Half a year after facelifting its Kicks crossover SUV for Thailand, Nissan is now bringing the model to the United States. Let’s delve into the specs and details available so far.
The front fascia is new, as are the brake lights with their connecting LED strip. Three new body colors – grey, blue and red – are available along with black side mirrors and roof, and the wheels are also redesigned. Inside, the center console conceals a pocket for miscellaneous small items, and the infotainment system boasts an 8-inch touchscreen along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The three USB ports remain there, and a single USB-C port joins them in the 2021 version.
The Safety Shield 360 package now includes pedestrian-aware AEB that also brakes when reversing, auto low/high beam, lane control and blind spot monitoring. there are as many as ten airbags, and the SV and SR trims benefit from rear disc brakes, while the entry-level S trim makes do with drum brakes.
Just as before, the car relies on a 1.6-liter gasoline engine rated at 124 PS (122 hp / 91 kW) and 154 Nm (114 lb-ft) for propulsion. A CVT pushes the torque to the front axle. In Thailand, the 2021 Kicks model benefits from a hybrid system rated at 129 PS (127 hp / 95 kW) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. The only available electric motor drives the front axle, while a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder powers the battery.
Prices remain unannounced thus far. The pre-facelift Nissan Kicks currently costs from U.S. $19,070. Sales will begin in February.