Nissan: 2018 Nissan Kicks compact utility vehicle makes North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show

  • New Nissan Kicks features unique style, personal technology, intelligent safety, efficient powertrain and strong value positioning
  • Embodies Nissan Intelligent Mobility with standard Automatic Emergency Braking and available Intelligent Around View® Monitor
  • First new Nissan nameplate launched in last eight years, Kicks joins best-selling Rogue and Rogue Sport CUVs in Nissan’s U.S. showrooms in June 2018
  • All-new 2018 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle and special Star Wars-themed custom vehicles also on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show – which runs December 1-10 at the Los Angeles Convention Center

LOS ANGELES – The all-new 2018 Nissan Kicks, the newest entry in the fast-growing affordable compact crossover market, made its North American debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The bold new Kicks becomes the sixth member of the Nissan crossover and SUV lineup – which has experienced record sales in recent years – when it hits Nissan U.S. dealerships in June 2018.

“As the gateway to Nissan’s adventure-ready sport-utility portfolio – joining Rogue Sport, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder and Armada – Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for expressive styling, personal technology, smart functionality and advanced safety features at an affordable price starting well under $19,000,” said Dan Mohnke, senior vice president, Sales Marketing and Operations, Nissan Division U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. Mohnke unveiled the new Kicks during a media event at the show.

The new 2018 Kicks combines emotion and practicality by blending bold wheel arch fenders and a high crossover stance with familiar Nissan design signatures, including a V-Motion grille, boomerang headlights and taillights, and a floating roof with a “wrap-around visor” look. Available exterior features include standard Intelligent Auto Headlights (I-AH) and available LED low beam headlights with LED signature accents.

The 2018 Kicks will be offered in a range of seven exterior colors – plus five two-tone combinations. Three of the two-tone color schemes utilize a black roof and contrasting body colors (white, orange or red). Also available: an orange roof with a gray body, or a white roof with a blue body.

“From a pure visual standpoint on the street, Kicks is a true head turner, especially in the bold two-tone color combinations,” said Mohnke. “Kicks is clearly recognizable as part of the Nissan CUV family, but has a vibrancy and identity all its own.”

Inside, the Kicks story is one of quality and futuristic design in a cabin full of the innovative features expected by its tech-hungry target audience. The interior promises ample passenger space in the rear – despite the coupe-like roofline – as well as one of the largest load areas in its class.

Kicks’ simple “Gliding Wing” dashboard design is dominated by a centrally mounted 7.0-inch full color display housing a comprehensive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ smartphone connectivity. For the ultimate audio experience, the Kicks SR Premium Package includes the new class-exclusive2 Bose® Personal® Plus sound system with a pair of lightweight 2.5-inch Bose® UltraNearfield™ neodymium speakers located inside the Kicks’ driver’s seat headrest. Among the other on-board technology, Kicks features an available Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM).

Every 2018 Kicks comes with a standard 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS). The engine is rated at 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque. Aided by a smooth and efficient Xtronic transmission, the Kicks is expected to have a fuel economy rating 33 mpg combined. Kicks is offered in front-wheel drive only.

“With good ground clearance, a high eye point, electric power steering and small turning radius, Kicks is a great companion to navigate the city with,” added Mohnke.

Safety, security and driver convenience features are strong points for the Nissan Kicks. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is standard on all grade levels, along with seven air bags and RearView Monitor. Kicks SV and Kicks SR add Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The 2018 Nissan Kicks will be offered in three well-equipped models – Kicks S, Kicks SV and Kicks SR.  

“Pricing for the 2018 Nissan Kicks will be announced closer to its on-sale date in spring 2018, but we are expecting to be among the most competitive in the segment,” said Mohnke. “Kicks’ unique combination of expressive design, excellent fuel economy, intelligent technology and advanced safety features adds up to one thing – exceptional value.”

Along with the new 2018 Kicks, the Nissan display at the Los Angeles show features the all-new 2018 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, along with seven Star Wars-themed concept vehicles created in celebration of the brand’s ongoing collaboration with Lucasfilm for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show takes place from Friday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

For complete information on the 2018 Nissan Kicks and all other 2018 Nissan vehicles, please visit nissanews.com.

About Nissan North America 
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and INFINITI vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infinitiusa.com, or visit the U.S. media sites nissannews.com and infinitinews.com.

About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2016, the company sold 5.63 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.72 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world’s best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia Oceania; Africa, Middle East India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has a global workforce of 247,500 and has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault under the Renault-Nissan Alliance since 1999. In 2016, Nissan acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors, which became the third member of the Alliance – a grouping with combined annual sales of almost 10 million units a year.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

 

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Contact
 
Josh Clifton
Senior Manager, Product Communications, Car SUV and Technology
615-725-1767
josh.clifton@nissan-usa.com

Kyle Torrens
Nissan Car Communications
615-725-4019
kyle.torrens@nissan-usa.com

 

1. Fuel economy based on targeted 2018 EPA fuel economy estimates for 2018 Kicks FWD models – EPA data not available at time of publication. Anticipated fuel economy 33 mpg combined. Estimate based on Nissan internal testing results, subject to EPA confirmation. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.
2. AutoPacific segmentation. Available feature. 2018 Kicks vs. latest in-market competitors in XSUV Compact Class. Based on manufacturers’ websites.