First Look: New Nissan Kicks Makes North American Debut

The new 2018 Kicks sells alongside Nissan's best selling Rogue crossover. Here's a look at the subcompact crossover's main features.

Editor’s Note: Here’s our 2018 Nissan Kicks first drive review.

Los Angeles, CA – Sure, the small crossover market is ultra-competitive right now, but that isn’t stopping automakers like Nissan from introducing new products to the segment. And we don’t hear consumers complaining.

The latest entry from Nissan is the all-new 2018 Kicks – a subcompact crossover aimed at urbanites in tight places looking for an agile, stylish vehicle that offers decent cargo space to haul their weekend toys. That’s one reason crossovers are killing it right now, putting the lowly sedan to shame in recent years.

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2018 Nissan Kicks. Photo: Amee Reehal

That’s why the Nissan Kicks has been selling abroad in busy markets like Brazil since 2016, where congested urban centers and small CUVs get along. The Kicks Concept first debuted at the 2014 São Paulo International Motor Show.

The 2018 Kicks will sell alongside Nissan’s best-selling Rogue crossover and the smaller Rogue Sport in the US or Qashqai in Canada. Nissan won’t officially state the Kicks is a Juke replacement, but once the Juke sells out, that’ll be it for the oddball-looking (i.e., very ugly) CUV, according to Nissan reps we spoke with – so say hello to its new replacement (thank God).

2018 Nissan Kick Key Features

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2018 Nissan Kicks. Photo: Amee Reehal

When it arrives in North America, the all-new subcompact crossover will come packed with cabin convenience and tech, including Nissan Intelligent Mobility with standard Automatic Emergency Braking and an available Intelligent Around View Monitor. Power will come via a sporty 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and responsive suspension. Anticipated fuel economy will be 33 mpg combined, according to Nissan.

Inside the cabin, the 2018 Kicks will also offer three interface choices for accessing social media: NissanConnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Also, expect a flat-bottom steering wheel, a 6-way driver’s seat, a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, and a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat.

2018 nissan kicks interior
2018 Nissan Kicks interior. Photo: Amee Reehal

The Kicks SR Premium Package will find Heated Prima-Tex-appointed front seats for us winter drivers. Other available interior features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tonneau cover, and Automatic Temperature Control.

2018 Nissan Kicks Price

The 2018 models will arrive at dealerships between Spring and June 2018, and will be available in three trims: Kicks S, Kicks SV and Kicks SR. Pricing will come in at under US$19,000 starting MSRP, packed with standard tech including Nissan Intelligent Mobility.

Nissan Kicks US Price:

TrimUS MSRP
Kicks S FWD$17,990
Kicks SV FWD$19,690
Kicks SR FWD$20,290

Nissan Kicks Canada Price:

TrimCanada MSRP
Kicks S FWD$17,998
Kicks SV FWD$20,898
Kicks SR FWD$22,798
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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.