The 2024 Nissan Kicks is Nissan’s compact crossover designed to deliver a stylish, efficient, and practical alternative in the small SUV segment. Built on the brand’s V platform, the Kicks combines sharp, youthful styling with everyday usability, making it a strong choice for city dwellers and small families in New Zealand. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while its elevated stance and 200 mm of ground clearance give it confidence on rural roads and light gravel tracks common across the country.

Positioned as Nissan’s entry-level global SUV, the Kicks manages to look and feel more premium than its price tag suggests. The bold V-Motion grille, floating roof design, and sharp LED lighting make it stand out, while the interior emphasizes comfort, connectivity, and space efficiency. Despite being more affordable than rivals like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, it still offers features such as a digital driver display, smartphone connectivity, and available Bose audio, appealing to tech-savvy buyers.

For performance, the Kicks relies on Nissan’s tried-and-tested HR16DE 1.6-litre petrol engine, paired with an X-Tronic CVT automatic for smooth, economical driving. While it’s not tuned for outright speed, the focus is on efficiency, reliability, and easy day-to-day usability. In some regions, hybrid versions with Nissan’s e-POWER system provide even greater fuel economy, and these Japanese imports are beginning to find their way into New Zealand as well.

If interested in buying the Nissan Kicks, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when buying a used one and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

Engine Options

The 2024 Nissan Kicks comes with:

1. 1.6L HR16DE Naturally Aspirated Petrol – Produces 118 hp and 155 Nm of torque. A proven engine known for reliability and low running costs.

2. e-POWER Hybrid (Japan imports, select markets) – A 1.2L petrol generator paired with an electric motor producing 127 hp. Provides strong efficiency and instant torque delivery, though not officially offered new in New Zealand yet.

Transmission Options

The 2024 Nissan Kicks is offered with:

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission – Available in some markets, though rare in New Zealand imports.

• X-Tronic CVT Automatic – The most common option in NZ. Delivers smooth power delivery and excellent efficiency, though it requires regular maintenance.

2024 Nissan Kicks Grades

• Kicks S

• Kicks SV

• Kicks SR

• Kicks SR Premium (select markets)

2024 Nissan Kicks Interior

Step inside the 2024 Kicks and you’ll find a cabin designed to maximize practicality without sacrificing style. Nissan’s “Gliding Wing” dashboard stretches across the width, highlighted by soft-touch inserts and a floating 8-inch infotainment screen at the center. Even on lower trims, the layout feels modern, with intuitive controls and a driver-focused arrangement that makes the Kicks easy to live with.

Seating comfort is a strong point. The front seats use Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” design, shaped to support the spine and reduce fatigue on longer journeys. Higher trims add premium touches like leatherette or genuine leather upholstery, heated seats, and contrast stitching. The steering wheel is flat-bottomed and leather-wrapped on mid-to-upper trims, enhancing the sporty feel.

Rear-seat space is impressive for a compact SUV. The bench offers good legroom and headroom, accommodating two adults comfortably, while the 60:40 split-fold function expands versatility. Families will appreciate wide-opening rear doors that make child seat installation easier.

Technology is another highlight. A 7-inch digital driver display complements the central screen, displaying key information such as navigation prompts, safety alerts, and trip data. Standard connectivity includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims elevate the experience with NissanConnect navigation, a Bose Personal Plus audio system with speakers embedded in the driver’s headrest, wireless charging, and ambient interior lighting.

Practicality is also well addressed, with ample storage bins, cupholders, and a thoughtfully designed center console that can accommodate larger smartphones and water bottles. Overall, the interior of the Kicks blends youthful character with family-friendly functionality.

2024 Nissan Kicks Exterior

The 2024 Kicks carries Nissan’s latest SUV design language, giving it a bold and distinctive presence on the road. At the front, the signature V-Motion grille takes center stage, flanked by slim LED headlights and sharp daytime running lights that stretch into the fenders. The layered lighting arrangement creates a sleek and modern appearance, while the sculpted bumper integrates fog lamps and aerodynamic air inlets that are both stylish and functional.

From the side profile, the Kicks emphasizes compact SUV proportions with a raised stance, strong shoulder lines, and a floating roof design achieved through blacked-out pillars. Hidden rear door handles add a coupe-like touch, while bold wheel arch cladding enhances the crossover look. Buyers can choose between 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheel designs, with higher trims offering more dynamic patterns and machined finishes. Two-tone paint options with contrasting roof colors add an extra layer of personalization, making the Kicks stand out in city traffic.

At the rear, the wraparound LED taillights echo Nissan’s boomerang design signature, connected visually by a gloss-black trim piece across the tailgate. The tailgate itself is wide and practical, offering easy access to the boot, while the bumper features integrated reflectors and subtle protective cladding. A roof-mounted spoiler and carefully sculpted lines not only enhance the sporty look but also improve aerodynamics.

Overall, the 2024 Kicks strikes a balance between sporty flair and urban sophistication. It feels modern and youthful, appealing to style-conscious buyers in New Zealand who want an SUV with presence but in a compact, easy-to-handle footprint.

2024 Nissan Kicks Cargo Capacity

• Cargo Space (seats up): approx. 423 litres

• Cargo Space (seats folded): over 800 litres

• Practical load floor with low entry height makes it easy to load luggage and groceries.

2024 Nissan Kicks Fuel Consumption

• 1.6L Petrol CVT: 6.5–7.0 L/100km (combined)

• e-POWER Hybrid: 4.5–5.0 L/100km (Japan import, where available)

2024 Nissan Kicks Fuel Tank Capacity

• 41 litres

2024 Nissan Kicks Ground Clearance

• 200 mm – well-suited for speed bumps, gravel roads, and New Zealand’s rural driveways.

2024 Nissan Kicks Performance

The Kicks prioritizes smooth and efficient driving over outright speed. The 1.6L petrol engine delivers steady acceleration, while the lightweight body and compact dimensions make it agile in city conditions. On highways, it remains stable, though passing power is modest compared to turbocharged rivals.

The CVT is tuned for efficiency and ease, making it ideal for stop-and-go traffic, while the suspension setup balances comfort with predictable handling. Safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert (on higher trims) add reassurance for family buyers.

2024 Nissan Kicks Reliability

The Kicks benefits from Nissan’s proven HR engine family and straightforward mechanicals. With regular servicing, the CVT performs reliably, and parts are widely available thanks to its global popularity. Owners in New Zealand report low running costs and good durability, especially on naturally aspirated petrol models.

2024 Nissan Kicks Maintenance Schedule

• 10,000 km: Oil and filter replacement, safety inspection.

• 20,000 km: Add air filter, cabin filter, brake checks, and tire rotation.

• 40,000 km: Spark plugs and CVT fluid inspection.

• Hybrid models: Require additional battery system health checks and software updates.

Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

2024 Nissan Kicks Competitors

• Toyota C-HR

• Honda HR-V

• Hyundai Kona

• Mazda CX-30

• Kia Seltos

• Suzuki Vitara

• Volkswagen T-Cross