Nissan’s compact SUV, the Kicks , will undergo a full model change in 2026. For those considering purchasing the current model, an important decision point is whether to buy now or wait for the new model. This article provides a thorough explanation of the latest information on the new Kicks to help you make your purchasing decision.
Should you wait for the new Kicks? Let’s start with the conclusion.
Conclusion: We strongly recommend waiting for the new 2026 model.
2025 Nissan Kicks
Here’s why:
✅Complete generational change – Not a minor change, but a full model change with a completely new platform
✅ Significant design evolution – A transition from the outdated design of the current model to the latest Nissan design language
✅Equipped with the latest e-POWER – Evolution to 1.4L e-POWER improves fuel economy and driving performance
✅Increased interior space – shoulder room +43mm, rear seat legroom +23mm, significantly improving practicality
✅ Comprehensive safety equipment – Equipped with the latest driving assistance systems such as ProPilot
However, if you are someone who needs a car right now or is completely satisfied with the current model, you can also look for a larger discount on the current model.
Summary of changes to the new Kicks 2026 model
2025 Nissan Kicks
List of major changes
| item | Current model | New model (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| design | Based on 2016 | Completely new design and latest Nissan design |
| Total length x width x height | 4,290×1,760×1,610mm | 4,366×1,801×1,630mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620mm | 2,660mm |
| ground clearance | 170mm | 213mm (+43mm) |
| Powertrain | 1.2L e-POWER | 1.4L e-POWER (estimated) |
| Fuel economy (FF) | 23.0km/L | 24.0km/L (estimated) |
| meter | 7 inches | 12.3-inch digital |
| Price (estimated) | Approximately 3 million yen and up | Approximately 3.2 million yen |
Design evolution: Comparison with the current model
Front design: A next-level evolution
2025 Nissan Kicks
The biggest feature of the new Kicks is its completely redesigned exterior design .
[Issues with the current model]
- Old design debuted in 2016
- It underwent a minor change when it was introduced in Japan in 2020, but it still feels a bit inconsistent.
- The V-motion grille gives the impression of an older generation
[Key points of evolution for the new model]
- The latest Nissan face with the adoption of the digital V-motion grille
- Vertical LED daytime running lights emphasize a powerful and imposing look
- The square design creates an SUV-like presence
- Thin headlights give it a bold look
Side view: Muscular fender design
2025 Nissan Kicks
The new model features bold press lines on the fenders , and by folding back the upper part at a steep angle, it achieves a muscular, three-dimensional look despite the body width of just 1,801 mm.
Design highlights:
- Side accents inspired by sneaker soles
- Wide, square fenders
- Floating Roof Design
- Two-tone color options
Rear design: simple and sophisticated
2025 Nissan Kicks
The vertical LED taillights create a sense of unity with the front, and while maintaining the flowing roofline of a coupe SUV, the protruding tail design also expresses strength.
Changes in body size and interior space
Increased body size
| item | Current type | new model | change |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,290mm | 4,366mm | +76mm |
| Overall width | 1,760mm | 1,801mm | +41mm |
| Overall height | 1,610mm | 1,630mm | +20mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620mm | 2,660mm | +40mm |
| ground clearance | 170mm | 213mm | +43mm |
Greatly improved interior space
Shoulder space: +43mm – Ensuring width enough for two adults to sit comfortably
Rear seat legroom: +23mm – Ample space for adults to sit with knee room
Luggage space – Achieves class-leading capacity (specific figures not disclosed)
Size comparison with rival models
| Car model | Total length x width x height |
|---|---|
| New Kicks | 4,366×1,801×1,630mm |
| Toyota Yaris Cross | 4,180×1,765×1,590mm |
| Honda Vezel | 4,330×1,790×1,590mm |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | 4,490×1,825×1,620mm |
The new Kicks has an exquisite size: larger than the Yaris Cross, almost the same size as the Vezel, and smaller than the Corolla Cross.
