The 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. Nissan claimed the concept is inspired by the streets of Brazil.
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. 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. The crossover went on sale in China in July 2017, replacing the Livina C-Gear.
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. Imported from Mexico, it replaced the Juke and also indirectly replaced the Versa Note as a subcompact hatchback offering in the region. The Kicks was launched in the Middle East in December 2017.
The Kicks features a standard touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth 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 upgraded infotainment system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, as well as a Bose 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 the Kicks Play. The Play model went on sale in the U.S. in early 2025, and was discontinued after the 2025 model year.
Kicks e-Power On 15 May 2020, the Kicks e-Power was released in Thailand. Only produced in Thailand, the variant features an updated look with reworked front fascia and tail lights. The Kicks e-Power combines a HR12DE 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine and an EM57 electric motor that drives the front wheels, making it a series hybrid vehicle with no plug-in capability.
Since June 2022, all-wheel drive is available by the addition of a MM48 motor as an option for the Japanese market.
2021 facelift
An updated version of the standard Kicks was revealed in December 2020. 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. 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. The updated Kicks went on sale in North America in February 2021 and in the Middle East in July 2021.
2026 facelift
The second facelift Kicks was first launched under the Kait nameplate in Brazil in December 2025.
In March 2026, the facelifted Kicks e-Power was released in Thailand. The changes of the facelifted model includes a redesigned front fascia with new headlights and a new grille, a redesigned rear fascia with new taillights and the number plate housing was moved down on the bumper, new exterior colours, and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the interior dashboard, door panels and centre console were redesigned, new Zero Gravity design for the front and rear seats, a new full digital MID display (replaced the former partially digital instrument cluster), new touchscreen infotainment systems equipped with NissanConnect services and wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For safety, the facelift model receives Nissan ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving assistance system and the inclusion of new advanced driving assistance system features.
Engines The Kicks is equipped with Nissan's HR16DE 1.6 L four-cylinder petrol engine shared with the Versa. This engine generates and of torque. Nissan rates this engine to receive an EPA fuel economy rating of city and highway. The Chinese and Taiwanese version uses Nissan's HR15DE 1.5 L four-cylinder petrol engine.
The e-Power version uses the HR12DE 1.2 L three-cylinder petrol engine rated at at 5,400 rpm and of torque at 4,400 rpm as a generator for the 1.57 kWh battery located under the front seats. The car itself is powered by an EM57 electric motor with and of torque.
Markets
Americas
Argentina The Kicks P15 was launched in Argentina on 9 June 2017 at the 2017 Buenos Aires Motor Show. It was available with three variants: Advance M/T, Advance CVT and Premium CVT, powered by the 1.6-litre petrol engine.
The facelifted Kicks P15 was launched in Argentina on 21 April 2021, with four trim levels: Sense, Advance, Advance Plus and Exclusive, powered by the 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual and a CVT.
Brazil The Kicks P15 went on sale in Brazil on 5 August 2016. Initially imported from Mexico, it was available in the sole SL trim powered by the 1.6-litre flex-fuel petrol engine paired only with a CVT. In November 2016, the SV Limited trim was introduced to the line-up to sit below the SL trim. In June 2017, the entry-level PCD and S trims were introduced to the line-up.
The facelifted Kicks P15 was launched in Brazil on 25 February 2021, with three trim levels: Sense, Advance and Exclusive (available with the Tech Pack), powered by the 1.6-litre flex-fuel petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual and a CVT.
Mexico The Kicks P15 was launched in Mexico on 10 September 2016 for the 2017 model year, with three trim levels: Sense, Advance and Exclusive, powered by the 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual and a CVT.
The facelifted Kicks P15 was launched in Mexico on 28 January 2021, with three trim levels: Advance, Exclusive and Platinum.
In September 2021, Nissan announced the launch of the Kicks e-Power for the Mexican market in the second half of 2022, to coincide with Nissan's 60th anniversary in the Mexican market. The Kicks e-Power was launched in Mexico on 20 October 2022, with three trim levels: Advance, Exclusive and Platinum.
North America The Kicks made the North American debut on 29 November 2017 at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, and went on sale in June 2018. Imported from Mexico, it replaced the Juke and also indirectly replaced the Versa Note as a subcompact hatchback offering in the region.
The Kicks P15 was released for the North American market in June 2018 for the 2018 model year. It was available with three trim levels: S, SV and SR, powered by the 1.6-litre petrol engine paired only with a CVT.
The facelifted Kicks P15 was released in North America in February 2021. Trim levels and engine option remain the same from the pre-facelift model, with the introduction of the SR Premium trim for the Canadian market.
Asia
Indonesia The Kicks e-Power was launched in Indonesia on 2 September 2020, in the sole variant.
Japan The Kicks e-Power was also revealed in Japan on 24 June 2020 and released on 30 June 2020. It was available in the sole X trim.
Malaysia The Kicks e-Power was launched in Malaysia on 4 December 2024, with two trim levels: VL and VLT.
Philippines The Kicks e-Power was launched in the Philippines on 12 August 2022, with three trim levels: EL, VE and VL.
The facelifted Kicks e-Power was launched in the Philippines on 28 August 2026, with three trim levels: VE, VL and LE Plus.
Singapore The Kicks e-Power was launched in Singapore on 9 July 2020, with two trim levels: Premium and Premium Plus.
Taiwan The Kicks P15 was launched in Taiwan on 7 November 2018, with three trim levels: Fashion, Luxury, and Smart Flagship, powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine paired only with a CVT.
The facelifted Kicks P15 was launched in Taiwan on 6 October 2022, with two trim levels: Excellence Edition and Flagship Edition, powered by the 1.6-litre petrol engine paired only with a CVT.
The Kicks e-Power was launched in Taiwan on 18 October 2023, in the sole variant.
Thailand In Thailand, the Kicks e-Power was available with four trim levels: S, E, V and VL.
The facelifted Kicks e-Power was launched in Thailand on 23 March 2026, with three trim levels: V, VL and SV.
Vietnam The Kicks e-Power was launched in Vietnam on 2 November 2022, with two trim levels: E and V.
Safety On 1 August 2018, Mexican automotive magazine Autología took a Fan Edition version of the Kicks on a moose test. Due to a lack of an electronic 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.
Latin NCAP The Kicks in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 2 airbags received 4 stars for adult occupants and 4 stars for toddlers from Latin NCAP 2.0 in 2017.
IIHS IIHS scores (2020) Small overlap front (driver) Good Small overlap front (passenger) Good Moderate overlap front Good Side (original test) Good Roof strength Good Head restraints and seats Good HeadlightsAcceptable Poor varies by trim/option Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use Good IIHS scores (2021) Small overlap front (driver) Good Small overlap front (passenger) Good Moderate overlap front Good Side (original test) Good Roof strength Good Head restraints and seats Good Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use Good
ASEAN NCAP
TNCAP
Indian market (D15; 2019)
For the Indian market, a larger car with a similar styling as the original Kicks was introduced on 22 January 2019. 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 with Dacia Duster and the B0 platform-based Renault Captur to reduce costs, as both were manufactured in the same Renault-Nissan plant in Chennai. 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 the H4K naturally aspirated petrol engine and the K9K diesel engine, both mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Both engines are shared with the Renault Captur. In May 2020, Nissan removed the K9K diesel engine option due to the implementation of Bharat Stage 6 emission standards. A Renault-Nissan-Daimler HR13DDT petrol turbocharged engine became the replacement. The turbo engine is rated at and , 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.
The Kicks was made an official car for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.