The Nissan KICKS has always occupied an interesting space in the market. In a segment crowded with compact crossovers that often blend into one another, it stood apart by offering an electrified driving experience that felt closer to an EV than a conventional hybrid—yet without requiring owners to plug in. It was, and still is, one of Nissan’s most distinct answers to the realities of markets where buyers want better efficiency and smoother response, but charging infrastructure is still evolving.
Now, Nissan is taking that formula further.
At the 47th Bangkok International Motor Show, the company unveiled the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER, marking the model’s ASEAN debut and setting the stage for its Philippine arrival this June. More importantly, this is not just a light update to a familiar nameplate. While the platform underneath remains fundamentally related to the outgoing version, the new KICKS arrives with a more assertive design, a more modern and premium-feeling cabin, a broader list of safety and convenience technologies, and a more polished execution overall.
For Nissan Philippines, that makes this one of the brand’s most important product stories of the year.
Built for the region
The version destined for the Philippines is not the U.S.-market KICKS sold in North America. Instead, Nissan is bringing in the Latin American-market version, while ASEAN production will be handled in Thailand. The all-new KICKS e-POWER will be built at Nissan’s Samut Prakan plant just outside Bangkok, with production scheduled to begin in April.
That decision underscores how important ASEAN has become to Nissan’s electrification push. It also reflects the practical appeal of e-POWER in this part of the world. Rather than asking buyers to commit to a charging routine, the system delivers an EV-like drive feel while retaining the convenience of gasoline refueling.
Speaking during the launch, Nissan Thailand and ASEAN President Toshihiro Fujiki said the vehicle represents a milestone for the company’s regional operations.
“Today is a proud milestone for Nissan. We introduce our fourth e-POWER model. This time, it is engineered and produced here in Thailand. This shows our strong belief in local manufacturing, and our focus on customers in Thailand and ASEAN. Built for people with urban lifestyles, the All-New Nissan KICKS e-POWER empowers drivers to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment.”
The event also served as a stage for a management transition. Fujiki introduced Masao Tsutsumi—currently President of Nissan Philippines—as his successor as President of Nissan Thailand and ASEAN. Fujiki, meanwhile, takes on a new role in Japan as Corporate Executive, Global Aftersales, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Both appointments take effect on April 1, 2026.
A bolder take on the KICKS formula
Visually, the all-new KICKS e-POWER is immediately more assertive than the model it replaces. Up front, Nissan has given the crossover a more three-dimensional interpretation of its V-Motion grille, giving the nose more presence and visual depth. The hood also features more pronounced shoulder lines, helping the vehicle look wider and more planted.
The split-headlamp layout remains, but the treatment is now much sharper. Slimmer LED headlamps sit above new three-arrow-style daytime running lights, creating a more technical and contemporary lighting signature. Nissan says the setup is efficient enough to eliminate the need for separate fog lamps.
A gloss black trim element stretches across the front fascia, linking the lighting units to the Nissan badge and visually broadening the vehicle’s face. At the rear, a similar design treatment helps tie the new full-LED taillights together. The bumper has also been revised, while large K-I-C-K-S lettering across the tailgate gives the crossover a more confident and modern identity.
Taken as a whole, the new KICKS feels more mature and more deliberate in its design. It is sharper without appearing fussy, and more expressive without overreaching.
The cabin makes the strongest case
Inside, the transformation is even more apparent.
The dashboard has been redesigned with a cleaner, more horizontal layout that instantly gives the cabin a more modern and upscale appearance. Front and center is a 12.3-inch high-resolution infotainment display, now equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and NissanConnect.
Ahead of the driver is a 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, while a wireless charging pad adds another welcome layer of day-to-day convenience. Nissan has also reworked the front console, center console, door panels, and steering wheel, the latter now wrapped in synthetic leather.
Interior color options include black, dark gray, and a new Moonstone theme available on the SV grade. Together with the redesigned surfaces and improved screen integration, the overall effect is a cabin that feels far more current than before.