Powertrain: The evolution of e-POWER
The Japanese model is likely to be equipped with a 1.4L e-POWER
Current model (1.2L e-POWER)
- Generator engine: 82PS/10.5kgm
- Drive motor: 136PS/28.6kgm
- Fuel consumption: FF 23.0km/L, 4WD 19.2km/L
Expected specs for the new model (1.4L e-POWER)
- The latest generation e-POWER system, the same as the Serena
- Cooperative regenerative control improves fuel efficiency even in normal mode
- Estimated fuel economy: FF 24.0km/L, 4WD 20.0km/L
- More powerful acceleration
North American spec is 2L gasoline
The model announced in North America is equipped with a 2L inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine (141PS/190Nm) paired with a CVT for smooth acceleration.
Evolution of 4WD systems
The new model is the first to feature a full-fledged 4WD model:
- Ground clearance: 213mm (top level in its class)
- SNOW mode improves driving performance on snowy roads
- Vehicle dynamic control adopted
Safety equipment and advanced features
“Safety Shield 360” standard equipment on all grades
✅Automatic braking (with pedestrian detection)
✅Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
✅Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
✅Lane Departure Prevention Assist (LDP)
✅Auto High Beam Assist
High-grade models are equipped with “ProPilot”
New Kicks features ProPilot for the first time :
- Dramatically reduces driving stress on expressways
- Navigation-linked deceleration control before curves
- Forward Collision Alert
- Wobble alarm
Interior and infotainment system
An increasingly digital cockpit
12.3-inch dual display
- Meter: 12.3-inch full digital (high-end grade)
- Center display: 12.3 inches (standard is 7 inches)
- Evolution from the current “thick” design to a slim, all-in-one design
Improved connectivity
- Up to 4 USB-C ports
- Wireless Charging Tray
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Premium Audio
2025 Nissan Kicks
BOSE Personal Plus Sound System (optional)
- 10 speakers
- Headrest built-in speakers (driver’s seat and passenger seat)
- Spacious premium sound
Zero Gravity Seat
All seats are equipped with zero gravity seats
- Supports posture that reduces fatigue even when driving for long periods of time
- Shape developed based on NASA research
- Equipment currently only available in the higher grades will now be standard on all vehicles
Price estimate and release date
Expected price range
| grade | Drive system | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| X (tentative name) | FF | Approximately 3 million yen |
| X (tentative name) | 4WD | Approximately 3.26 million yen |
| X Two-tone interior (tentative name) | FF | Approximately 3.1 million yen |
| X Two-tone interior (tentative name) | 4WD | Approximately 3.37 million yen |
| AUTECH (tentative name) | FF | Approximately 3.4 million yen |
| AUTECH (tentative name) | 4WD | Approximately 3.7 million yen |
The price is expected to increase by approximately 200,000 yen from the current model , but considering the comprehensive range of equipment, the cost performance has actually improved.
Release date
Highly likely to be released in Japan in 2026
basis:
- World premiere in North America on March 24, 2024
- Sales will begin in North America around summer 2024
- The current model is being developed as a global strategic vehicle
- The word “TOKYO” appears on the barcode at the exhibition venue.
Expected schedule:
- Summer 2024: Sales begin in North America
- 2025: Expand into other overseas markets
- First half of 2026: Details of the Japanese model to be announced
- Late 2026: Launch in Japan
A thorough comparison with rival models
Comparison with Toyota Yaris Cross
| item | New Kicks | Yaris Cross |
|---|---|---|
| size | 4,366×1,801×1,630mm | 4,180×1,765×1,590mm |
| Powertrain | 1.4L e-POWER (estimated) | 1.5L Hybrid |
| fuel economy | 24.0km/L (estimated) | 27.8~30.8km/L |
| price | Approximately 3 million yen (estimated) | Approximately 1.9 million yen (HV 2.3 million yen) |
Advantages of the Yaris Cross:
- Low prices (especially gasoline vehicles)
- fuel efficiency
- Compact and easy to handle
Advantages of the new Kicks:
- Large interior space
- Latest Design
- e-POWER’s smooth acceleration
- High ground clearance (213mm vs 160mm)
Comparison with Honda Vezel
VEZEL
| item | New Kicks | Vezel |
|---|---|---|
| size | 4,366×1,801×1,630mm | 4,330×1,790×1,590mm |
| Powertrain | 1.4L e-POWER (estimated) | 1.5L e:HEV |
| fuel economy | 24.0km/L (estimated) | 24.8~25.0km/L |
| price | Approximately 3 million yen (estimated) | Approximately 2.28 million yen |
As rivals of roughly the same size , price competitiveness will likely be the key.
