Nissan Kicks

Model Overview

The Nissan Kicks is a B-segment SUV from Nissan, positioned as an entry-level urban crossover. First debuting globally in 2017, the model quickly captured market share with its stylish design and accessible pricing. In the Chinese market, the Kicks is produced and sold by Dongfeng Nissan, with initial official retail prices ranging between RM89,800 and RM103,800; driven by fierce market competition, actual showroom transaction prices once dipped to the RM68,800 to RM70,000 bracket.

Between 2024 and 2025, the Kicks underwent a full model change overseas, receiving extensive overhauls across its exterior styling, interior, dimensions, powertrain, and drivetrain options. In China, the 2023 1.5L variant remains the primary offering. In selected overseas markets, the Kicks is also available with the e-POWER hybrid system, delivering a fuel economy of up to 25.7 km/L.

Design Language

The current China-spec Kicks retains Nissan's signature "V-motion" design language, sporting a rounded, curvier silhouette. In contrast, the 2025/2026 overseas model adopts a radically transformed look, featuring a horizontal multi-slat front grille reminiscent of the Nissan Pathfinder, flanked by slim LED headlamps and vertical daytime running light (DRL) strips, shifting the styling from youthful and rounded to rugged and sophisticated. The side profile exhibits sharper character lines with a floating roof effect, while the rear features full-width LED taillights that visually broaden the car's stance. Dimension-wise, the new overseas model measures 4,366 mm long, 1,801 mm wide, and 1,626 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,657–2,664 mm, marking a notable increase over the current China-spec model (4,312 × 1,760 × 1,613 mm; 2,620 mm wheelbase).

Inside, the overseas all-new Kicks features a dual-screen dashboard setup, with the range-topping SR variant boasting twin 12.3-inch displays. The dashboard adopts a wraparound layout, complemented by a flat-bottom steering wheel. The seats incorporate Nissan's signature "Zero Gravity" technology. Meanwhile, the current China-spec model is predominantly fitted with a 7-inch instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Nissan Connect interface.

Powertrain and Performance

The China-spec Kicks is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine (HR15), pushing out 122 PS and 143 Nm of torque, mated to an Xtronic CVT. Conversely, the all-new overseas model upgrades to a 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine generating 141 PS and 190 Nm of torque, also paired with a CVT. Additionally, overseas markets offer a 1.2L three-cylinder engine paired with the e-POWER hybrid system, where the petrol engine acts purely as a generator while the electric motor drives the wheels. The e-POWER model is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the China-spec model and overseas FWD variants ride on a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension setup. The overseas AWD variants, however, are upgraded with a rear multi-link independent suspension. The 2025/2026 overseas Kicks introduces AWD for the first time, with ground clearance raised to 213 mm for improved all-terrain capability. The chassis setup remains tuned primarily for ride comfort.

Cabin and Equipment

In the cabin, the new overseas Kicks gets a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard across the range, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. High-spec grades can be optioned with a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, complete with driver headrest speakers. The interior offers up to four USB-C ports alongside a Qi wireless smartphone charger. Comfort amenities on the overseas model include a panoramic sunroof and dual-zone automatic climate control. Practicality-wise, boot capacity stands at around 849 litres, expanding to 1,699 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the new overseas Kicks is equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 ADAS suite as standard, comprising Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist.

For driver assistance, the top-spec SR variant adds the ProPILOT Assist system, which incorporates steering assist alongside adaptive cruise control to provide lane centering assist during highway cruising. High-spec models also benefit from a 360-degree Around View Monitor. On the passive safety front, the overseas model is fitted with seven airbags, whereas the current China-spec model comes standard with six airbags.

Market Performance and Outlook

The sales trajectory of the Kicks in China has been a classic case of "flying high early on before losing steam." Following its 2017 debut, monthly deliveries consistently breached the 10,000-unit mark for three consecutive months, peaking at 11,375 units in December that year. However, sales entered a steady decline from 2018 onwards—registering 35,900 units in 2018, 45,100 units in 2019, dropping to 29,000 units in 2020, and tumbling to just 9,521 units across the entire year of 2024. In March 2025, sales saw a brief rebound to 3,499 units, though the latest monthly figures show volumes plunging to an all-time low of merely six units.

Industry observers attribute the slump primarily to a prolonged product life cycle without major updates—the car has gone without a full redesign in China since 2017, leaving its styling and equipment outdated; simultaneously, it has faced relentless value-for-money pressure from competitive Chinese domestic rivals like the Geely Binyue, Chery Tiggo 5X, and GAC Trumpchi GS3. With the overseas Kicks now fully revamped with a 2.0L engine, AWD option, and ProPILOT ADAS suite, introducing these next-generation upgrades to the Chinese market could be crucial to reviving its fortunes.