The first-generation,V platform-based Kicks debuted inSão Paulo, Brazil in mid-2016 with the P15 chassis code. The car was designed collaboratively by Nissan's design headquarters inAtsugi, Japan, Nissan Design America (NDA) inSan Diego,California, and Nissan Design AmericaRio 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 theJuke as the subcompact crossover offering in both countries.
TheB0 platform-based Kicks was introduced in India in January 2019 with the D15 chassis code.[3][4] The company stated the vehicle is built on the platform to reduce production costs.[5] It is slightly larger than the V platform-based Kicks, and retained the same wheelbase as thefirst-generation Dacia Duster and theB0 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.
Originally unveiled as a concept in 2014, the Nissan Kicks was showcased across Brazil during summer 2016 to promote theSummer Olympics, of which Nissan was a lead sponsor.[7] The crossover went on sale in China in July 2017, replacing theLivina C-Gear.[8]
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.[9] Imported from Mexico, it replaced the Juke and also indirectly replaced theVersa Note as a subcompact hatchback offering in the region.[10][11] The Kicks was launched in the Middle East in December 2017.
The Kicks features a standardtouchscreen audio system withBluetooth for hands-free calling and wireless stereo audio streaming, as well as USB integration and a rearview backup camera display. Up-level models also offer an upgradedinfotainment systemApple CarPlay andAndroid Autosmartphone integration, as well as aBose premium amplified audio system that features small speakers mounted in the front headrests.
In August 2024, the Kicks in Mexico and Canada continued to be sold alongside the new model as theKicks Play.[12] The Play model will also come to the U.S. in early 2025.
On 15 May 2020, the Kicks e-Power was released in Thailand.[13][14] Only produced in Thailand, the variant features an updated look with reworked front fascia and tail lights. The Kicks e-Power combines aHR12DE 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine and an EM57 electric motor that drives the front wheels, making it aseries hybrid vehicle with noplug-in capability. The Kicks e-Power was also revealed in Japan on 24 June 2020 and released on 30 June 2020,[15] as well as in Singapore on 9 July 2020,[16] Indonesia on 2 September 2020,[17] the Philippines on 12 August 2022,[18] and Vietnam on 2 November 2022.[19] Its launch for the Mexican market was announced on 10 September 2021, to celebrate Nissan's 60th anniversary in the Mexican market.[20] VL and VLT variants were officially launched in Malaysia on 4 Disember 2024 with the first delivery in January 2025 and a total of 216 units were registered withJPJ in the first month.[21][22]
Since June 2022,all-wheel drive is available by the addition of aMM48 motor as an option for the Japanese market.[23]
An updated version of the standard Kicks was revealed in December 2020.[24] The front fascia was made identical to the Kicks e-Power that was launched earlier, with a larger grille and LED headlights. The rear fascia received minor updates, mostly to the bumper. Inside, the 2021 Kicks received upgrades including a centre armrest, larger touchscreen, and an electronic parking brake. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard.[25] Trim levels and powertrain are unchanged. The suspension for the 2021 Kicks, which features an independent front strut with rear twin-tube shock absorbers, is also identical to the previous 2020 model.[26] The updated Kicks went on sale in North America in February 2021 and in the Middle East in July 2021.
The Kicks is equipped with Nissan'sHR16DE 1.6 L four-cylinder petrol engine shared with theVersa. This engine generates 125 hp (127 PS; 93 kW) and 155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft; 16 kg⋅m) of torque. Nissan rates this engine to receive anEPA fuel economy rating of 31 miles per US gallon (13.2 km/L; 7.6 L/100 km) city and 36 miles per US gallon (15.3 km/L; 6.5 L/100 km) highway. The Chinese and Taiwanese version uses Nissan'sHR15DE 1.5 L four-cylinder petrol engine.