Comfort has also been improved. The all-new KICKS comes with upgraded Zero Gravity seats finished in anti-heat synthetic leather, a thoughtful feature for tropical climates. The driver gets a 6-way power-adjustable seat, while rear passengers benefit from a slightly more relaxed seatback angle, larger headrests, and a center armrest with dual cupholders.
Practicality remains part of the package as well. The luggage area offers 423 liters of cargo space, while the Intelligent Rear View Mirror helps maintain a clear rearward view even when passengers or cargo block the conventional mirror.
ProPILOT and a wider safety suite
One of the biggest additions to the all-new KICKS e-POWER is ProPILOT, which makes its debut in the Thai market with this model. Designed to reduce stress during highway driving, the system combines Lane Keeping Assist with Intelligent Cruise Control and Stop & Go functionality, helping the vehicle stay centered in its lane while maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Beyond ProPILOT, Nissan has equipped the crossover with a long list of safety and driver-assistance features under its 360-degree Safety Shield umbrella. These include:
– Leading Car Departure Notification
– Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, capable of monitoring up to two vehicles ahead
– Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
– Blind Spot Warning with Blind Spot Intervention
– Lane Departure Warning with Lane Departure Prevention
– Rear Automatic Emergency Braking
– Tire Pressure Monitoring System
– Rear Cross Traffic Alert
– Intelligent Around View Monitor
– Moving Object Detection
– High Beam Assist
– Driver Attention Alert
If local specifications remain close to the Thai-market model, the Philippine-bound KICKS should arrive with a much stronger safety story than before.
EV-like performance, no plug required
At the heart of the all-new KICKS remains Nissan’s e-POWER system—the same drivetrain concept that has long defined the model.
Unlike a conventional hybrid, the KICKS’ gasoline engine does not primarily drive the wheels. Instead, a 1.2-liter DOHC 12-valve 3-cylinder engine works mainly as a generator, producing electricity for the battery and the electric motor. It is the electric motor that drives the vehicle, giving the KICKS a smoother, quieter, and more immediate response that feels closer to a full EV.
For this latest version, Nissan says the electric motor and inverter have been integrated into a single compact unit. Combined with the E20-compatible 1.2-liter engine, the system produces 136 PS and 280 Nm of torque. Energy is stored in a 2.06-kWh lithium-ion battery.
On paper, those figures suggest brisk everyday performance. In practice, the bigger appeal lies in how the KICKS delivers its power—cleanly, quietly, and with the immediate low-speed torque that suits urban driving particularly well.
The all-new KICKS also retains Nissan’s e-Pedal Step, which helps simplify one-pedal-style modulation while recovering energy back into the battery under deceleration.
Variants, colors, and pricing
In Thailand, the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER is available in three grades: V, VL, and SV. Exterior color choices include Electric Cyan, Gray Sky Pearl, Storm White, Radiant Red, Gun Metallic, and Black Star. A two-tone finish with a black roof is also available on the VL and SV grades.
Thai-market pricing is as follows:
– All-new Nissan Kicks V – 839,000 baht
– All-new Nissan Kicks VL – 899,000 baht
– All-new Nissan Kicks SV – 929,000 baht
That translates roughly to around P 1.55 million, P 1.66 million, and P 1.72 million, respectively, though official Philippine pricing has yet to be announced.
Nissan says special introductory pricing in Thailand will be available until May 31, 2026.
Warranty coverage includes: 5 years or 150,000 kilometers or the vehicle; 5 years or 150,000 kilometers for the e-POWER drive system, and 10 years, unlimited mileage for the battery
Why it matters
The compact crossover segment is more competitive than ever, and success now requires more than one standout trait. Buyers expect a convincing blend of design, technology, safety, practicality, efficiency, and refinement.
That is what makes the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER significant.
The outgoing model introduced many buyers to Nissan’s unique electrified approach. This new one appears ready to build on that foundation with a stronger design, a much-improved interior, more advanced safety features, and a more premium overall presentation. If the previous KICKS established the nameplate’s identity, this all-new version looks like the model that fully realizes its potential.
With the Philippine launch scheduled for June, Nissan may soon have a much sharper contender in one of the market’s most important segments.