The Nissan Kicks crossover has changed generations: mature design and conventional all-wheel drive

The SUV has radically changed and become larger. In addition, in some places the model received a new engine.

The relatively inexpensive Kicks crossover in the Nissan range appeared in 2016, it underwent restyling in 2020. The five-door is a truly global model — it is sold in many countries, and production is established in Brazil, Mexico, China and Thailand. At the end of last year, the United States became the largest market for Kix: 66,823 copies were sold (+22%). So it is not surprising that it was there that the second-generation SUV was revealed.

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The crossover has changed its image and now has a more mature design. Exterior features include a rectangular radiator grille with wide horizontal bars to which luminous sections are attached, a “muscular” body, a “floating” roof and rear lights shaped like our letter L. For the first time, for an additional fee, the top-end Nissan Kicks will be able to choose 19-inch wheels (other versions will have 16- or 17-inch wheels).

The second generation SUV is noticeably larger than the previous model. The length of the new Kicks (in American specification) is 4366 mm, width – 1801 mm, height – 1631 mm, wheelbase – 2657 mm. For comparison, the dimensions of the predecessor intended for the USA are: 4295/1760/1608 mm, the distance between the axles is 2619 mm. The passport ground clearance of the “second” Kicks is 213 mm versus 179 mm.

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The main feature inside is the scoreboard that rises slightly above the front panel. In the basic and “medium” trim levels S and SV, the instruments are displayed on a 7-inch screen, while the top version SR (shown in all photos) has a 12.3-inch display. The cheapest Kix has a 7-inch multimedia touchscreen, while other options have a 12.3-inch screen.

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The list of standard equipment also includes: LED optics, a rear view camera, adaptive cruise control, auto braking systems, lane marking monitoring and blind spot monitoring. The top-end Kicks SR features leather upholstery, carbon-look decor, wireless charging for a smartphone, all-round cameras and an expanded set of driving assistants. Options include a heated steering wheel and front seats, a Bose audio system and a panoramic sunroof.

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In the States, Nissan Kicks switched from the naturally aspirated HR16DE 1.6 (124 hp, 155 Nm) to the four-cylinder naturally aspirated MR20DD 2.0 engine, which produces 143 hp. and 190 Nm. As before, the crossover will be available to Americans exclusively with the Xtronic CVT. At the same time, for the first time, the local Kix will be offered not only with front-wheel drive, but also with all-wheel drive (the wheelbase of this version is even longer — 2664 mm). Note that in some markets the previous crossover also has a 4WD version, but this is a serial hybrid with a proprietary e-Power installation: this Kicks has electric all-wheel drive, that is, a separate electric motor is installed on the rear axle. The American cross has a traditional system.

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The second generation Nissan Kicks will make its public premiere at the New York Auto Show, which opens next week. In the US and Canada, sales will start in the summer, there are no prices yet. The “first” Kix in the States today costs from $21,050 (excluding taxes and delivery).

Later, the new SUV will appear in other countries — in particular, it has already been announced in Brazil. The model will probably have its own equipment in other markets.