Nissan Kicks Up U.S. Crossover Lineup

Nissan Motor Co. is bringing its Kicks compact crossover to the U.S. to replace the Juke, which will be discontinued in 2018.

The carmaker introduced the Brazilian-designed Kicks last year in South America. U.S. sales are due to start early next summer.

Measuring 169 inches from bumper to bumper, the Versa-sized Kicks is three inches shorter than Nissan’s Rogue Sport—the company’s next-smallest crossover. The Kicks 103-inch wheelbase is an inch shorter than that of the Rogue Sport.

Picking up design cues from other recent Nissan models, the Kicks is less polarizing than the oddly shaped Juke. Styling cues include the carmaker’s V-motion grille, “floating roofline” and boomerang headlights. A dozen exterior colors are available, including five two-tone combinations.

Among the interior highlights are a 7-inch infotainment system and a flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Three USB ports are standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability available on mid- and top-range trim levels. The premium package adds a Bose sound system. Available safety features include forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts and a 360° surround monitor.

Power comes from a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. The engine generates 125 hp and 115 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 33 mpg.