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New Nissan Kicks Grows, Adopts Compass Size And Kardian Turbo Engine Aiming for the T-Cross Throne

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published on 11/06/2025 at 17:05
Updated on 11/06/2025 at 22:48
Novo Nissan Kicks 2025 cresce, ganha motor turbo e desafia T-Cross e Compass com visual robusto, mais espaço e alto nível de tecnologia.
Novo Nissan Kicks 2025 cresce, ganha motor turbo e desafia T-Cross e Compass com visual robusto, mais espaço e alto nível de tecnologia.
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Restyled, Larger and More Equipped, the New Nissan Kicks Premieres in Brazil with a Turbo Engine, More Technology and Dimensions Similar to the Compass, Targeting Direct Rivals Like the T-Cross and Promising to Shake Up the Compact and Medium SUV Market.

The new generation of the Nissan Kicks debuts in Brazil in June 2025, bringing significant changes in design, dimensions, engine options and equipment package.

Produced at the factory in Resende (RJ), the model was developed from the same platform used in the Renault Kardian and received investments of R$ 2.8 billion from the Japanese brand. The information comes from the portal Autoesporte.

Design and Dimensions of the New Nissan Kicks

With a length of 4.37 meters, a wheelbase of 2.66 m, a width of 1.80 m and a height of 1.63 m, the SUV now positions itself between premium compact SUVs and medium SUVs, coming close to rivals like the Jeep Compass. Compared to the previous generation, the gains were:

  • +6 cm in length
  • +4 cm in wheelbase
  • +4 cm in width
  • +2 cm in height

The trunk now offers 466 liters in the Mexican version, surpassing the 432 liters of the previous generation, currently sold as Kicks Play.

At the front, the grille was redesigned with horizontal bars divided into three sections, accompanied by vertical LED DRLs integrated with the headlights.

The rear adopts a black strip connecting the LED taillights, maintaining the tripartite style. This new design language gives it a more robust look in line with the current standard of the brand’s SUVs.

New Nissan Kicks 2025 grows, gains turbo engine and challenges T-Cross and Compass with robust design, more space and high level of technology. (Image/ Auto Esporte)
New Nissan Kicks 2025 grows, gains turbo engine and challenges T-Cross and Compass with robust design, more space and high level of technology. (Image/ Auto Esporte)

Interior: Comfort and Connectivity

The Advance (mid-range) version offers fabric seats with varied textures, while higher configurations have synthetic upholstery.

Space for rear passengers is increased, allowing comfort even for those who are 1.87 meters tall. There are:

  • Rear armrest with two cupholders
  • Two USB-C ports for charging
  • Dashboard with leather (upper part) and fabric (center section) finish

However, there are no rear air conditioning vents, an item present in competitors like the Volkswagen T-Cross.

The doors use plastic armrests, a detail that compromises comfort on long trips.

New Nissan Kicks 2025 grows, gains turbo engine and challenges T-Cross and Compass with robust design, more space and high level of technology. (Image/ Auto Esporte)
New Nissan Kicks 2025 grows, gains turbo engine and challenges T-Cross and Compass with robust design, more space and high level of technology. (Image/ Auto Esporte)

Engine: 1.0 Turbo Flex Engine and CVT Transmission

In Brazil, the new Kicks will be equipped with a 1.0 turbo flex three-cylinder engine with direct injection, developed by Horse, the engineering division of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

This engine, from the HR13DDT family, delivers up to:

  • 125 horsepower
  • 20.4 kgfm of torque

The transmission will be a CVT with button control, replacing the traditional lever. This is a different setup from the one used in the Renault Kardian, which combines the same engine with a dual-clutch transmission.

In the evaluation conducted in Mexico, the tested version used a naturally aspirated 2.0 engine with 142 hp and 19.3 kgfm, with the same CVT transmission. Even though it was not the Brazilian engine, the test highlighted relevant points such as:

  • Ground clearance of 21.3 cm (previously 20 cm)
  • Suspension focused on comfort, reducing vibrations in the cabin
  • High driving position, enhancing visibility
New Nissan Kicks 2025 grows, gains turbo engine and challenges T-Cross and Compass with robust design, more space and high level of technology. (Image/ Auto Esporte)
New Nissan Kicks 2025 grows, gains turbo engine and challenges T-Cross and Compass with robust design, more space and high level of technology. (Image/ Auto Esporte)

Safety and Technology Equipment

All national models should leave the factory with an advanced safety package, including:

  • Six airbags
  • Electronic stability and traction control
  • Frontal collision warning with automatic braking
  • Blind spot alert

In terms of technology, the Advance version comes standard with:

  • 12.3″ multimedia center with wireless connectivity
  • 12.3″ digital panel
  • Inductive cellphone charger
  • Electronic parking brake

These items make the Kicks competitive against models like the Chevrolet Tracker and Hyundai Creta.

New Nissan Kicks 2025 grows, gains turbo engine and challenges T-Cross and Compass with robust design, more space and high level of technology. (Image/ Auto Esporte)
New Nissan Kicks 2025 grows, gains turbo engine and challenges T-Cross and Compass with robust design, more space and high level of technology. (Image/ Auto Esporte)

Comparison with Rivals and Prices in Brazil

The new generation of the Nissan Kicks will have estimated prices ranging from R$ 140 thousand to R$ 180 thousand, depending on the version. The model will be positioned between the Kicks Play (1.6 naturally aspirated with 113 hp, which will continue as the entry-level option) and the medium SUVs of competing brands.

Key advantages over competitors:

Model Power Torque Trunk Length
Nissan Kicks (2025) 125 hp 20.4 kgfm 466 L 4.37 m
VW T-Cross 128 hp 20.4 kgfm 373 L 4.19 m
Hyundai Creta 130 hp 24.5 kgfm 422 L 4.30 m
Jeep Compass 185 hp 27.5 kgfm 410 L 4.40 m

Nissan also confirmed that the Resende unit will produce a new entry-level compact SUV starting in 2026, expanding the brand’s presence in the segment.

With a turbo engine, refreshed design and larger size, is the new Kicks ready to surpass the T-Cross and other rivals in Brazil? What do you think of Nissan’s new strategy?

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Renato
Renato
15/06/2025 09:17

Gosto não se discute, mas essa moldura preta na traseira acabou com o visual.

Alisson Ficher

Jornalista formado desde 2017 e atuante na área desde 2015, com seis anos de experiência em revista impressa, passagens por canais de TV aberta e mais de 12 mil publicações online. Especialista em política, empregos, economia, cursos, entre outros temas e também editor do portal CPG. Registro profissional: 0087134/SP. Se você tiver alguma dúvida, quiser reportar um erro ou sugerir uma pauta sobre os temas tratados no site, entre em contato pelo e-mail: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. Não aceitamos currículos!

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