Yes, the Nissan Kicks has AWD
Yes, the Nissan Kicks Has AWD: How Intelligent AWD and Snow Mode Handle Spokane Winters
Yes, the Nissan Kicks has all-wheel drive. Every 2027 Kicks trim, SV, SR and the new Rock Creek, is available with Nissan Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and every Kicks we stock at Wendle Nissan is AWD. According to Nissan, the Kicks is also the most affordable AWD SUV in America,1 and even with AWD it’s still one of six Nissan models with a starting MSRP under $30K. Add a dedicated Snow Mode and best-in-class 8.4 inches of ground clearance,2 and you have a small SUV that’s ready for a Spokane winter.
Spokane averages about 44 inches of snow a year, and Coeur d’Alene sees closer to 70. Here’s how the Kicks’ Intelligent AWD and Snow Mode handle the roads you actually drive.
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2027 Nissan Kicks AWD at a Glance
| Feature | 2027 Nissan Kicks with Intelligent AWD |
|---|---|
| Trims at Wendle Nissan | SV AWD, SR AWD, Rock Creek |
| Drive modes | Standard, Eco, Sport, and Snow (plus Off-Road on Rock Creek) |
| Ground clearance | 8.4 inches, best-in-class standard2 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 141 hp / 140 lb-ft, Xtronic CVT |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link (AWD models) |
| EPA fuel economy (AWD) | 27 city / 34 highway / 30 combined mpg |
| Cargo space | Up to 23.9 cu. ft. behind the rear seat; up to 60 cu. ft. folded |
Driving a car that struggles in the snow? Value your trade and see what it’s worth toward an AWD Kicks.
How Nissan Intelligent AWD Works
Intelligent AWD is an on-demand system. On dry pavement it uses the front wheels for efficiency. It constantly monitors road conditions and your driver inputs, then sends power to the rear wheels when extra traction is needed. There’s no button to push. It reacts on its own, maybe even before you’d notice a slip.
AWD also changes the hardware underneath: AWD Kicks models use a multi-link rear suspension that lets each rear wheel move independently, keeping the tires planted on frozen ruts and washboard ice. That matters on a Spokane morning, when a drive down Division Street can go from dry pavement to shaded black ice to intersection slush in a few blocks.
What Snow Mode Actually Does
Every Kicks with AWD includes Snow Mode, selected with the drive mode switch. Snow Mode adjusts the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive and stability systems to handle slippery roads better. It also makes the accelerator less sensitive, helping prevent the tires from spinning when pulling away from a stop or driving up an icy driveway. When the roads clear, switch back to Standard or Eco.
When to Switch Into Snow Mode
- Fresh or packed snow on neighborhood streets and unplowed side roads
- Starting from a stop on an icy hill or compacted intersection
- Slushy stretches of I-90 between Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Post Falls
Spokane Winter Scenarios: Kicks AWD on Local Roads
South Hill Grades
Steep residential streets on the South Hill are where traction matters most. Intelligent AWD shares power with the rear wheels as you climb, and Snow Mode’s gentler throttle helps you keep momentum without spinning. On the way down, leave extra room and brake gently.
I-90 to Coeur d’Alene and Over Fourth of July Pass
Heading east, snowfall climbs fast, and Fourth of July Pass and Lookout Pass can change by the hour. AWD adds stability in highway slush and wind-driven snow. Before mountain trips, check WSDOT and Idaho 511 and follow any posted traction or chain requirements.
Highway 195 and the Climb to Mt. Spokane
On Highway 195, wind drifts snow across open Palouse lanes, and 8.4 inches of ground clearance clears plowed ridges that would scrape a lower car. Headed up to Mt. Spokane State Park? That’s where the Rock Creek trim earns its keep.
2027 Nissan Kicks Rock Creek: Extra Winter Tools
New for 2027, the Kicks Rock Creek trim comes standard with Intelligent AWD and adds features made for Inland Northwest winters:
- Off-Road Mode: allows more wheel slip to maintain momentum on gravel, sand and snow.
