The Nissan Kicks continues to offer a reliable and efficient powertrain, building upon its predecessors while introducing subtle refinements for the new model year. Let’s dig into the engine specifications, performance metrics, and notable changes from previous years, providing a thorough understanding of what powers this popular subcompact SUV.

Engine Specifications

Base Engine

The Nissan Kicks has a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine across all trim levels. This engine has been a staple in the Kicks lineup since its introduction, known for its balance of efficiency and adequate power for urban driving.

Key specifications:

• Engine Type: 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder
• Cylinders: 4
• Displacement: 1,997 cc
• Bore x Stroke: 84.0 mm x 90.1 mm
• Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
• Horsepower: 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 190 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
• Fuel System: Direct Injection
• Recommended Fuel: Regular unleaded

Transmission

The Kicks continues to use Nissan Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard across all models. This transmission provides smooth acceleration and optimal fuel efficiency.

Performance Metrics

While the Kicks isn’t marketed as a performance vehicle, its engine provides adequate power for its intended use as a city-friendly subcompact SUV. Here are some key performance figures:

• 0-100 km/h Acceleration: Approximately 9.7 seconds
• Top Speed: 175 km/h (electronically limited)
• Fuel Economy (FWD models):
  • City: 8.4 L/100 km
  • Highway: 6.7 L/100 km
  • Combined: 7.6 L/100 km
• Fuel Economy (AWD models):
  • City: 8.7 L/100 km
  • Highway: 6.9 L/100 km
  • Combined: 7.8 L/100 km

Changes and Improvements for 2025

While the core engine remains largely the same as previous years, Nissan has introduced several refinements and updates:

• Enhanced Engine Management System: The Kicks features an updated engine control unit (ECU) that optimizes fuel injection and ignition timing. This results in slightly improved fuel efficiency and marginally better low-end torque response.
• Revised CVT Tuning: The Xtronic CVT has been retuned, offering more responsive acceleration from a stop and improved simulated shift points for a more natural driving feel.
• Improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) Control: Additional sound-deadening materials and revised engine mounts contribute to a quieter and more refined driving experience.
• Eco Mode Enhancements: The Eco driving mode balances efficiency and performance, making it more usable in everyday driving.
• Start-Stop System Refinement: The automatic start-stop system, which shuts off the engine at idle to save fuel, has been refined to make restarts quicker and smoother.

Comparison with Previous Years

To better understand the evolution of the Nissan Kicks engine, let’s compare the latest model with its predecessors:

2021-2024 Nissan Kicks

• Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 122 hp @ 6,300 rpm
• Torque: 154 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
• Fuel Economy (FWD): 7.7 L/100 km combined

2025 Nissan Kicks

• Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 190 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
• Fuel Economy (FWD): 7.6 L/100 km combined

The most significant change was the 2.0-liter engine, which replaced the previous 1.6-liter unit. This upgrade substantially increased horsepower and torque, addressing the main criticisms of earlier Kicks models—their lack of power.

Engine Technology and Features

The Nissan Kicks engine incorporates several technologies to enhance performance and efficiency:

• Direct Injection: Precise fuel delivery improves combustion efficiency and power output.
• Variable Valve Timing: Optimizes engine breathing for better performance across the rev range.
• Mirror Bore Coating: This technology, borrowed from the GT-R supercar, reduces friction within the engine, improving efficiency and longevity.
• Lightweight Design: The use of aluminum for the engine block and other components helps reduce overall vehicle weight, contributing to better fuel economy.

Drivetrain Options

Nissan has expanded the Kicks appeal by offering two drivetrain configurations:

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Standard on all trim levels, providing the best fuel economy.
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Now available as an option, enhancing traction and stability in diverse weather conditions. 

Fuel System and Efficiency Features

The Kicks has a 41-liter fuel tank, providing a theoretical range of over 500 km on a single tank for FWD models. To maximize efficiency, the vehicle includes:

• Idle Start/Stop: Automatically shuts off the engine when stationary to reduce fuel consumption in city driving.
• Active Grille Shutters: Improve aerodynamics at higher speeds by closing off part of the front grille.
• Low Rolling Resistance Tires: Standard on all models to reduce energy loss and improve fuel economy.

Engine Maintenance and Reliability

Nissan has designed the Kicks engine with longevity and easy maintenance in mind:

• Oil Change Interval: Recommended every 12,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Spark Plug Replacement: Suggested at 120,000 km intervals.
• Timing Chain: The engine uses a timing chain instead of a belt, which typically doesn’t require replacement over the engine’s lifetime.

The Nissan reputation for building reliable engines continues with the Kicks. The 2.0-liter engine is based on a well-proven design, with improvements focused on refinement and efficiency rather than radical changes.

Environmental Considerations

While not a hybrid or electric vehicle, the Nissan Kicks engine is designed to meet stringent emissions standards:

• Emissions Rating: Meets SULEV30 (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) standards in applicable markets.
• Catalytic Converter: Uses a high-efficiency catalytic converter to reduce harmful emissions.
• Evaporative Emissions System: Includes a charcoal canister to capture and recycle fuel vapors.

Audio System Integration

While not directly related to the engine, it’s worth noting that the Kicks features an upgraded audio system that complements the refined powertrain:

• Base Model: 6-speaker audio system with 7-inch touchscreen display
• Higher Trims: Available 8-speaker Bose premium audio system with 8-inch touchscreen display

The audio system includes active noise cancellation on higher trims, which works in conjunction with the engine’s NVH improvements to provide a quieter cabin environment.

2025 Nissan Kicks: A Versatile Subcompact SUV

The Nissan Kicks engine represents a thoughtful evolution of the vehicle’s powertrain. While not revolutionary, the updates and refinements for this model year address previous criticisms and enhance the overall driving experience. The increase in power from the 2.0-liter engine, combined with improved efficiency and the new AWD option, makes the latest Kicks a more versatile and appealing option in the subcompact SUV segment.

The Kicks offers a balanced package of performance, efficiency, and technology for potential buyers. The engine provides adequate power for urban environments and highway cruising, while the focus on fuel economy makes it an economical choice for daily driving. The Nissan Kicks continues to offer good value in its segment, now with a more capable and refined powertrain.

As the automotive industry continues its shift towards electrification, the Kicks represents one of the last iterations of traditional gasoline-powered subcompact SUVs. It bridges the company’s internal combustion engine heritage and its future electric vehicle lineup, offering buyers a familiar and reliable option in an increasingly electrified market.