2026 Nissan Kicks Safety Rating
Small SUVs Β· Historical model-year record Β· IIHS source checked 2026-10-22
This is the 2026 record, kept for reference. The current listing is the 2027 Nissan Kicks at 93.1/100. The 2026 results below are the exact ratings IIHS published for this model year (score 93.1/100 under the same formula).
Which build and equipment does this score describe?
Latest applicable build; standard AEB and lowest current-trim headlight rating. Headlights use the lowest rating among applicable current trims; this is a conservative equipment baseline, not a claim that every trim has identical results. Confirm the production date and equipment of the car you are buying.
IIHS award restriction: Award applies only to vehicles built after June 2026
- Rating applies to 2026-27 models built after June 2026
Headlights: baseline Good
- Good β Trim level(s): All trims
Pedestrian crash prevention: baseline Good
- Good β standard Autonomous Emergency Braking. Rating applies to all 2025-27 models
Vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention 2.0: baseline Marginal
- Marginal β standard AEB with Pedestrian Detection. Rating applies to all 2025-27 models
Optional-system results are shown separately. Combining the best rating from different packages does not establish that one purchasable configuration earns them all. Check IIHS equipment details.
IIHS crash-test results
Detailed results by test (65 entries)
IIHS publishes these under the test they belong to, so the same label can appear more than once. Rear restraints and kinematics, rear head protection, structure and safety cage, and front restraints are the four that count toward the score (25%).
Small overlap front
Rating applies to 2025-27 models
Small overlap front
Rating applies to 2025-27 models
Moderate overlap front: updated test
Rating applies to 2026-27 models built after June 2026
Moderate overlap front: updated test
Rating applies to 2026 models built before July 2026 Earlier build or outside this model year; excluded from the score.
Side: updated test
Rating applies to 2025-27 models
Headlights
Β· Trim level(s): All trims
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0
Rating applies to all 2025-27 models Β· standard AEB with Pedestrian Detection
Front crash prevention: pedestrian
Rating applies to all 2025-27 models Β· standard Autonomous Emergency Braking
Seat belt reminders
Rating applies to 2026-27 models
Child seat anchors
Rating applies to 2025-27 models
Opens on iihs.org in a new tab
How the score is built
See our full scoring methodology and rules β
NHTSA 5-star rating
2026 NISSAN KICKS SUV N/A AWD
NHTSA stars are shown for reference and carry no weight in the score. NHTSA source. Why the two programs disagree β
IIHS crash-test videos
These videos are embedded on IIHSβs ratings page for this model. The tested vehicle may be an earlier model year or a related version whose results IIHS applies to this vehicle. Check the test description and source for the exact coverage.
Load a player to watch on this page, or use the YouTube link. Video footage helps explain the test; the published injury measurements and ratings are the basis for comparison.
Moderate overlap front: updated test
Tested vehicle: 2026 Nissan Kicks S 4-door 4wd
Rating applies to 2026 models built before July 2026
Side: updated test
Tested vehicle: 2025 Nissan Kicks SV 4-door 4wd
Rating applies to 2025-26 models
Real-world context
| Measure | Result | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Class driver death rate | 42 per million registered vehicle-years | Small SUVs as a class, adjusted for driver age and sex (Farmer, 2023); all vehicles average 38. Class context only. |
Other model years of the Nissan Kicks
| Model year | Status | IIHS award | Primary tests reported | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Nissan Kicks | Current listing | TSP | 4/4 | 93.1 |
Each model year keeps its own record. Ratings from one year are never copied to another unless IIHS states the test applies.
Our analysis
The 2026 Nissan Kicks belongs to the Small SUVs class. This class has a driver death rate near the national average of 38 deaths per million registered vehicle-years. The class figure is adjusted for driver age and sex, which removes a large part of the selection effect in raw death rates. It is still a class average, not a measurement of this model.
The Nissan Kicks earned Top Safety Pick in the 2026 award cycle. The difference from Top Safety Pick+ is usually the updated moderate-overlap result or a headlight or pedestrian-braking threshold; the linked IIHS report shows which.
Across the 6 IIHS rating categories reported, the Nissan Kicks earned 6 Good ratings. Check the occupant-protection details above as well; a Good headline result can hide a weaker rear-seat subscore.
This analysis is produced independently; we have no affiliation with Nissan or any manufacturer. Read the full methodology or learn more about us.
Safety recalls for the 2026 Nissan Kicks
A recall is a defect the manufacturer must fix free of charge. It is separate from the crash-test record above: a vehicle can rate Good across every test and still be recalled.
3 recall campaigns on record, covering electrical system, seats, latches/locks/linkages.
-
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk: A partial or blank screen display will not show critical safety information such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will resume the software reprogramming of the combination meter software, free of charge.
-
Seats
Risk: A loose seat may not restrain the occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat assemblies, free of charge.
-
Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch
Risk: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge.
Recall campaigns from the NHTSA recalls database, retrieved 2026-10-21. A recall applies to a range of build dates, not necessarily every car of this model year, so confirm against your own VIN. Recalls do not affect the safety score on this page.
Questions about the 2026 Nissan Kicks
Is the 2026 Nissan Kicks a safe car?
IIHS has published 4 of the 4 primary tests and 4 of the 4 occupant-protection details for the 2026 Nissan Kicks. Available results are shown below. Only current models with all required results enter the ranking.
What is the 2026 Nissan Kicks IIHS rating?
IIHS reports: small overlap front = Good; moderate overlap front: updated test = Good; side: updated test = Good; headlights = Good; seat belt reminders = Good; latch ease of use = Good.
Is the 2026 Nissan Kicks an IIHS Top Safety Pick?
Yes. The 2026 Nissan Kicks is a IIHS Top Safety Pick for the 2026 award cycle.
What is the 2026 Nissan Kicks NHTSA rating?
NHTSA gives the 2026 NISSAN KICKS SUV N/A AWD an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 3, side 5, rollover 4). NHTSA stars are shown for reference and are not part of our score.
How does the 2026 Nissan Kicks compare with other small SUVs?
The class leader is the 2026 Subaru Forester at 94.3/100. The comparison table on this page lists the closest-scoring current small SUVs with complete records.
Continue comparing
Shopping for a family? Compare three-row vehicles and rear-seat evidence. Buying used? See real driver death rates by model.