The e-Power version uses theHR12DE 1.2 L three-cylinder petrol engine rated at 78 hp (79 PS; 58 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 103 N⋅m (76 lb⋅ft; 11 kg⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm as a generator for the 1.57 kWh battery located under the front seats.[27] The car itself is powered by an EM57 electric motor with 127 hp (129 PS; 95 kW) and 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft; 27 kg⋅m) of torque.[28]
On 1 August 2018, Mexican automotive magazineAutología took a Fan Edition version of the Kicks on amoose test. Due to a lack of anelectronic stability program (ESP) in this particular trim, the Kicks nearly rolled over while performing the test at 65 km/h. A higher-spec model with ESP was also tested, and it managed to keep all four tires on the ground at the same speed but the driver did not feel the car could manage to return to the road, hence failing the test.[29][30]
The Kicks in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 2 airbags received 4 stars for adult occupants and 4 stars for toddlers fromLatin NCAP in 2017.[31]
For the Indian market, a larger car with a similar styling as the original Kicks was introduced on 22 January 2019.[3][4] It replaced the Nissan Terrano, a restyled Dacia Duster offered since 2013. The D15 Kicks was also offered in Nepal and Bangladesh.
The Indian market Kicks shares platform and parts withDacia Duster and theB0 platform-based Renault Captur to reduce costs, as both were manufactured in the same Renault-Nissan plant inChennai. As the result, the Indian-market Kicks shares very little parts or sheet metal with the global Kicks.
The D15 Kicks initially was offered with theH4K naturally aspirated petrol engine and theK9K diesel engine, both mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Both engines are shared with the Renault Captur. In May 2020, Nissan removed theK9K diesel engine option due to the implementation ofBharat Stage 6 emission standards. A Renault-Nissan-DaimlerHR13DDT petrolturbocharged engine became the replacement.[36][37] The turbo engine is rated at 156 hp (158 PS; 116 kW) and 254 N⋅m (187 lb⋅ft; 26 kg⋅m), which Nissan claimed was the most powerful in its segment. The engine is also offered with the X-Tronic CVT transmission option for the first time.[38]
In 2023, Nissan announced that the Kicks will be ending production in India and discontinued at the market due to poor sales, and the vehicle was not made compliant withBharat Stage 6 Phase 2 emissions regulations.[40]
The second-generation Kicks debuted in the U.S. on 22 March 2024 for the 2025 model year. The model is 71 mm (2.8 in) longer, 41 mm (1.6 in) wider and 20 mm (0.8 in) taller, with around 50 mm (2.0 in) longer wheelbase.[41]
The U.S. market model is powered by a larger 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is 13 kW (17 hp; 18 PS) more powerful than the 1.6-litre petrol engine used by the previous generation Kicks. An Xtronic brandedCVT is the only available choice in the US market. For the first time outside of Japan, the Kicks is also available with optionalall-wheel drive.[41]
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 higher trims receive 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 inAguascalientes, Mexico. Nissan was forced to delay the start of production (SOP) date by an additional six months from the initially planned December 2023 to June 2024 due to several issues, such as failure to passcrash safety tests and tooling theft at a supplier factory in Mexico.[42]
Pricing for the North American-spec Kicks were announced in August 2024. For the North American market, the trim levels are: S, SV and SR, with Premium Packages available for the SV and SR trim levels.[43][44]
Pricing for the Mexican-spec Kicks were announced on 6 November 2024. For the Mexican market, the trim levels are: Sense, Advance, Exclusive and Platinum.[45]
The second-generation Kicks was launched in the Middle East on February 17, 2025, with four trim levels: S, SV, SV+, and SL.[46]
^ab"Indian-spec Nissan Kicks officially unveiled, will be launched in January 2019". Indian Autos Blog. 18 October 2018.The Indian spec-Nissan Kicks is based on Dacia's B0/Logan platform that underpins even the traditionally designed Nissan Terrano. In comparison, the global-spec version is based on the V platform, which debuted in the Nissan Micra in 2010. The Indian-spec version is bigger in dimensions and is better suited to the local road conditions.
^"Nissan Kicks - First Drive Review [Video]". Indian Autos Blog. 17 December 2018.Globally, the Nissan Kicks is based on the Micra's 'Versatile' platform. The Indian model, however, shares its base with the Duster's B0/Logan architecture.