Nissan Kicks generations: 2018 to the 2027 Kicks

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Nissan Kicks has had two generations: a front-drive 1.6L model for 2018–2024 and a larger second generation from 2025 with a 141-hp 2.0L and available AWD. The first-generation car was also sold for 2025 as the Kicks Play. The 2027 Kicks costs $22,790 to $28,840 before $1,545 destination.

Type
Subcompact crossover (FWD or AWD)
Price (MSRP)
$22,790–$28,840 (2027 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,545 destination. Low = S FWD; high = SV AWD with the Rock Creek package.[1]
Powertrains
Kicks 2.0L (FWD), Kicks 2.0L (AWD) · 141 hp
Current generation
Second generation, 2025–present

2027 Nissan Kicks price and trims

The second-generation Kicks launched for 2025 and was the first Kicks offered with AWD. For 2027 Nissan added a Rock Creek package on the SV with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control.[10][11][12]

Nissan Kicks trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
S$22,790FWD; AWD $24,290. Excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY)2.0L 4-cylinder (141 hp, 140 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT[10][12]
SV$24,490FWD; AWD $26,490. Excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY)2.0L 4-cylinder (141 hp, 140 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT[10][12][13]
Rock Creek$28,840SV AWD with Rock Creek package. Excl. $1,545 destination2.0L 4-cylinder (141 hp, 140 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT[10][12]
SR$26,990FWD; AWD $28,790. Excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY)2.0L 4-cylinder (141 hp, 140 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT[10][12]

Every Kicks trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Nissan Kicks engines, horsepower and mpg

Nissan's idle stop/start is fitted to FWD Kicks models only.

Nissan Kicks powertrains with Nissan-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Kicks 2.0L (FWD)S, SV, SR2.0L 4-cylinder[2][3][4]141140Xtronic CVTFWD28/35/312027 MY[4]
Kicks 2.0L (AWD)S, SV, Rock Creek, SR2.0L 4-cylinder[2][1][5]141140Xtronic CVTIntelligent AWD27/34/302027 MY[5]

Output is as rated by Nissan; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Kicks AWD

All-wheel drive arrived with the 2025 redesign and is available on every grade. Nissan calls the Kicks the most affordable AWD SUV in America; the 2027 S AWD costs $24,290. EPA rates the AWD Kicks at 30 mpg combined, 1 mpg below FWD.[6][1][5][4]

Kicks Rock Creek package (2027)

The Rock Creek package is new for 2027 on the SV AWD, for a total of $28,840. It adds an Off-Road drive mode, Hill Descent Control, a roof rack and rugged styling. Nissan also claims best-in-class standard ground clearance for every 2027 Kicks.[1][3]

Kicks vs Kicks Play

For 2025 Nissan sold two different cars with the Kicks name. The Kicks Play was the 2024 first-generation Kicks carried over in S trim with its 1.6L engine and FWD at $21,520. The new Kicks was the larger second generation from $21,830. EPA lists the Kicks Play only for the 2025 model year.[9][6][7]

Nissan Kicks generations by year

Every US Nissan Kicks generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Second generation2025–present2.0L 4-cylinder (141 hp, 140 lb-ft) with Xtronic CVT; FWD or Intelligent AWDLaunched for 2025 at $21,830, less than $500 above the previous generation, and offered Intelligent AWD on every grade for the first time. For 2027 an SV-based Rock Creek package adds an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control.[6][1][2][7]
First generation2018–2024 (Kicks Play 2025)1.6L 4-cylinder (125 hp, 115 lb-ft at launch) with Xtronic CVT; FWD onlyNissan's first new US nameplate in eight years, launched at $17,990 in S, SV and SR grades. Nissan quoted 33 mpg combined for the 2018 car. Nissan kept the S grade on sale for 2025 as the Kicks Play at $21,520.[8][9][7]

Nissan Kicks problems and recalls

The Kicks has fewer documented problems than older Nissans, and most are recalls fixed with software or a part swap. Key ones are a 2021 power steering sensor that can cut assist, and 2025–2026 recalls for a blank instrument display, rear camera, door strikers and labels. 2018–2019 models also share a back-up camera software fix.

