Nissan’s compact SUV, the Kicks , is finally undergoing a full model change and evolving into its third generation ! The Japanese version will be equipped with the unique e-POWER hybrid system , which is not available in the overseas model, and is scheduled to go on sale in October 2025 .
The new Kicks, which was unveiled to the world for the first time on March 24, 2024, features a completely new interior and exterior design and is packed with the latest technology.
In this article, we’ll thoroughly explain the appeal of the new Kicks. We’ll provide detailed information on the design, size, interior, powertrain, fuel economy, safety features, price, and more. There’s no doubt that the new Kicks will bring a breath of fresh air to the compact SUV market!
Release date in Japan and current model
Interest in the car is growing in Japan, but there is still very little concrete information available. While the Kicks has been on sale overseas since 2016, its introduction in Japan is typically delayed.
The current model was released on June 30, 2020. Cars typically undergo model changes every four years, so a fully redesigned model is expected to be released in October 2025, roughly the fifth year.
Summary of the new Nissan Kicks full model change
Exterior
- Powerful and sophisticated design (horizontal emphasis, thin headlights, wide feel)
- A sleek roofline like a coupe SUV
- Protruding taillights
- Two-tone color
Body size
- Overall length: 4,366 mm, overall width: 1,801 mm, overall height: 1,630 mm (larger than the previous model)
- Wheelbase 2,660mm (longer than the previous model)
- Increased interior space (shoulder area +43mm, rear legroom +23mm)
- Ground clearance: 213mm (improved off-road performance)
interior
- Improved quality as a global model
- Horizontal design
- 7-inch/12.3-inch digital meter
- 7-inch/12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
- Up to four USB-C ports, wireless charging system
Powertrain (Japanese model)
- The latest e-POWER hybrid system
- 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder engine (power generation only)
- Powerful motor (improved starting acceleration/overtaking acceleration performance)
- e-POWER 4WD (with rear motor, independent control of front and rear wheels)
fuel economy
- WLTC mode fuel economy: FF vehicle 24.0km/L, 4WD vehicle 20.0km/L
- FF vehicles are 1km/L better than the previous model
safety equipment
- ProPilot (navigation linkage, automatic vehicle speed adjustment)
- Road Sign Detection, Forward Collision Alert, and Driving Warning (standard)
- Blind Spot Alert & Rear Collision Prevention Assist (optional)
price
- FF car entry grade “X” from 2,998,600 yen
- 4WD vehicle: from 3,261,500 yen
release date
- Around October 2025 (Japan)
Nissan Kicks Full Model Change
The exterior of the new Kicks adopts Nissan’s latest design language, giving it a powerful and sophisticated look.
The front mask emphasizes a sense of width with its horizontal design and thin headlights. The grille and bumper are shaped in a unified style, expressing the strength of an SUV.
The side view is characterized by a two-tone color scheme and voluminous rear fenders. The flowing roofline, reminiscent of a coupe SUV, gives the car a sporty impression.
The rear view features protruding taillights that create a sense of width. Similar to the front, the horizontal design creates a unified and stylish rear view.
2025 Nissan Kicks
Nissan Kicks 2025 model exterior
The new 2025 Kicks model has a squarer, more rugged appearance compared to its predecessor. It exudes a more premium feel than its predecessor. Unlike the digital V-motion grille seen on recent Nissan models, it features horizontally oriented daytime running LEDs seamlessly integrated into the large black area surrounding the grille. The sides are less sculpted than before, but have a sportier design that visually links with the rear glass. At the rear, the uniquely shaped LED taillights blend seamlessly with the black trim.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The new Kicks has improved comfort and practicality by increasing its body size.
The overall length is 4,366mm, the overall width is 1,801mm, and the overall height is 1,630mm, which is 76mm longer and 41mm wider than the previous model. The wheelbase has also been extended to 2,660mm, significantly increasing the interior space. In particular, shoulder room has been increased by 43mm and rear legroom by 23mm, improving rear seat comfort. In addition, the ground clearance has been increased to 213mm, improving off-road performance. This further expands the driving enjoyment of an SUV.
