Nissan just launched an all-new Kicks in Japan earlier this week, but sharp-eyed readers will notice that this is the same one the American market got back in 2024. This launch for Nissan’s home market coincides with the appearance of the Kicks’ regional counterpart at PIMS 2026 earlier this month.
We’re sure you’re wondering, though: What’s the difference between these two crossovers? They both wear the same Nissan badge, the same nameplate, and even the same ‘e-Power’ suffix to highlight electrification. Let’s walk through all the details and see what we find.
Starting with the looks, the two Kicks are already on different paths. Both generally share the same upsized-and-lifted hatchback profile, but the Southeast Asian Kicks is styled a bit more aggressively. The wheel arches are slightly more defined for a more muscular look, and the plastic cladding below the doors are stylized to suggest ruggedness. There’s also a more aggressive slope on the tailgate that makes the vehicle appear a bit longer than it actually is.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Nissan PH officially opens its dealership in Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Follow the leader: Nissan will use China’s strategies to develop cars faster
In contrast, the USDM/JDM Kicks sits on the tame side with more mainstream proportions. Honestly, the side profile is fair match with that of the Toyota Corolla Cross. This split between the two Kicks also extends to each of their front fascias; the Philippine-bound version sports an aggressive scowl, while the new-for-Japan model is defined by its tightly-arranged grille and lighting elements. Of course, these differences are skin-(metal-)deep, so what about what’s under the hood?
As implied, both feature Nissan’s e-Power technology. However, the Japan-bound Kicks has a slightly larger combustion engine for its setup with a 1.4-liter engine. The ASEAN version gets the smaller 1.2-liter engine to serve as the generator. Unsurprisingly, the Japanese version’s bigger setup has more power. 143hp and 315Nm of torque. In comparison, the Kicks coming soon to the Philippines churns out just 134hp and 280Nm of torque.
Japanese customers are in for a treat through the option to add a rear motor for all-wheel drive. This optional e-4orce setup provides an extra 68hp and 140Nm of torque. Beyond power figures, Nissan also claims the additional motor helps with cornering performance and ride comfort.
Curious how much the Japanese Nissan Kicks stickers for? The range-topping G variant with e-4orce all-wheel drive comes in at ¥4,248,200, or around P1.602 million. Nissan Philippines hasn’t given an indicative price for the updated Kicks previewed at BIMS and PIMS, but we do know its price in Thailand ranges from 839,000 Thai baht (about P1.534 million) to 929,000 Thai baht (around P1.698 million).
What do you think of the Kicks we’re missing out on? Let us know in the comments which version of Nissan’s electrified crossover you prefer.
More photos of the Japan-spec Nissan Kicks e-Power