- Hill Descent Control: manages speed on steep, loose downhill sections, like the drive back down from the ski lodge.
- Roof rails with crossbars: rated for up to 165 pounds of skis, boards or bikes.
- Cold-weather comfort: heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors and rear heater ducts.
AWD Helps You Go — Tires Help You Stop
All-wheel drive is outstanding at getting you moving and keeping you stable, but stopping and turning depend on your tires. Pair your Kicks’ AWD with true winter tires, which grip better below freezing. In Washington, studded tires are legal November 1 through March 31; in Idaho, October 1 through April 30. Stud-free winter tires are legal year-round in both states. Our Wendle Nissan service team can help you choose and mount the right set.
Your Kicks AWD Winter Checklist
- Mount winter tires and check tire pressure as temperatures drop.
- Test the battery before the first deep freeze.
- Replace wiper blades and top off winter-rated washer fluid.
- Practice switching into Snow Mode in an empty parking lot.
- Pack an emergency kit: blanket, scraper, flashlight and snacks.
- Check WSDOT or Idaho 511 before crossing the passes.
Why Every Kicks at Wendle Nissan Is AWD
Wendle has been a family-owned Spokane dealership since 1943, and three generations of Inland Northwest winters have taught us what local drivers need. That’s why we stock the Kicks exclusively with Intelligent AWD. Whichever trim you choose here, Snow Mode and all-weather traction come with it. Stop by, try Snow Mode on a test drive and talk with a team that drives these same roads every winter.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nissan Kicks AWD
Does the Nissan Kicks have AWD?
Yes. Nissan Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on every 2027 Kicks trim, SV, SR, and Rock Creek, and every Kicks in stock at Wendle Nissan in Spokane is AWD.
Is the Nissan Kicks the most affordable AWD SUV?
Yes. According to Nissan, the Kicks is the most affordable AWD SUV in America, based on MSRP comparisons with the latest in-market AWD SUVs. MSRP excludes destination, tax, fees, and options. The Kicks is also one of six Nissan models with a starting MSRP under $30,000.
What does Snow Mode do on the Nissan Kicks?
Snow Mode retunes the Kicks’ AWD logic and Vehicle Dynamic Control for slippery surfaces and softens throttle response to reduce wheelspin. It’s included on every Kicks with Intelligent AWD.
Is the Nissan Kicks good in snow?
Yes. With Intelligent AWD, Snow Mode, a multi-link rear suspension, and best-in-class 8.4 inches of ground clearance, the Kicks handles Spokane’s snowy streets and highway slush with confidence, especially on winter tires.
Which 2027 Nissan Kicks trims does Wendle Nissan carry?
Wendle Nissan stocks the 2027 Kicks SV, SR, and Rock Creek trims, all with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
What does the 2027 Kicks Rock Creek trim add?
The 2027 Kicks Rock Creek adds standard Intelligent AWD, an exclusive Off-Road Mode, Hill Descent Control, roof rails with crossbars rated to 165 pounds, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and rear heater ducts.
What fuel economy does the Kicks AWD get?
The EPA rates the 2027 Nissan Kicks with Intelligent AWD at 27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.
Do I still need winter tires on an AWD Kicks in Spokane?
We recommend them. AWD helps you accelerate and stay stable, while winter tires improve stopping and turning on ice. Studded tires are legal in Washington from November 1 to March 31 and in Idaho from October 1 to April 30; stud-free winter tires are legal year-round.
1 Per Nissan, based on a comparison of Kicks AWD starting MSRP against the latest in-market AWD SUVs using manufacturer websites. MSRP excludes destination and handling, tax, title, license, fees, and options. Dealer sets actual price. At Wendle Nissan, the 2027 Kicks AWD lineup starts with the SV AWD.
2 Per Nissan, based on an AutoPacific comparison of standard ground clearance among subcompact SUV competitors.
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