The Nissan Kicks (日産・キックス) is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by Nissan since 2016. The crossover was initially introduced as a concept car under the same name and was premiered at the 2014 São Paulo International Motor Show.[1] Nissan claimed the concept is inspired by the streets of Brazil.[2]
The first-generation, V platform-based Kicks debuted in São Paulo, Brazil in mid-2016 with the P15 chassis code. The car was designed collaboratively by Nissan's design headquarters in Atsugi, Japan, Nissan Design America (NDA) in San Diego, California, and Nissan Design America Rio de Janeiro. The first-generation Kicks was then gradually rolled out across Latin America, then it entered the United States and Canada in 2018 to replace the Juke as the subcompact crossover offering in both countries.
The B0 platform-based Kicks was introduced in India in January 2019 with the D15 chassis code. The company stated the vehicle is built on the platform to reduce production costs.[3] It is slightly larger than the V platform-based Kicks, and retained the same wheelbase as the first-generation Dacia Duster and the B0 platform-based Renault Captur. The D15 Kicks ceased production in 2023.
The second-generation Kicks was introduced for the North American market in March 2024.
First generation (P15/D15; 2016)
Global market (P15; 2016)
Originally unveiled as a concept in 2014, the Nissan Kicks was showcased across Brazil during summer 2016 to promote the Summer Olympics, of which Nissan was a lead sponsor.[5] The crossover went on sale in China in July 2017, replacing the Livina C-Gear.[6]
The Kicks made the North American debut on 29 November 2017 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and was slated to be on sale in June 2018.[7] Imported from Mexico, it replaced the Juke and also indirectly replaced the Versa Note as a subcompact hatchback offering in the region.[8][9]
Second generation (P16; 2024)
The second-generation Kicks debuted in the U.S. on 22 March 2024 for the 2025 model year. The model is 71 mm longer, 41 mm wider and 20 mm taller, with around 50 mm longer wheelbase.[45]
The U.S. market model is powered by a larger 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is 13 kW more powerful than the 1.6-litre petrol engine used by the previous generation Kicks. An Xtronic branded CVT is the only available choice in the US market. For the first time outside of Japan, the Kicks is also available with optional all-wheel drive.[45]
The interior features twin 7-inch screens that serve as the gauge cluster and infotainment system, which offers Bluetooth connectivity, an aux jack and a USB type-A port. They can be optionally upgraded to 12.3-inch screens with upgraded infotainment which offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. An available 10-speaker Bose sound system features speakers integrated into the front passenger seats' headrests. A front wireless charging pad is optional in the centre console, along with up to four USB type-C ports.
Cloth seating is standard with optional heated front seats, while the SR trim receives leatherette seating surfaces. The driver's seat is 6-way manually adjustable, while the passenger seat is 4-way adjustable. Both rows feature an improved seating design Nissan calls Zero Gravity.
Production of the North American market second-generation Kicks will be done in
Sales
Note: For countries where they are reported separately, sales figures here include both the Kicks and Kicks Play.
External links
- (Japan)
- (United States)
References
- Nissan Kicks Concept NISSAN NEWS, 28 October 2014, retrieved 5 October 2019^
- Nissan Kicks Concept Revealed: Wait, Why is It Called Kicks? The News Wheel, 28 October 2014, retrieved 5 October 2019^
- Nissan Kicks - First Drive Review [Video]