Nissan Kicks

Core summary

2027 Nissan Kicks® | Current second-generation subcompact crossover

The current Nissan Kicks is the second-generation version of Nissan’s small crossover. In the United States, the latest production model is the 2027 Nissan Kicks, offered in S, SV, Rock Creek and SR forms. The lineup combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on lower grades, while Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available or standard depending on trim. Nissan lists 141 horsepower, 140 lb-ft of torque, five-passenger seating and 8.4 inches of ground clearance for the U.S. model.

The Kicks emphasizes compact exterior dimensions, a relatively spacious cabin and useful cargo capacity. Front-wheel-drive versions provide up to 60.0 cubic feet behind the front seats, while all-wheel-drive models provide up to 50.1 cubic feet. Standard U.S. equipment includes a 12.3-inch NissanConnect touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration and a broad group of driver-assistance systems.

Regional specifications differ substantially. Brazil’s current Kicks uses a 1.0-liter turbocharged flex-fuel engine and six-speed dual-clutch transmission, rather than the U.S. 2.0-liter engine and CVT.

History & generations

Nissan presented the Kicks concept at the 2014 São Paulo International Motor Show. The production first-generation Kicks debuted in Rio de Janeiro in May 2016 and went on sale first in Latin America before expanding to other markets. Nissan described it as a global compact SUV jointly designed in Brazil, Japan and the United States.

The original Kicks entered the United States for the 2018 model year, replacing the Juke in Nissan’s U.S. small-crossover range. The first generation remained front-wheel drive in the U.S. market and used a smaller gasoline engine than the current model. Japan and several Asian markets also received a Kicks e-POWER variant from 2020, using Nissan’s series-hybrid system with an electric motor driving the wheels and a gasoline engine charging the battery.

Nissan unveiled the redesigned second-generation Kicks in 2024 for the 2025 model year. The redesign increased size, added available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in North America and introduced a 2.0-liter engine. The first-generation design continued briefly in the United States as the 2025 Kicks Play, which Nissan later discontinued.

Body, platform & design

The second-generation Kicks adopts a broader, more upright crossover shape than its predecessor. Its front end uses a wide grille treatment, slim LED lighting and a taller hood. Nissan emphasizes a choice of single- and two-tone exterior finishes, with the roof color used as a visible styling contrast on selected configurations. Available wheel sizes range from 16-inch steel wheels on the S grade to 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on the SR.

The U.S. body measures 171.9 inches long and 70.9 inches wide. Front-wheel-drive models stand 64.2 inches tall, while all-wheel-drive versions are listed at 64.0 inches. Wheelbase is 104.6 inches for front-wheel-drive versions and 104.9 inches for all-wheel-drive versions. Ground clearance is 8.4 inches across the U.S. range.

The Rock Creek grade adds a more utility-focused appearance with exclusive 17-inch wheels, black tubular roof rails and model-specific exterior detailing. The SR instead emphasizes sport-oriented equipment, including 19-inch wheels, signature LED lighting and available two-tone finishes. Brazil’s second-generation Kicks has different dimensions and exterior equipment, reflecting its separate regional specification.

Engine & drivetrain

The U.S.-market 2027 Nissan Kicks uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder gasoline engine. Nissan lists output of 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. All U.S. versions use an Xtronic continuously variable transmission, with selectable Eco and Sport modes. Front-wheel drive is available across the range, while Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is offered on applicable grades.

The all-wheel-drive system is paired with additional traction-focused drive programming. Nissan lists Snow Mode for the U.S. Kicks, while the 2027 Rock Creek grade adds Off-Road Mode and Hill Descent Control. The Rock Creek also includes ruggedized exterior equipment and a roof rack, positioning it as the most utility-oriented version of the U.S. lineup.

Regional Kicks powertrains are not interchangeable. Brazil’s current model uses a 999-cubic-centimeter, three-cylinder turbocharged flex-fuel engine producing up to 125 metric horsepower and 220 Nm, paired with a six-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive. Japan and some Asian markets have also used e-POWER versions of the earlier Kicks generation.

