Nissan Kicks AWD Guide: Winter Performance, Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs
For 2027, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive adds $2,300 on the S and SV (MSRP as of Aug. 20, 2026) and is standard on the SV Premium, Rock Creek and SR. Every 2018 to 2024 Kicks, plus the 2025 Kicks Play, is front-wheel drive only. AWD burns 0.4 L/100 km more and shrinks the trunk, and winter tires still matter more.
Key Takeaways
- The Nissan Kicks AWD arrived with the 2025 redesign. Every 2027 grade offers it, and the S and SV also come with front-wheel drive.
- AWD adds $2,300 to the MSRP of a 2027 Kicks S or SV, according to Nissan Canada pricing announced Aug. 20, 2026.
- NRCan rates the Kicks AWD at 7.8 L/100 km combined, against 7.4 for the FWD model. That’s about 80 extra litres over 20,000 km.
- AWD models add a multi-link rear suspension and Snow mode (Off-Road mode on the Rock Creek), but cargo space drops from 849.5 L to 676.8 L, about 20 per cent less.
- Ground clearance is 214.2 mm with either drivetrain. AWD helps you get moving; it doesn’t help you clear deeper snow.
AWD System Explained: How Nissan Kicks All-Wheel Drive Works
Every current Kicks uses a 2.0L four-cylinder (141 hp, 140 lb-ft of torque) and an Xtronic CVT. AWD adds a rear driveline, a new rear suspension and a Snow mode.
Is the Nissan Kicks AWD? It Depends on the Model Year
The first-generation Kicks, sold from the 2018 model year, was front-wheel drive only. Nissan added AWD with the 2025 redesign. It also kept building the old car for 2025 as the front-wheel-drive Kicks Play, with a 1.6L engine. The Kicks Play didn’t return for 2026.
The 2027 lineup, per the 2027 Nissan Kicks press kit from Nissan Canada (MSRP announced Aug. 20, 2026, accessed Oct. 2, 2026):
| 2027 Kicks grade | Drivetrain | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| S | FWD or AWD | $27,798 / $30,098 |
| SV | FWD or AWD | $29,548 / $31,848 |
| SV Premium | AWD only | $32,648 |
| Rock Creek | AWD only | $33,948 |
| SR | AWD only | $34,348 |
| SR Premium | AWD only | $35,998 |
Freight and PDI (destination) add $2,050 to every 2027 grade (as of Aug. 20, 2026).
How Intelligent AWD Splits Torque Between the Front and Rear Wheels
Our 2025 Nissan Kicks first drive review covers how the system behaves on the road.
The hardware changes too. Kicks FWD models use a twist beam at the rear; AWD models get a multi-link rear suspension and a thicker front stabilizer bar. A 2027 Nissan Kicks AWD in S trim weighs 1,446 kg, about 88 kg more than the FWD S.
Winter Capability: How the Kicks AWD Handles Snow and Ice
A Kicks in snow is at its best on a winter commute and unplowed side streets. Deep drifts are another story.
Snow Mode, Traction Control and the Rock Creek’s Off-Road Mode
AWD Kicks grades add a Snow setting to the Normal, Eco and Sport drive modes; the Rock Creek gets Off-Road mode in its place. Nissan Canada says Snow mode adds confidence and control in bad weather.
The 2027 Rock Creek goes further. Its Off-Road mode allows more wheel slip to keep momentum on gravel, sand and snow, and it adds Hill Descent Control. Here’s more on the new Kicks Rock Creek trim.
Ground Clearance: What This Subcompact SUV Can Clear
Nissan lists 214.2 mm of minimum ground clearance for both the FWD and AWD Kicks. That’s respectable for a subcompact SUV. AWD doesn’t raise it, though.
Once snow piles up past the lower front fascia, the body starts pushing it, no matter which wheels are driven. Take unplowed laneways slowly.
Shop Nissan Kicks AWD Listings
Filter by model year, trim and drivetrain. Look for a 2025 or newer Kicks, since earlier models are FWD only.
AWD gets a Kicks moving. Tires decide how well it stops.
Tires and Equipment for Winter in a Kicks AWD
Winter Tires Matter More Than the Drivetrain
Every Kicks leaves the factory on all-season tires, 16-inch on the S and 17-inch on the other grades (19-inch wheels are optional on the SR). AWD can’t help an all-season tire stop or steer on icy roads, which is why you still need winter tires even with AWD.
