The first-generation Nissan Kicks may have been replaced with an all-new model in North America in late 2024, but in regions such as Latin America and Southeast Asia, it is getting another lease of life with a second facelift.
The refreshed original, which also goes under the name ‘Nissan Kait,’ continues to be offered with Nissan’s ‘e-Power’ series-hybrid technology in some of these markets. I traveled to the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show to get up close with the restyled electrified subcompact SUV, and here are some interesting observations I made:
Design
The refreshed Nissan Kicks e-Power borrows cues from the North American second-gen model, while retaining the familiar silhouette. The design changes look comprehensive, especially at the front.
Nissan has completely redesigned the front, right from the bumper to the grille, headlamps, and the hood. The company is using a new layout that is common among modern electrified cars, with the upper fascia kept completely shut off and a functional grille used only in the lower part.
The slim, closed-off grille that follows the leading edge of the hood wears a new brand logo and is flanked by slimmer and sharper headlamps. The daytime running lights have been positioned separately below the headlamps, and their design is indirectly inspired by eye black applied by football players to reduce glare.
The V-Motion grille is more angular, while most of the bumper has more sculpted surfaces. The side profile remains largely the same, with a more rugged design for the rocker panels and a new funky look for the 17-inch alloy wheels being the only changes.
At the rear, the redesigned tailgate gets a block-lettered model inscription and a gloss black applique that carries a new brand logo. Nissan has relocated the registration plate recess to the bumper with the second refresh. The company uses new, hexagon-shaped combination lamps for a sleeker look.
Interior
Inside, the new Nissan Kicks e-Power features a redesigned dashboard with sharper AC vents and a revised infotainment system with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. It still lacks a fully digital instrument cluster with customizable layouts like many of its rivals, though.
Nissan offers a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and an improved rear seat with a more reclined angle and larger headrests in the new Kicks e-Power.
The company also equips the new series-hybrid SUV with ProPILOT, an Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM) with Moving Object and People Detection (MOD) system, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and various other driver assistance and safety technologies.
Experience in the new Nissan Kicks e-Power
Getting into and out of the new Nissan Kicks e-Power is easy for a 5’7″ person like me. The front seats provide good under-thigh support and adequate shoulder and back support.
With the driver’s seat set to its lowest position, headroom measures approximately 7 inches, which is ample. The seats feature nice bolstering as well. Forward and side visibility are clear, and rear visibility remains usable.
Nissan uses soft-touch material on the front section of the dashboard and parts of the upper dashboard. Hard plastics are present across several surfaces. That said, most panels do not feel low-grade and maintain acceptable perceived quality. The blue and white two-tone color scheme adds contrast and avoids a plain appearance.
Thigh support is adequate, and the back and shoulder support are acceptable. There’s sufficient headroom as well, but the seating posture feels slightly more upright.
The rear includes USB Type-C charging ports and a seatback pocket behind the front passenger seat only. Nissan provides a fold-down center armrest with two cup holders as well, but no rear air vents.
Specifications
The new Nissan Kicks e-Power has the HR12DE 1.2-liter three-cylinder gas engine tuned to produce 60 kW (80 hp) and 103 Nm (76 lb.-ft.) of torque. The engine only serves as a generator for a 2.06 kWh lithium-ion battery, though.
The front wheels are spun by the EM47 AC3 synchronous motor that develops 136 PS (134 hp) and 280 Nm (207 lb.-ft.) of torque using the electrical energy stored in the traction battery. Nissan has not disclosed the fuel economy rating or driving range, but has stated 41 liters (10.8 gal.) as the fuel tank capacity.
Price
The prices of the new Nissan Kicks e-Power in Thailand currently range from THB 789,000 to THB 899,000 (approx. USD 24,000-27,300), but following the introductory period, they will go up to THB 839,000-929,000 (approx. USD 25,500-28,300).
In the U.S., Nissan has not spoken about introducing e-Power in the second-gen Kicks, which is available exclusively with a 2.0L engine in FWD and AWD versions.
However, Nissan has confirmed the U.S. availability of this series-hybrid technology in the next-gen Rogue in late 2026. While the Kicks e-Power uses the second-generation version, the 2027 Nissan Rogue will come with the latest, third-generation version of this system with AWD.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
