The second-generation Nissan Kicks debuts in Japan with third-generation e-Power hybrid technology, optional e-4orce AWD and a redesigned cabin.
THE all-new second-generation Nissan Kicks has been launched in Japan, with sales starting there from 18 June 2026.
This is not the first time the second-generation Kicks has been shown globally. The model was first revealed in the United States in 2024, where it arrived with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, Xtronic CVT and available all-wheel drive.
However, the Japan-market Kicks is a little more relevant to our region, because it continues with Nissan’s e-Power hybrid setup instead of the conventional petrol powertrain offered in the US.
Dimensionally, the new Japan-market Kicks measures 4,365 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and up to 1,615 mm tall, with a 2,655 mm wheelbase and 170 mm of ground clearance. For reference, the current Kicks sold in Malaysia measures 4,290 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,605 mm tall, with a 2,620 mm wheelbase and the same 170 mm ground clearance.
That makes the new model 75 mm longer, 40 mm wider and 35 mm longer in wheelbase than the current Kicks, while ground clearance remains unchanged.
The 2nd-gen Kicks in Japan features a bolder exterior design, with Nissan describing the front fascia as being inspired by an American football helmet. It gets a wide horizontal grille with signature lighting, while the rear features a rectangular black graphic and full-width taillights.
Depending on variant, the new Kicks also gets different exterior treatments. The top G grade receives gloss black exterior components, while the X, X+ and X Simple Package grades feature a dimpled polygon pattern on the front bumper, side sills and rear bumper, said to be inspired by sneaker soles.
The third-generation e-Power system uses a newly developed 5-in-1 e-Power electric powertrain unit, which combines the motor, generator, inverter, reducer and increaser into a more compact and lighter module. It is paired with a 1.4-litre HR14DDe 3-cylinder engine that is used purely for power generation, like the one in the Nissan Serena e-Power that was launched here recently.
The 1.4-litre generator engine produces 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 6,000 rpm. As before, e-Power means the wheels are driven by the electric motor, while the petrol engine acts as a generator rather than directly powering the wheels. Nissan says the new third-generation system improves fuel efficiency and quietness.
For 2WD variants, the front motor produces 143 PS and 315 Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at up to 25.7 km/L on the WLTC cycle for most 2WD variants, while the top G 2WD variant is rated at 23.4 km/L.
For the first time, the Kicks line-up also gets Nissan’s e-4orce electric all-wheel control technology. The 4WD variants use the same 143 PS and 315 Nm front motor, paired with a rear motor producing 68 PS and 140 Nm. Nissan has not listed a combined system output.
The e-4orce variants are rated at up to 21.5 km/L on the WLTC cycle, while the top G e-4orce is rated at 20.1 km/L. The system combines high-torque motor output with brake control to improve cornering response and ride comfort. e-4orce models also come with a new Snow Mode for improved confidence on low-grip surfaces.
Nissan says the new Kicks also benefits from a higher-rigidity body and newly designed suspension, aimed at improving stability during cornering and reducing vibration over uneven road surfaces.
Inside, the all-new Kicks gets a more premium cabin with soft-touch materials such as synthetic leather and fabric used on the instrument panel, centre console and door trims. Nissan also claims class-leading knee room, headroom and rear seat width.
Zero Gravity seats are fitted to the front and rear outer seats, while higher grades get NissanConnect infotainment with built-in Google, along with dual 12.3-inch integrated displays.
Safety has also been upgraded under Nissan’s 360-degree Safety Assist suite. ProPILOT is standard across all grades in Japan, while the Intelligent Around View Monitor now includes Front Wide View, Invisible Hood View and 3D View functions.
The Intelligent Emergency Braking system has also been improved to better detect pedestrians, oncoming vehicles and crossing traffic at intersections. Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also newly adopted.
In Japan, the all-new Kicks is priced from JPY 2,999,700, around RM 76k, for the X Simple Package 2WD, rising to JPY 4,248,200, around RM 108k, for the range-topping G e-4orce. A new Resonance Blue exterior colour has also been introduced, with nine body colours including two-tone options available.
The question now is what this means for ASEAN. With Malaysia having only introduced the current Kicks e-Power less than two years ago and Thailand receiving the facelifted version a few months back, it may be some time before this second-generation Kicks makes its way to this part of the world.
