Japan Gets A $18,700 Hybrid Nissan Kicks And A Rugged Rock Creek, We Don’t

Nissan has finally brought the second-generation Kicks to Japan—but with a twist. Unlike the gas-only U.S. model, the Japanese lineup is hybrid-only, featuring the brand’s e-Power self-charging hybrid system paired with either FWD or an optional dual-motor e-4ORCE AWD setup.

The base powertrain combines a 1.4-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine (97 HP) acting solely as a generator for a lithium-ion battery, feeding a front electric motor (141 HP) and, in AWD trims, a rear electric motor (67 HP). Nissan claims this setup delivers over 10% better fuel efficiency than the outgoing model.

The Japanese Kicks rides on styling nearly identical to the U.S. version, save for clear indicator lenses and a bespoke color palette that includes Resonance Blue.

Trim levels start with the X and X+, which feature textured plastic cladding, and top out with the G, which adds LED lighting and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Inside, the dashboard features dual 12.3-inch displays and a hand-rest shelf, with higher trims offering Zero Gravity seats, vegan perforated leather, a 100V AC outlet, and ProPilot ADAS.

The standout is the Kicks Rock Creek, a rugged variant developed by Nissan Motorsports & Customize (NMC).

It sports a triple-slot grille with silver accents, black front bumper inserts, Lava Red body accents, aluminum-style skid plates, and rugged five-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, it features Lava Red stitching and waterproof seat upholstery.

The Rock Creek will debut later this summer, with Japanese deliveries starting this winter in both FWD and AWD flavors.

Pricing for the Kicks in Japan starts at ¥2,999,700 ($18,700) for the base FWD trim and tops out at ¥4,248,200 ($26,500) for the G with AWD.

The Rock Creek is estimated to cost between ¥4,000,000 and ¥4,300,000 ($25,000–$26,800) when it launches this winter. For context, the non-electrified U.S.-spec Kicks currently retails from $22,730 to $27,565.