Trim differences

The U.S. 2027 Nissan Kicks range begins with the S grade. It includes the 12.3-inch NissanConnect display, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. The SV adds features such as a wireless charger, remote engine start, approach unlock and walk-away locking.

The Rock Creek is an all-wheel-drive grade with late availability listed by Nissan. Its equipment includes exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels, black tubular roof rails, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Off-Road Mode and Hill Descent Control. It is designed as the more outdoors-oriented version rather than a high-output performance model.

The SR is the range-topping conventional U.S. grade. It adds 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, ProPILOT Assist, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, leatherette-appointed seating with sport-cloth inserts and additional parking sensors. An available package adds a panoramic moonroof, Bose Personal Plus audio, a heated steering wheel and a driver-seat-mounted front-center airbag.

Brazil uses different trim names, including Sense, Advance, Exclusive and Platinum, with a different turbo-flex powertrain.

Interior & seating

The U.S. Kicks seats five and provides 95.7 cubic feet of EPA passenger volume. Nissan lists 42.7 inches of front legroom and 34.5 inches of rear legroom. Front headroom measures 39.7 inches without the moonroof and 38.9 inches with it; rear headroom is 38.5 or 38.0 inches respectively.

The dashboard centers on a 12.3-inch NissanConnect touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on the current U.S. model, while wireless charging is available on selected grades. The SR can be equipped with a second 12.3-inch display serving as a fully digital instrument cluster. Higher equipment levels add ambient lighting, leather-wrapped controls, upgraded seating surfaces and a Bose Personal Plus system with 10 speakers, including headrest speakers.

Cargo volume depends on drivetrain and trim. Front-wheel-drive S versions provide 30.0 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.0 cubic feet with the seats folded. Other front-wheel-drive grades provide 29.2 and 58.5 cubic feet. All-wheel-drive versions provide 23.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 50.1 cubic feet with them folded.

Efficiency & range

The 2026 U.S. Kicks is rated at 28 city, 35 highway and 31 combined mpg with front-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive versions are rated at 27 city, 34 highway and 30 combined mpg. Nissan’s 2027 U.S. pages retain the same advertised 28/35 mpg city/highway figures for the model.

The fuel tank is listed at 11.8 gallons for front-wheel-drive versions and 12.4 gallons for all-wheel-drive versions in Nissan’s detailed U.S. specification material. EPA economy figures are configuration-specific and should be read separately from Nissan’s broader performance claims.

Brazil’s flex-fuel Kicks uses a different engine and transmission, so its consumption figures are published under Brazil’s local fuel-testing method and are not directly comparable with U.S. EPA mpg ratings. Nissan Brazil lists gasoline and ethanol city and highway figures for the 1.0T model.

Safety & equipment

The current U.S. Kicks includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist as standard or listed standard equipment through Nissan Safety Shield 360. ProPILOT Assist, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention are available on higher grades.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested the redesigned Kicks and applies its published ratings to 2025–2026 models. The vehicle earned a Top Safety Pick award for vehicles built after July 2024. IIHS recorded good ratings in small-overlap front, side and headlight evaluations, while the updated moderate-overlap front test was rated poor and vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention was rated marginal.

NHTSA selected the 2025 Kicks for its 5-Star Safety Ratings testing program. NHTSA also recorded recalls affecting certain 2025–2026 Kicks vehicles, including a combination-meter software issue that could produce a partially or fully blank display. Recall status is vehicle-specific and should be checked by VIN.

Strengths

The Kicks combines compact dimensions with useful passenger and cargo space. Front-wheel-drive versions provide up to 60.0 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats folded, while the 8.4-inch ground-clearance figure supports everyday urban and light-weather use.

Its technology specification is strong for the segment. A 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration and standard driver-assistance equipment are available from the base U.S. S grade. Higher trims add a digital instrument cluster, ProPILOT Assist, a 360-degree camera system, premium audio and a panoramic moonroof.