Nissan Kicks 2025 model interior
2025 Nissan Kicks
The interior has a simple layout, featuring a digital cockpit and a flat-bottom steering wheel. It’s available in three trim levels: S, SV, and SR. The entry-level model comes equipped with dual 7-inch displays, while higher trim levels add a larger 12.3-inch screen. The climate control system has touch-sensitive controls, and depending on the trim level, it can accommodate up to four USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
2025 Nissan Kicks
Two Premium Package options include features such as a panoramic sunroof and a Bose audio system with speakers integrated into the front headrests. Shoulder room has increased by 38-43mm, rear legroom by 23mm, and a more practical trunk has been provided, which now features a flexible luggage board and hidden storage compartment. Larger than its predecessor, it offers more space for passengers and luggage, with a boot size of 850 liters, which increases to 1700 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Nissan Kicks 2025 model price and grade
Considering the price of the Kicks 2025 model, which was released earlier, it is expected to be slightly more expensive than the current model.
The price of the new 2025 Kicks US model is approximately 3.21 million to 4.08 million yen in Japanese yen, while the current Japanese model is priced at 3,083,300 to 3,700,400 yen.
Nissan Kicks 2025 model price and grades in the US
| grade | Drive system | US Price | Japanese price |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 2WD | $21,830 | Approximately 3.21 million yen |
| 4WD | $23,330 | Approximately 3.43 million yen | |
| SV | 2WD | $23,680 | Approximately 3.49 million yen |
| 4WD | $25,330 | Approximately 3.73 million yen | |
| SR | 2WD | $26,180 | Approximately 3.85 million yen |
| 4WD | $27,680 | Approximately 4.08 million yen |
New Kicks 2024 Japanese model price and grade
| grade | Engine (motor) |
Drive system |
New price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| X | HR12DE (EM57) |
2WD | 3,083,300 yen |
| X FOUR | HR12DE (EM57) (MM48) |
4WD | 3,346,200 yen |
| X Two-Tone Interior Edition |
HR12DE (EM57) |
2WD | 3,218,600 yen |
| X FOUR Two-Tone Interior Edition |
HR12DE (EM57) (MM48) |
4WD | 3,481,500 yen |
| Special edition 90th anniversary car |
HR12DE (EM57) |
2WD | 3,257,100 yen |
| Special edition 90th anniversary car |
HR12DE (EM57) (MM48) |
4WD | 3,520,000 yen |
| grade | Engine (motor) |
Drive system |
New price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUTECH | HR12DE (EM57) |
2WD | 3,437,500 yen |
| AUTECH | HR12DE (EM57) (MM48) |
4WD | 3,700,400 yen |
Comparison of body size between the previous model and the new third-generation Kicks
| Body size | Second generation Kicks (Japanese model)  |
Third generation Kicks (US model) |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,300mm | 4,366mm |
| Overall width | 1,780mm | 1,801mm |
| Overall height | 1,600mm | 1,626 to 1,631 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640mm | 2,657mm 2,664mm |
When comparing the current second-generation Kicks in Japan with the third-generation Kicks in the US, the third-generation model may look larger in photos. However, when comparing the actual sizes, you’ll see that it’s not that much larger.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
Nissan Kicks Fully Redesigned: Expected Japanese Model Specifications
The Kicks, equipped with the next-generation “e-POWER” system, combines the EM47 motor and the MM48 motor to achieve a maximum output of 100kW (136PS) / 3,410-9,697rpm and a maximum torque of 280Nm (28.6kgfm) / 0-3,410rpm. Furthermore, the 4WD model employs the next-generation electric four-wheel drive system “e-POWER 4WD.”