In Quebec, it’s the law. The Quebec government’s winter tire requirements apply from Dec. 1 to March 15 to vehicles registered in the province, with a $200 to $300 fine. Legal tires carry the three-peak mountain snowflake pictogram or studs.
Before you buy a set:
- Get four matching winter tires with full tread, never two.
- Stick to a size Nissan approves for your trim.
- Add TPMS sensors to a second set of wheels; the Kicks uses direct-sensor tire pressure monitoring.
- Book the swap before the first cold snap.
Heated Seats, Remote Start and Other Cold-Weather Features
For cold weather, every 2027 Kicks gets heated front seats. A heated steering wheel comes on the SV, Rock Creek and SR, and the SV gets remote engine start. All grades get heated mirrors.
The 2027 Rock Creek is the only grade with a spare tire.
Fuel Economy: Kicks AWD vs FWD in NRCan Ratings
NRCan Ratings in L/100 km
Natural Resources Canada rates the 2026 Kicks this way; 2027 ratings weren’t published as of Oct. 9, 2026:
| Kicks (2026) | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 8.1 L/100 km | 6.6 L/100 km | 7.4 L/100 km |
| AWD | 8.5 L/100 km | 6.9 L/100 km | 7.8 L/100 km |
The AWD penalty is 0.4 L/100 km combined, about 5 per cent. Over 20,000 km, that’s roughly 80 L more fuel, or $120 at $1.50 a litre. Plug in your own numbers with the NRCan fuel consumption ratings search tool.
It still beats its AWD rivals on paper. NRCan rates the 2026 Kia Seltos AWD 2.0L at 8.2 L/100 km combined and the Hyundai Kona AWD 2.0L at 8.5 to 8.6, so the Kicks uses about 5 per cent less than the Seltos and 8 to 9 per cent less than the Kona. The Mazda CX-30 AWD sits at 8.7.
Real-World Winter Fuel Consumption
Our 2025 Nissan Kicks review and 2026 Nissan Kicks review report what our testers saw in real driving.
Plan on winter driving pushing consumption above the label. The Kicks has a 45 L fuel tank.
Ownership Trade-Offs of the Nissan Kicks All-Wheel Drive
Purchase Price, Fuel and Maintenance Costs
The upfront gap is $2,300 on a 2027 S or SV (MSRP as of Aug. 20, 2026). Fuel adds roughly 80 L a year at 20,000 km. Maintenance is the open question.
Resale data is thin, too. AWD has only been offered since the 2025 model year, so used prices are still taking shape.
See What Your Trade-In Is Worth
Get a free estimate in minutes, no account needed. Know your number before you price a Kicks AWD.
Cargo Space, Weight and Which Trim to Buy
AWD costs you cargo room. With the rear seats up, the FWD Kicks holds 849.5 L and the AWD model 676.8 L, about 20 per cent less. Folded, it’s 1,699.6 L against 1,418.7 L.
- Pick AWD if you face steep driveways, unplowed side streets or weekend trips to ski hills.
- Stick with FWD if your roads get cleared fast, you’ll run winter tires and you need the bigger trunk.
The 2027 S AWD, at $30,098 MSRP as of Aug. 20, 2026, is the value pick now that heated seats are standard. The Rock Creek makes sense if gravel roads are part of your week.
Compare the Kicks With Other AWD Crossovers
Line up trims, specs and Canadian prices side by side. See how the Kicks AWD stacks up against any AWD crossover you’re considering.
Buy AWD for the hill you climb every day, not the storm you see once a year.
FAQ: Nissan Kicks AWD
Sources
- Natural Resources Canada, 2025 Fuel Consumption Ratings (CSV) (accessed Oct. 9, 2026)
- Nissan Canada, 2027 Nissan Kicks press kit (accessed Oct. 9, 2026)
- Natural Resources Canada, 2015-2024 Fuel Consumption Ratings (CSV) (accessed Oct. 9, 2026)
- Natural Resources Canada, 2026 Fuel Consumption Ratings (CSV) (accessed Oct. 9, 2026)
- Gouvernement du Québec, Requirements for winter tires (accessed Oct. 9, 2026)
- Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings dataset (accessed Oct. 9, 2026)
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