Does the 2027 Nissan Kicks Come With All-Wheel Drive?
The Nissan Kicks AWD is a real option. On the 2027 Kicks, front-wheel drive is standard, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive comes on six of the eight trims: S AWD, SV AWD, SV Premium AWD, Rock Creek AWD, SR AWD and SR Premium AWD. That matters in Cochrane, Alberta, where winter arrives early and stays a […]
The Nissan Kicks AWD is a real option. On the 2027 Kicks, front-wheel drive is standard, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive comes on six of the eight trims: S AWD, SV AWD, SV Premium AWD, Rock Creek AWD, SR AWD and SR Premium AWD.
That matters in Cochrane, Alberta, where winter arrives early and stays a while. Here’s which trims carry AWD, which stick with front-wheel drive, how Snow Mode fits in and what the Rock Creek adds. If you already know the trim you want, browse the Nissan Kicks inventory at Cochrane Nissan and see what fits your driving.
Is the Nissan Kicks AWD? The Short Answer
The Kicks comes both ways. Two trims are front-wheel drive, and six add Intelligent AWD. According to Nissan Canada, it’s “FWD standard; Intelligent AWD available on select trims.” You can confirm the full trim breakdown on the Nissan Canada Kicks page.
The engine doesn’t change with the drivetrain. Every 2027 Kicks uses a 2.0L Direct Injection Gasoline 4-cylinder. It makes up to 141 hp at 6,000 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, and it’s paired with an Xtronic CVT. So choosing AWD comes down to the drivetrain and the trim equipment. The engine is the same.
Which 2027 Nissan Kicks Trims Come With Intelligent AWD?
Here’s the full 2027 Kicks lineup at a glance:
| Trim | Drivetrain | Snow Mode |
|---|---|---|
| S FWD | Front-wheel drive | No (Eco and Sport Modes) |
| SV FWD | Front-wheel drive | Listed for AWD trims only |
| S AWD | Intelligent AWD | Yes |
| SV AWD | Intelligent AWD | Yes |
| SV Premium AWD | Intelligent AWD | Yes |
| Rock Creek AWD | Intelligent AWD | Yes |
| SR AWD | Intelligent AWD | Yes |
| SR Premium AWD | Intelligent AWD | Yes |
Every AWD trim has “AWD” in its name, so it’s easy to spot on a window sticker or inventory listing. The S FWD and SV FWD share the same 2.0L engine and Xtronic CVT. If you want AWD, the entry point is the S AWD.
Does the Nissan Kicks AWD Have Snow Mode?
It does. The Kicks offers three drive modes: Eco, Sport and Snow. Nissan Canada lists Snow Mode for AWD trims, and each of the six AWD trims includes it.
The S FWD has Eco and Sport Modes only. That’s a quick way to tell the two versions apart once you’re behind the wheel.
For Cochrane drivers, Snow Mode earns its keep on a snowy morning before the streets have been ploughed.
What the Nissan Kicks AWD Brings to Cochrane Winters
Standard Equipment That Helps in Winter
All 2027 Kicks trims come standard with:
- Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System
- Hill Start Assist
- Electronic parking brake with Automatic Brake Hold
- Heated front seats
Hill Start Assist is handy in a town with as many grades as Cochrane. It helps when you pull away from a stop on an incline. Automatic Brake Hold lets you ease off the brake pedal at a red light. And the heated front seats? On a minus-25 morning, you’ll use them before you’ve cleared the windshield.
Room for Winter Gear
Alberta winters mean boots, shovels and ski bags. The 2027 Kicks offers 849.5 L (30.0 cu ft) of cargo space with the second row upright. Fold the second row and that grows to 1,699.6 L (60.0 cu ft).
A healthy vehicle also handles the cold better. Our winter maintenance guide walks through the seasonal checks. When it’s time, you can book a service appointment with the Cochrane Nissan team.
Rock Creek AWD Adds Trail-Ready Equipment
The Rock Creek AWD is the Kicks for drivers who head west on weekends. It shares the same 2.0L engine, Xtronic CVT and Intelligent AWD as the other AWD trims, then adds its own equipment.
Nissan Canada lists these Rock Creek highlights:
- Integrated roof rack, standard on this trim
- Hill Descent Control, standard on this trim
- Rock Creek alloy wheels
- Snow Mode, like every AWD trim
The integrated roof rack suits anyone carrying skis or a cargo box toward the mountains. Hill Descent Control is standard too, and it’s a good one to have on steep, slippery grades. Together they make the Rock Creek a natural fit for active Albertans.
Find Your Nissan Kicks AWD in Cochrane
So, is the Nissan Kicks AWD? Yes, on six of its eight trims. The S FWD and SV FWD are front-wheel drive. Every AWD trim includes Snow Mode, and every Kicks shares one 2.0L powertrain plus standard winter-friendly features. The Rock Creek AWD adds a roof rack and Hill Descent Control.
When you’re ready, view the Kicks inventory at Cochrane Nissan and find the AWD trim that suits your Alberta winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nissan Kicks AWD?
It can be. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Kicks, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is offered on select trims. For the 2027 model year, six of the eight trims have AWD: S AWD, SV AWD, SV Premium AWD, Rock Creek AWD, SR AWD and SR Premium AWD. The S FWD and SV FWD are front-wheel drive. Every trim uses the same 2.0L Direct Injection Gasoline 4-cylinder with an Xtronic CVT, so the drivetrain is the main difference. Look for “AWD” in the trim name to spot an all-wheel-drive Kicks.
Does the Nissan Kicks offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. Nissan calls the system Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and it comes on six trims of the 2027 Kicks. Those trims also include Snow Mode, which joins the Eco and Sport drive modes. Every Kicks comes standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist, heated front seats and an electronic parking brake with Automatic Brake Hold. That gives the AWD trims a well-rounded winter setup for Cochrane-area roads. The Cochrane Nissan team can walk you through the AWD trims in person.
Is the Nissan Kicks AWD a good car?
For many Alberta drivers, it’s a great fit. The AWD trims combine Intelligent AWD and Snow Mode with standard heated front seats, Hill Start Assist and Traction Control. Space is generous for a subcompact SUV, too. The Kicks offers 849.5 L of cargo room with the second row up and 1,699.6 L with it folded. The Rock Creek AWD adds a roof rack and Hill Descent Control for weekend trips. For a closer look at cold-weather driving, read our 2027 Nissan Kicks review through an Alberta winter lens.
Which 2027 Nissan Kicks trims come with Intelligent AWD?
Six trims: S AWD, SV AWD, SV Premium AWD, Rock Creek AWD, SR AWD and SR Premium AWD. The two remaining trims, S FWD and SV FWD, are front-wheel drive. All eight share the 2.0L Direct Injection Gasoline engine, making up to 141 hp at 6,000 rpm and 140 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, paired with an Xtronic CVT. The Rock Creek AWD stands out with a standard integrated roof rack, standard Hill Descent Control and Rock Creek alloy wheels.
Does the Nissan Kicks AWD have a Snow Mode?
Yes. Each of the six AWD trims includes Snow Mode alongside Eco and Sport Modes. The S FWD offers Eco and Sport Modes only, with no Snow Mode. For drivers in Cochrane and across Alberta, that makes the AWD trims the natural choice if you want a dedicated snow setting. Ask Cochrane Nissan to show you the drive mode selector during a test drive so you can see how simple it is to use.
Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle and feature availability.
