Whoa, is that a new facelift?
Not quite, this is the all-new Nissan Kicks e-Power for the ASEAN market. I specify ASEAN because Nissan also launched a new Kicks in 2024 for the American market, which is different. This one was launched in Thailand at the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show, and we got to check it out and drive it for a bit on a short test track.
Nice! So what’s new under the hood?
Well, this has a very similar self-charging power unit as the previous generation—a 1.2-liter gasoline engine that acts as a generator for the electric motor. It still produces 134hp and 280Nm of torque and achieves 25km/L similar to the outgoing model.
Although it does claim to have slightly better performance in heat efficiency. But output-wise, it’s close to the same as the previous generation—but that isn’t such a bad thing.
Okay…so what’s ‘all-new’ about it, then?
This new Kicks has a host of safety features that Nissan calls ProPILOT. You see this in its more premium models. ProPILOT has lane-keeping assist that doesn’t just position you within the lines, but directly in the center of the lane.
It also has an emergency stop feature in case you go unconscious behind the wheel. The system alerts the driver if their hands let go of the steering wheel for more than 10 seconds, and will slowly bring the car to a stop with hazard lights on if it doesn’t detect any input.
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Other features include predictive front-collision warning, front-emergency braking with a pedestrian detection system, blind-spot intervention, lane-departure prevention, and automatic emergency braking when going in reverse. You won’t utilize all these features every day, but when you do need them, they can be a lifesaver. Oh, and the headlight beams are 14 meters wider for better visibility at night.
That’s a lot of safety features. How about comfort?
There were tweaks made here and there in the interior. The headrest was angled back based on feedback from customers of the previous generation Kicks. Infotainment is carried out by a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, while additional controls can be handled through physical buttons on the steering wheel.
You also still get Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, but with improved padding to reduce driver fatigue and 6-way power controls to adjust your seating position. The interior is also surfaced in anti-heat leather and soft-touch plastics. The higher variant comes with a ‘Moonstone’ color scheme, this doesn’t have anything to do with comfort, but it looks pretty nice.
Speaking of looks…take us through that for a second!
Ah, yes, it’s the first thing anyone notices with this car. The look of the new Kicks is way different from the previous generation. It features new LED headlights and taillights, a new grille, new wheels, and overall, it looks like a more premium version of the outgoing model.
Looks are subjective, though; some might prefer the playful design of the old Kicks rather than this newer, more mature look. But this new design doesn’t look terrible by any means, and it still drives playfully, even if it wears a serious face.
So does that mean it was fun to drive?
Yes, if you know what you’re getting into. It’s definitely not a Z. This is a hybrid subcompact crossover meant for fuel efficiency and bringing you and your friends and family safely around the metro. The engine is quiet until you floor the accelerator. When you do, it jumps off the line pretty quickly.
In the short session I had with the car, I sent it down a straight, and it had no hesitation getting up to speed. I don’t think you’ll have any problem merging onto expressways and overtaking with this car. It slowed down equally as responsive, too.
On the slalom, it performed okay. There was some body roll as expected, but it didn’t feel like a boat. The suspension sat on the firmer side, and the tires didn’t feel like they were going to slip immediately. It’s an agile car, just don’t expect hot hatch-levels of tight cornering from it. The steering was very light, a little too light for me personally, but great for maneuvering the subcompact crossover in tight spaces and parking lots.
So, it sounds like a safer and more mature version, right?
Pretty much, without sacrificing the energetic appeal of the old-generation Kicks. It has the same powertrain, but with way more safety features, and small tweaks based on customer-feedback that still add up into an overall improved experience. Plus that new look. This all-new Kicks e-Power feels like it was made for a more grown-up consumer—the type to be more responsible, but still likes to have fun every now and then. A more in-depth assessment will have to wait until we get our hands on this car for a full review.
So how much is this all-new Nissan Kicks e-Power?
In Thailand, the newly launched Kicks ranges from THB839,000 (P1.53 million) to THB929,000 (P1.69 million) depending on the variant. It should arrive in the Philippines later this year. Also, if you want to see this car up close, it will have a preview at the 2026 Philippine International Motor Show in June.
More photos of the 2026 Nissan Kicks e-Power:
