American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Luggage Review – Is It Worth It? [Video]

American Tourister is a globally recognized luggage brand known for its affordable, durable, and stylish travel solutions. The brand caters to various travel needs by offering a wide range of hard-side and soft-side suitcases. Combining mid-range quality with vibrant designs, American Tourister is a trusted companion for occasional and frequent travelers.

We recently explored some of the brand’s more playful and stylish collections, but today, we’re focusing on the 4 Kix 2.0 case — one of American Tourister’s more rugged and practical luggage options.

American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Luggage

The 4 Kix 2.0 range of luggage consists of durable pieces that you can take on virtually any adventure. These understated pieces might not be the trendiest bags on the market, but they more than make up for that by offering plenty of space and organization at a modest price point.

From business trips to summer camp, the 4 Kix 2.0 Softside is a versatile collection.

American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Luggage Review

American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Luggage Overall Rating

For this review, we tested the carry-on in the 4 Kix 2.0 Softside line, which has a top opening and multiple exterior and interior pockets. This understated bag has a rugged yet timeless look that won’t look out of place in a corporate retreat or weekend getaway. It also offers plenty of space for a few days’ worth of clothing and any other necessities.

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American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Luggage

The American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Spinner is a sturdy little soft-side case that will go the distance with you. Its rugged exterior will look just as good in years to come as it does new.

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American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Style and Look

The 4 Kix 2.0 luggage line might not stand out for its trendiness, but its practical and understated design ensures it blends seamlessly into various settings. Its classic appearance makes it versatile enough to accompany you on a business trip or family vacation.

What makes the bag stand out is its color options. While not available in a large selection of shades, we liked that you could go bold with purple or opt for classic black.

Black carbon fiber trims and gunmetal hardware enhance each color option, adding a touch of sophistication to the case’s design.

American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Size and Compartments

The carry-on in this line measures 23.5 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches from the bottom of its wheels to the top of its carrying handles. These measurements are a little large for some domestic airlines, so check before you travel.

This isn’t the lightest carry-on we’ve ever used, but it’s not too heavy, weighing 6.9 pounds when empty. Though most airlines don’t have strict weight requirements for cabin bags, we recommend not overpacking, or you might have trouble lifting your case into the overhead compartment.

We were impressed with the storage options built into the case. It features 2 exterior compartments ideal for travel documents, books, and travel tech, keeping them organized and easily accessible in a hurry while preventing them from being misplaced in the main compartment. These compartments are surprisingly roomy, though packing them to capacity can make the bag slightly front-heavy and unbalanced.

Inside the case, there’s 1 main compartment with a top-opening lid. It has an X-shaped compression strap to keep your belongings secure and prevent shifting during transit. This maximizes packing efficiency by compressing items and can also help reduce wrinkles in your clothes.

Additional storage is available in the lid with a convenient mesh pocket, ideal for small, flat items. However, we found the exterior pockets more practical for this purpose. Additionally, the main compartment includes a built-in pouch, perfect for securing very small items like jewelry or mini toiletries.

American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Durability and Materials

Most of the 4 Kix 2.0’s shell is polyester that can withstand ripping and scuffing from being tossed around in travel. The exposed corners and edges are reinforced with carbon fiber trims, so we don’t expect these areas to be weak either.

Unfortunately, the 4 Kix 2.0 doesn’t prevent stains. While the case is water-resistant if you’re caught in the rain, it will get discolored if you spill food or beverages on it during your travels.

American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Wheels

Despite being a carry-on, we were happy to see the 4 Kix 2.0 has 4 double-spinner wheels. During our tests, we tried them out on a variety of floors and outdoor surfaces and had no trouble maneuvering.

Even when spinning, turning, or rounding sharp corners, the bag kept up without skidding or toppling over, which is essential when you’re hurrying to a flight gate.

The wheels also feel durable and sturdy, with minimal rattling or noise. However, we’d consider the wheels a slight weak spot on this case as the attachments are not recessed for protection and are vulnerable to being knocked or damaged.

American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Handles

Like most American Tourister bags, the carry-on in the 4 Kix 2.0 line has 3 handles. For such a small case, we were surprised to discover that the telescopic handle can be set to 8 different height settings, so it can be adjusted to your preference.

Despite the perks of the many height settings, the button wouldn’t always respond properly, and the handle would sometimes stick when we tried to change heights. We also aren’t confident in the durability of this handle when used repeatedly at its tallest settings, as it rattled around quite a bit during our tests.

There are 2 handles for carrying the case. These handles aren’t retractable but don’t add much bulk to the overall silhouette. They were also reasonably easy to grab, and there was plenty of room for our fingers. While we wished these handles were cushioned, they weren’t uncomfortable, so we don’t think lifting or carrying the 4 Kix 2.0 for prolonged periods would be too painful.

We were disappointed in the lack of a bottom handle that would make lifting it into a cabin’s overhead compartment easier.

American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Locks and Zips

Don’t expect to find an integrated lock on the 4 Kix 2.0 carry-on. While we’re not surprised by the lack of a lock, we were still slightly disappointed since it’s always great for extra security. The zipper pulls of the main compartment are decently sized, though, so you might be able to attach your lock if you anticipate gate-checking your bag or leaving it in storage during your travels.

Zippers on soft-side bags can sometimes be a little stiff, but that wasn’t the case with this model. We were able to smoothly open and close the zippers on all compartments without snagging on any lining or packed items. Though the main compartment’s zipper pulls are the largest, those on the other pockets are also easy to grip.

American Tourister Brand Warranty and Customer Service

The brand’s limited global warranty covers all American Tourister bags. In most cases, this guarantee lasts 3 or 10 years. The company states that it will cover the repairs or replacements for damages caused by manufacturing defects in the bag.

This promise is a standard in the industry, but proving a factory issue can be difficult, so we’re always concerned about how much of a headache it can be to redeem this offer. An alternative option is to try to claim from your airline for damage received when traveling.

Other American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Softside Luggage

Rounding out the collection, the 4 Kix 2.0 range also includes both a medium and a large checked bag option. This 3-piece line is standard for American Tourister.

Final Thoughts

American Tourister is known for its affordable and reliable luggage, and the 4 Kix 2.0 collection of soft-side suitcases is no different. This is one of the handiest budget bags we’ve tested, with a roomy main compartment and multiple pockets to stay organized.

However, it’s far from a perfect option. If you choose the 4 Kix 2.0, consider its weak points, such as the bag’s exposed wheels and uneven weight distribution when packed.