Nissan launches all-new 2025 Kicks, but no e-Power yet

Second-gen Kicks debuts in North America

The current-generation Nissan Kicks in its e-Power guise has only been around for a little less than two years in the Philippines. But in other markets, the crossover is already 8 years old, particularly in North America.

That said, the time is right for Nissan to introduce the all-new, second-generation Kicks. Launched in the North American market, the all-new Kicks is bigger, more mature, and more powerful than its predecessor.

The all-new Kicks is underpinned by the CMF-B platform developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. It’s being used in models such as the Mitsubishi ASX, the all-new Nissan Juke, and the Renault Captur. As a result, the all-new Kicks now measures 4366 mm long, 1801 mm wide, 1631 mm tall with a 2664 mm wheelbase.

Compared to the Kicks we currently have in PH, the all-new model is 71 mm longer, 41 mm wider, 20 mm taller, and has its wheelbase stretched out a further 50 mm. Not to mention, minimum ground clearance now stands at 213 mm. This makes the all-new Kicks size up better to the likes of the Corolla Cross, the HR-V and the upcoming Mitsubishi XForce.

There’s still a hint of the “sneaker-inspired” styling, but the all-new Kicks now features a more upright stance that begins at the front fascia. It no longer has the V-motion design on the grille. Instead, it gets a wide and expressive face with LED DRLs integrated into the design. The crossover also looks wider with its more pronounced wheel arches similar to its platform twin, the Juke.

The rear taillights are similarly styled to the headlights, with the rearend getting short overhangs that highlights its increased height. In North America, the all-new Kicks gets 19-inch wheels and an optional two-tone color scheme, similar to the launch-spec model shown.

Nissan has also done a total do-over in the cabin of the all-new Kicks. Aside from having more rear-seat legroom and cargo space, the all-new Kicks gets a significant upgrade in terms of tech features. On the SR variant, there are two 12.3-inch display screens for the gauge cluster and for the infotainment screen. Connectivity-wise, there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a panoramic sunroof is available on the options sheet.

The first-generation Nissan Kicks in North America had the Juke’s 1.6-liter unit, but that all changes for the new one. Powering the all-new Kicks is a larger 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, gasoline engine unit that produces 141 PS and 190 Nm of torque. It’s mated to a CVT that drives the front wheels, but Nissan is also offering optional all-wheel-drive. Currently, Nissan is yet to introduce an e-Power variant for the all-new Kicks.

In terms of safety, the all-new Kicks gets a host of standard driver-assistance technology such as automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Those come standard across the range for the US market.

Nissan will sell the all-new Kicks as a 2025 model year in US dealership by the middle of this year. But other markets, specifically in Southeast Asia, we may have to wait a little longer.