Documented Nissan Kicks issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Instrument display may go blank (recall 26V331)[14]Second generation (2025 onward)2025–2026Recall 26V331
Door strikers may be poorly welded and break (recall 26V023)[15]Second generation (2025 onward)2026Recall 26V023
Front seat frame brackets may be poorly welded (recall 26V145)[16]Second generation (2025 onward)2026Recall 26V145
Rearview camera screen may go blank (recall 25V324)[17]Second generation (2025 onward)2025Recall 25V324
Weight rating label may be wrong (recall 25V188)[18]Second generation (2025 onward)2025Recall 25V188
Shift-to-Park warning may not sound (recall 24V969)[19]Second generation (2025 onward)2025Recall 24V969
Driver air bag inflator may absorb moisture (recall 24V154)[20]First generation (2018–2024)2023–2024Recall 24V154
Power steering assist may cut out (recall 22V693)[21][22]First generation (2018–2024)2021Recall 22V693

All 9 documented Kicks issues and 9 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Nissan Kicks.

More Kicks research

See how a Kicks was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Nissan build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many generations of Nissan Kicks are there?

Two: the first generation for 2018–2024 and the second generation from 2025.

What is the Nissan Kicks Play?

The first-generation Kicks S carried over for 2025 alongside the redesigned Kicks, priced at $21,520 with the 1.6L engine and FWD.

Does the Nissan Kicks have AWD?

Since the 2025 redesign, yes. Intelligent AWD is available on every grade; first-generation Kicks were FWD only.

What engine is in the 2027 Kicks?

A 2.0L four-cylinder rated at 141 hp and 140 lb-ft with an Xtronic CVT.

What gas mileage does the 2027 Kicks get?

EPA rates the FWD Kicks at 28 city / 35 highway / 31 combined mpg and the AWD at 27/34/30.

How much does the 2027 Kicks cost?

From $22,790 (S FWD) to $28,840 (SV AWD with Rock Creek package), before $1,545 destination.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Nissan for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2027 Nissan Kicks adventures out of the city with rugged new Rock Creek package (Aug 13, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  2. 2027 Nissan Kicks Specs & Trims — Nissan USA (nissanusa.com)
  3. Nissan Vehicle Questions & Answers (Aug 24, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Nissan Kicks FWD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Nissan Kicks AWD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  6. All-New 2025 Nissan Kicks pricing starts at $21,830 (Aug 13, 2024) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  7. EPA model-year listings: Nissan Kicks 2018–2027 — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  8. Nissan announces $17,990 starting price for all-new 2018 Kicks — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  9. Nissan to continue offering first generation Kicks S grade as Kicks Play (Dec 17, 2024) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  10. 2027 Nissan Kicks adventures out of the city with rugged new Rock Creek package (Aug 13, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  11. All-New 2025 Nissan Kicks pricing starts at $21,830 (Aug 13, 2024) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  12. 2027 Nissan Kicks Specs & Trims — Nissan USA (nissanusa.com)
  13. 2026 Nissan Kicks priced from $22,730 (Aug 22, 2025) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  14. Recall 26V331: Blank Screen Display/FMVSS 101 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  15. Recall 26V023: Improperly Welded Door Strikers/FMVSS 206 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. Recall 26V145: Insufficiently Welded Front Seat Frames/FMVSS 207, 210 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. Recall 25V324: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. Recall 25V188: Incorrect Weight Rating on GAWR and GVWR Label — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. Recall 24V969: Unexpected Vehicle Movement/FMVSS 114 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 24V154: Inflator May Deploy Improperly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. Recall 22V693: Loss of Power Steering Assist — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. Recall 23V496: Loss of Power Steering Assist — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America, Inc. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Nissan and the model names are trademarks of their owners.