Pros and cons of buying the current model now
The benefits of buying now
✅Huge discounts are expected
- Increased discounts due to inventory clearance before full model change
- Possibility of optional services
✅ Ready to ride
- We’ll have to wait until 2026 for the new model
- Realistic for those who need a car right now
✅ The basic performance of e-POWER is sufficient
- The 1.2L e-POWER is no problem for everyday use.
- Fuel economy of 23.0km/L is excellent
Disadvantages of buying now
❌ The design is outdated
- 2016-based design
- After the new model was released, the old model became even more noticeable.
❌Plummeting resale values
- Trade-in prices drop significantly after a full model change
- Considering the sale three years from now, the loss is large.
❌Unable to use the latest equipment
- No ProPilot
- No 12.3-inch display
❌Indoor space is small
- 43mm narrower around the shoulders and 23mm narrower in the rear seats than the new model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is it certain that the new Kicks will be introduced in Japan?
A. The current Kicks is sold in Japan, and since it is being developed as a global strategic vehicle, it is almost certain that it will be introduced in Japan . The presence of the word “Tokyo” at the exhibition hall is also suggestive.
Q2. How much does it cost?
A. It is expected to be priced in the early 3 million yen range, about 200,000 yen higher than the current model . However, considering the level of equipment included, it is an improvement in cost performance.
Q3. Which is the Japanese model, e-POWER or a gasoline-powered vehicle?
A. It is highly likely that the Japanese model will be exclusively e-POWER . Currently, e-POWER is the only option in Japan, and Nissan’s strategy is to make e-POWER its main focus.
Q4. Is it worth switching from the current model?
A. If you are a current owner, we recommend that you consider switching to a new car while the trade-in value is still high before the new model is released . There is a high possibility that the trade-in value will fall after the new model is released.
Q5. How does it compare to rival cars?
A. It’s wider than the Yaris Cross and roughly the same size as the Vezel. The smooth ride and cutting-edge design of the e-POWER are appealing, but the balance with the price is the deciding factor.
Q6. What is the performance of the 4WD?
A. The minimum ground clearance of 213mm is the best in its class , and the SNOW mode improves driving performance on snowy roads. This is a major benefit for users who live outdoors or in snowy regions.
Q7. When can I make a reservation?
A. The official announcement of the Japanese model is expected to be in the first half of 2026. Reservations are expected to begin at that time.
Summary: Why you should wait for the new Kicks
Someone to wait for
✅ I’m particular about design
✅ I want the latest safety features
✅ I need a spacious interior
✅ I’m thinking about keeping it for the long term (resale value is important)
✅ I can wait a little longer with my current car
Who can buy now?
✅ I need a car now
✅ A big discount is my top priority
✅ I’m happy with the current design
✅ I plan to use it for a short period of time (2-3 years)
The latest information will be updated regularly.
The latest information on the new Kicks will be released on the Nissan official website and in automotive media as it becomes available. Important announcements are expected at the following times:
- Autumn-Winter 2025 : Details of the Japanese model announced
- Spring-Summer 2026 : Reservations open
- Late 2026 : Launch
Overall, we strongly recommend waiting for the new model to be released in 2026. With a complete generational change, the design, performance, and equipment will all be significantly improved, so it’s well worth waiting a few months to a year.