| Specifications | New Kicks e-POWER 2WD |
New Kicks e-POWER 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,365mm | 4,365mm |
| Overall width | 1,800mm | 1,780mm |
| Overall height | 1,630mm | 1,630mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,660mm | 2,660mm |
| engine | In-line 3-cylinder 1.2L engine “HR12DE” type + motor “EM47” type |
In-line 3-cylinder 1.2L engine “HR12DE” type + motor “EM47” type + motor “MM48” type |
| Maximum power | 60kW (82PS) / 6,000rpm |
60kW (82PS) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 103Nm (10.5kgm) / 4,800rpm |
103Nm (10.5kgm) / 4,800rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
100kW (136PS) / 3,410-9,697rpm |
100kW (136PS) / 3,410-9,697rpm |
| Motor Max Torque |
280Nm (28.5kgm) / 0-3,410rpm |
280Nm (28.6kgfm) / 0-3,410rpm |
| Rear motor maximum output |
– | 50kW (68PS) / 4,775-10,259rpm |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
– | 100Nm (10.2kgm) / 0-4,775rpm |
| battery | Lithium-ion battery |
Lithium-ion battery |
| Drive system | 2WD | 4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
23.0km/L | 19.2km/L |
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
A word from the editorial department
The Kicks is attractive for its sophisticated design, powerful engine, and diverse features. In particular, innovative technologies such as the e-POWER system are attracting attention. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, from everyday commuting to outdoor activities, and its ease of use is also a major attraction. While a full model change for the Japanese model has not yet been decided, it is highly likely that the design and specifications of the US Kicks model will be used as the domestic model, which could significantly change the market for compact SUV models in Japan. We will continue to keep an eye on the Kicks.
About the history of Kicks
On September 30, 2008, it became the first model, an OEM version of the Pajero Mini, which was produced and sold by Mitsubishi Motors. However, production and sales of the Pajero Mini also ceased in 2012. The Japanese version was officially announced on June 24, 2020, and released on June 30.
Released October 30, 2008
On September 30, 2008, it became the first model, an OEM version of the Pajero Mini, which was produced and sold by Mitsubishi Motors. However, production and sales of the Pajero Mini also ceased in 2012. The Japanese version was officially announced on June 24, 2020, and released on June 30.
Full model change released on August 5, 2016.
Japanese model released on June 30, 2020.
Toyota unveiled images of its new concept model, the Kicks Concept, at the 2014 Sao Paulo Motor Show, which is scheduled to open on October 28, 2014. The Kicks Samba Concept was then unveiled at the Rio Samba Carnival in February 2015.
The production version of the Kicks was unveiled in Rio de Janeiro on May 2, 2016. This model was also selected as the official car for the Rio Olympics and Paralympics. Sales began in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 5 of the same year.
The new Kicks was unveiled for the first time in China at the 2017 Shanghai International Motor Show, which began on April 19, 2017, and sales began in the Chinese market in May of the same year. The new Kicks for North America was also announced at the Nissan press conference at the 2017 Los Angeles Motor Show on November 29, 2017, and sales began in Canada in May 2018, followed by the United States in June 2018.
Sales began in Taiwan on November 7, 2018, and the Indian model was released on January 22, 2019. The Japanese model was officially announced on June 24, 2020, and sales began in Japan on June 30.
On July 19, 2022, the Japanese-spec model underwent a minor change. This change saw the e-POWER system transition to the second generation, the same as the E13 Note and its derivative model, the Note Aura, reducing the frequency of engine start-ups at low speeds. The e-Pedal Step’s operability has also been improved, and it is now possible to switch to B range even when the vehicle is in SPORT or ECO mode.
to be decided
2025 seems like a good possibility.
Nissan Kicks delivery time?
Delivery period is within 1 to 2 months
Nissan’s official delivery information is as follows. It looks like delivery times and delivery will be quicker than expected. To cut to the chase, if you sign a contract for the Kicks as of March 2025, delivery is expected to take at least one month, and at most two months .
Manufacturer Information
- Kicks: about 1 month
How many Nissan Kicks are sold?
2024
| year and month | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | 1,314 units |
| February 2024 | 1,648 units |
| March 2024 | 1,972 units |
| April 2024 | 1,019 units |
| May 2024 | 949 units |
| June 2024 | 1,283 units |
| July 2024 | 1,479 units |
| August 2024 | 757 units |
| September 2024 | 1,341 units |
| October 2024 | 930 units |
| November 2024 | 915 units |
| December 2024 | 739 units |
| total | 14,346 units |
2025
| year and month | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January | 1,137 units |
| February | 1,112 units |
We will continue to provide new information as it becomes available.
Kicks Related Articles
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
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