The optional all-wheel-drive system broadens the Kicks’ usefulness in snow and on unpaved roads. The Rock Creek grade adds dedicated utility equipment without changing the 2.0-liter engine’s output. Fuel economy remains competitive within the U.S. lineup, with up to 35 highway mpg for front-wheel-drive versions.

Considerations

The U.S. Kicks uses a 141-horsepower engine, so its priorities are packaging and efficiency rather than high acceleration. The continuously variable transmission is standard, and no higher-output U.S. powertrain is listed for the 2027 model. Brazil’s Kicks uses a substantially different turbocharged dual-clutch arrangement, so regional reviews cannot be transferred directly to the U.S. vehicle.

All-wheel drive reduces cargo volume from the front-wheel-drive maximum. Nissan lists 23.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded for AWD versions, compared with up to 30.0 and 60.0 cubic feet for the FWD S.

Safety equipment is extensive, but IIHS identified weaknesses in the updated moderate-overlap front test, vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and seat-belt-reminder performance. Certain 2025–2026 vehicles also appear in NHTSA recall documents, making VIN-specific recall checks important for used examples.

Recommended use

The Nissan Kicks is best suited to drivers who want a small crossover for city streets, commuting, errands and occasional road trips. Its compact length, 34.8-foot turning diameter and available Around View Monitor support parking and maneuvering in dense environments.

Families can benefit from the five-seat cabin, 34.5 inches of rear legroom and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The front-wheel-drive model offers the greatest cargo capacity, while AWD versions trade some cargo space for additional traction hardware and drive modes.

The Rock Creek is the most suitable choice for buyers who regularly encounter snow, gravel roads or outdoor equipment needs. It remains a small crossover rather than a dedicated off-road vehicle. The SR is aimed at buyers prioritizing appearance, premium audio, larger wheels and expanded driver assistance. Brazil’s Kicks serves a similar broad use case but uses a distinct turbo-flex drivetrain and local trim structure.

FAQ

Q: What is the current Nissan Kicks model? A: The current U.S. model is the second-generation 2027 Nissan Kicks.

Q: Does the 2027 Nissan Kicks have all-wheel drive? A: Yes. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on applicable U.S. grades.

Q: How powerful is the U.S. Nissan Kicks? A: Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft.

Q: How many people can the Nissan Kicks seat? A: The U.S. Kicks seats five people.

Q: Is the Nissan Kicks sold with the same engine worldwide? A: No. Brazil uses a 1.0-liter turbo-flex engine and dual-clutch transmission.

Q: Does the Nissan Kicks have a safety rating? A: IIHS awarded Top Safety Pick to qualifying 2025–2026 vehicles built after July 2024.

Sources & updates

Primary model verification uses 2027 Nissan Kicks | Subcompact Crossover SUV · official manufacturer (https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers-suvs/kicks.html); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissanusa.com/content/dam/Nissan/us/vehicle-brochures/2026/2026-nissan-kicks-brochure-en.pdf); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers-suvs/kicks/specs-trims.html?msockid=27516d951faa618a07dc7b451e1260f1); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/HERITAGE/MESSAGE/); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/HERITAGE/); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/COMPANY/PROFILE/HERITAGE/HISTORY/); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers-suvs/kicks.html?msockid=03d80ff7657a67b21bb7197a6499665a); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/PLANT/OPPAMA/); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/HERITAGE/STORIES/); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/COMPANY/PROFILE/HERITAGE/); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/COMPANY/PROFILE/HERITAGE/2020.html); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/HERITAGE_COLLECTION/nissan_passenger_car.html); Official or verified reference (https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/HERITAGE/GALLERY_LIST/). Wikimedia Commons file pages linked below each image retain the creator, licence and source record. Current-generation image identity and the principal specification fields were last checked on 2026-08-28.

• 2027 Nissan Kicks | Subcompact Crossover SUV · official manufacturer →
• Official or verified reference →
• Official or verified reference →

Last editorial review: August 23, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.