicks suit snow, gravel roads, and hilly neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do All Nissan Kicks Models Now Offer AWD?

No. Only the second-generation Kicks, starting around the 2025 model year, add AWD to the order sheet. Even then, front-wheel drive stays standard on many trims.

When you shop, treat 2018–2024 models as FWD only, then look closely at trim codes and spec sheets on 2025 and newer Kicks to confirm the drivetrain.

Is AWD On The Kicks Worth The Extra Cost?

For drivers in snowy regions or places with steep, unpaved roads, AWD on a Kicks can pay off each winter. Extra traction helps the car pull away cleanly and stay composed as conditions change.

If you live in a warm climate and mostly drive on dry pavement, the added price and fuel use may not make sense, and a FWD Kicks may suit you better.

Can You Turn Nissan Kicks AWD On And Off?

The AWD system on modern Kicks models runs automatically. Sensors watch wheel speed and send torque to the rear axle when the front tires start to slip, then ease back once grip returns.

Some versions add a drive mode selector, with settings such as Snow that adjust throttle, transmission, and traction control tuning for sloppy conditions.

How Does Nissan Kicks AWD Affect Fuel Economy?

A Kicks with AWD carries extra hardware, so it usually burns a bit more fuel than an equivalent FWD model. The difference is not huge, yet it does show up over years of commuting.

If you drive long highway stretches in mild weather, that extra fuel use may matter. If you mainly care about winter grip, the trade-off often feels fair.

Is A FWD Nissan Kicks Enough For Winter Driving?

In many areas, yes, as long as you run quality winter tires and drive with care. Traction and stability systems help a FWD Kicks stay planted on plowed streets and light slush.

For deep snow, unplowed side roads, or steep driveways, AWD brings extra margin. Think about the worst days you face each year when you decide between FWD and AWD.

Wrapping It Up – Are Nissan Kicks AWD?

The short story is clear: early Nissan Kicks models are FWD only, while newer versions can send power to all four wheels. The shift comes with the second generation, which brings more power, more tech, and an available AWD system aimed at real-world weather and light off-pavement use.

So if you still type are nissan kicks awd? into a search bar, the full answer is yes for modern models with the right option box ticked, and no for older years. Decide how harsh your winters get, how often you leave paved roads, and how much you want to spend, then pick the Kicks drivetrain that matches the roads you drive every week.