Nissan Kicks
Subcompact crossover SUV · 2018–present. 77,356 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
Nissan created it through teamwork between studios. Design was led by Nissan's global design center in Japan, and the concept came from Nissan Design America in California and its satellite studio in Rio de Janeiro. For the 2014 Kicks Concept, the documented names are Robert Bauer (chief designer at Nissan Design America Rio), Mamoru Aoki (executive design director) and Shiro Nakamura (Nissan's chief creative officer). Carlos Ghosn, then Nissan's CEO, announced its production. The second generation was styled by a team including Ken Lee (senior designer) and Marcus Quach (Nissan Design America, San Diego), who created the final exterior design.
Initial Kicks production was in Aguascalientes, Mexico, including vehicles supplied to Brazil. Resende, in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, added Kicks production in April 2017 after an additional R$750 million investment. The U.S. first generation came from Aguascalientes A1. Nissan confirmed second-generation production there in 2024 and later identified it as the first factory worldwide to build that generation. Current U.S. MY2027 manufacturing evidence also identifies Aguascalientes, Mexico.
The Kicks Concept was shown at the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show. The production model launched in Brazil in 2016, alongside the Rio 2016 Olympic torch relay. Its North American debut came on November 29, 2017, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and it reached U.S. dealers in June 2018 as a 2018 model.
When it showed the concept in 2014, Nissan explained that the Kicks name brings together agility, an athletic attitude, youthfulness and a tough demeanor. For the second generation, designers added details inspired by sneakers as a nod to that name.
Nissan developed Kicks for Latin American customers attracted to compact crossovers. The original production announcement quotes regional chairman José Valls on that demand. At the 2024 production launch, Nissan Latin America president Guy Rodríguez described Kicks as conceived in and inspired by the region, according to original event reporting. In the United States, Nissan introduced it as the entry point to its crossover and SUV lineup, initially announcing a starting price well under $19,000. The pitch combined expressive SUV styling and technology with an affordable price.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 12018–2024 (y Kicks Play 2025)
The entry-level crossover born in Brazil
Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It was a new model in the U.S. and Nissan's sixth crossover or SUV, alongside the Rogue Sport, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder and Armada. It used a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an Xtronic transmission and front-wheel drive, rated at 125 hp when announced in 2017 and 122 hp in later years. From the start it had standard automatic emergency braking and seven airbags. For 2021 it was refreshed with a new grille, LED lights, a redesigned console and the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite as standard. For 2025 it stayed on sale as the Kicks Play, S grade only, next to the new Kicks.
The innovation. The Bose Personal Plus sound system put 2.5-inch UltraNearfield speakers in the driver's headrest, which Nissan, citing AutoPacific, described as a class exclusive. It also introduced a floating roof with two-tone combinations, such as an orange body with a black roof.
If you buy one usedEvery one has front-wheel drive and the 1.6 engine. NHTSA records show these recalls: 2018–2019, the backup camera settings could stop showing the rear image (campaign 19V654, software update); 2021, an intermittent connection in the torque sensor could disable electric power steering assist (22V693 and 23V496, inspection and column replacement if needed); 2023–2024, the driver's airbag inflator could absorb moisture and deploy improperly (24V154, airbag replacement). Ask for proof they were done. If you want more standard safety equipment, 2021 and later models come with Safety Shield 360. The exact NHTSA Nissan/Kicks Play/model-year 2025 query returned zero campaigns on November 3, 2026; confirm the VIN and equipment/repair history, and distinguish Kicks Play from the all-new 2025 Kicks. Certain vehicles inspected under 22V693 without column replacement need reinspection under 23V496. - Gen. 22025–present
Bigger, with all-wheel drive for the first time
Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It grew inside: 43.1 mm more front shoulder room, 22.9 mm more rear knee room and 38.1 mm more rear shoulder room. It moved to a 2.0-liter engine with 141 hp and 140 lb-ft, and introduced 12.3-inch screens and ProPILOT Assist, a first for the Kicks. In 2024 it started at $21,830, less than $500 more than the previous generation. Its design drew on sneakers and American football players.
The innovation. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive came to the Kicks for the first time and is offered on every grade, with a Snow drive mode.
If you buy one usedNHTSA records show these recalls: 2025, the shift-to-Park warning might not activate when the vehicle is turned off (24V969, body control module reprogramming); 2025, the vehicle's official weight-rating label could list wrong weight ratings or wheel size (25V188, new labels); 2025, the center display could go blank when shifted into reverse (25V324, software); 2025–2026, the instrument display could go partly or fully blank (26V331, software); 2026, door strikers might be improperly welded and break (26V023, part replacement); 2026, a front seat frame bracket might be insufficiently welded (26V145, seat replacement). Check the VIN at NHTSA and ask for proof of each repair. The 25V188 wheel-size label issue specifically concerns SR vehicles with the optional 19-inch wheel package; confirm the exact VIN and configuration.
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