Nissan Kicks

The Kicks is Nissan's subcompact crossover for the US market — slotted below Rogue Sport (now Sport variant of Rogue) and the Rogue itself. Two generations. 1st gen (2018-2024 in US): launched as a Mexico/Brazil-market vehicle in 2016, came to US for 2018 model year. Built on Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi CMF-B platform shared with Note (rest of world) and March. 1.6L HR16DE I4 (122 hp / 114 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT only, FWD only — the 1st gen Kicks famously had no AWD option, which made it a tough sell against AWD-available rivals (HR-V, Corolla Cross). Earned positive reviews for value and decent ride but the FWD-only constraint capped sales in snow-belt markets. 2nd gen (2025+): redesigned with AWD finally available as an option — addressing the 1st gen's biggest complaint. Built on revised CMF-B platform. 2.0L MR20DD I4 (141 hp / 140 lb-ft, replacing the 1.6L), Xtronic CVT, FWD or AWD (clutch-based torque-on-demand system). Built at Nissan Aguascalientes, Mexico (1st gen also at Mexico/Japan — production fluid). Trims: S, SV, SR. Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, optional ProPilot Assist (adaptive cruise + lane keep) on SV+. The 2nd-gen Kicks is also notable for replacing the discontinued Rogue Sport (which exited the US after 2022) — Nissan now has Kicks → Rogue progression in the crossover lineup.