Almost 6 years after the debut of the first generation Nissan Kicks, the Japanese automaker has unveiled the all-new 2nd gen Kicks ahead of its formal unveiling at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show set to open its doors next week.
As evident from the official pictures released by Nissan, the new Kicks has become larger, offering more room for passengers and cargo. It packs a more powerful engine under the hood and comes loaded with new features, highlighted by the introduction of all-wheel drive as an option for the first time in the Kicks lineup.
The all-new Nissan Kicks measures 4,366 mm in length, 1,801 mm in width, and 1,626-1,631 mm in height. Interestingly, there is a slight variation in the wheelbase, which spans 2,657 mm for the FWD model and 2,664 mm for the AWD versions.
In terms of styling, the new Kicks boasts a much boxier and more rugged appearance with the front end showcasing horizontal LEDs seamlessly integrated within a large black-finished area surrounding the grille. Sharp-looking wheels and an intricate, three-dimensional shape accenting the rocker panels highlight the sides, while the rear features uniquely shaped LED taillights that seamlessly blend with a black trim above the license plate holder.
Inside, the dashboard has a straightforward layout, featuring a digital cockpit and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Entry-level models feature dual 7-inch displays, while flagship trims boast larger 12.3-inch screens. Depending on the trim, there are up to 4 USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The center console is more versatile now, and for the first time, both rows of seats use Nissan’s Zero Gravity seating design, helping distribute weight and pressure across the occupants’ bodies for a more comfortable seating position. Other desirable features available with the new Kicks include a panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Bose Personal Plus sound system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. Intelligent cruise control is included as standard, while the Kicks SR debuts ProPILOT Assist with steering assistance to make highway driving simpler.
Under the hood, there is a new naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine generating 139 hp of power and 190 Nm of torque. This marks a significant boost of 17 hp and 36 Nm compared to the 1.6L unit in the previous generation model. Power is transmitted via Nissan’s latest iteration of the Xtronic automatic gearbox (CVT), either to the front or all four wheels. The optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, available across the lineup, stands out as a key feature of the new generation. Combined with the “Snow” driving mode and a ground clearance of 213 mm, it bolsters the crossover’s capabilities for light off-roading.
Sales are scheduled to kick off later this year starting from the North American markets with pricing to be announced closer to the launch. The all-new Kicks will begin reaching other global markets as a 2025 model-year vehicle towards the end of this year, or early next year.
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