Japan Is Already Getting A New Generation 2027 Nissan Kicks e-Power

Just as Nissan Philippines is set to launch the heavily facelifted Kicks e-Power, Japan is already getting a completely new generation model. The new 2027 Nissan Kicks e-Power for Japan is based on the second-generation model that made its North American debut in 2024. Initially, this generation of the Kicks was meant to be exclusive to North America, but Japan somehow is going to be the first right-hand drive (RHD) market to receive this new model.

Anyway, if you were expecting this to arrive in the Philippines, you’ll probably be disappointed to find out that there will really be two versions of the Kicks. What we (and the rest of ASEAN) got is what’s also called the Kait in South America, and this version of the Kicks is meant for emerging markets. For now, the new Kicks e-Power is reserved for Japan, while the pure internal combustion engine (ICE) version is only for North America.

Design-wise, the Japanese-market 2027 Nissan Kicks e-Power looks nearly identical to what was unveiled two years ago in North America, save for the mandated amber side lights and other North American-specific safety requirements. The front end has horizontal LED stacked vertically with the main LED headlights sitting on top. The boxier shape is contrasted by a curvaceous roofline that has the option to be painted in a contrasting black color. At the rear, the LED taillights are joined together by a black trim piece that visually connects the otherwise two separate lighting units.

Inside, the new 2027 Nissan Kicks e-Power gets a dash design inspired by the Ariya electric crossover, whilst boasting more premium materials than before. Unfortunately, the buttons and switches have been ditched in favor of touch-capacitive ones, but at least these aren’t buried in the Nissan Connect infotainment. Available optional features, depending on the variant, include four USB-C charging ports, wired or wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Underneath the hood of the 2027 Nissan Kicks e-Power is a third-generation series hybrid system, so even this part is unrelated to what’s under the hood of the ASEAN-market Kicks e-Power. Instead of a 1.3-liter three-cylinder, it now gets a bigger 1.4-liter direct-injected unit that generates power to the front electric motors. The front-wheel drive (FWD) electric motor produces 141 horsepower, but for the first time, there’s a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) version that adds a 67-horsepower electric motor at the rear. Despite being more powerful, Nissan says it is 10 percent more efficient than the previous system.

Lastly, the Japanese-market 2027 Nissan Kicks e-Power will be offered in a Rock Creek variant, which has been developed by the Nissan Motorsports & Customize (NMC) division. This rugged version of the Kicks e-Power features plenty of black body cladding, Lava Red elements, satin silver faux skid plates, and smaller wheels with thicker tires. Inside, the Rock Creek version gets waterproof upholstery and plenty of Lava Red contrast details.

As mentioned, the new 2027 Nissan Kicks e-Power that Japan is getting won’t come to the Philippines anytime soon. For now, we’ll have to wait until July before the heavily facelifted model goes on sale.