I Drove the Nissan Kicks e-Power Hybrid—And It Drives Like an EV

What Is It?

The new Kicks e-Power has just landed in Thailand, and while Nissan calls it all-new, the reality sits somewhere in between. Underneath, it’s closely related to what Americans know as the Kicks Play – built in Mexico and one of the most affordable crossovers you can buy in the US.

Here’s where it gets interesting. The US Kicks Play sticks with a regular 1.6-liter engine, but the Thai-market Kicks e-Power swaps that out for Nissan’s e-Power system. This setup is similar to what’s coming soon in the US with the Rogue e-Power, though with a bit less power here. In a way, this Kicks gives us an early look at what Nissan might bring to American showrooms.

Nissan is adamant that this is a new model, and to be fair, there are plenty of updates. The styling is fresher, the cabin feels more up-to-date, and the tech is a clear step up. But if you look at the bones and the size, it’s still very much the same Kicks underneath.

If – and that’s a big if – the Kicks Play ever gets this hybrid setup in the US, the Thai-spec version shows exactly how Nissan could move its entry-level crossover forward without forcing buyers into a full EV just yet.

The Specs

The heart of the Kicks e-Power is a hybrid system that does things differently. Here, the gas engine never drives the wheels – it just acts as a generator for the electric motor, which handles all the actual driving. That motor puts out 134 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, so the Kicks feels more like an EV than a typical hybrid when you’re on the road.

The gas engine is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder with about 81 hp, but its only job is to keep the battery charged. It never turns the wheels directly. Power goes through a single-speed reduction gear, which keeps things simple and delivers that smooth, EV-like drive.

In terms of size, the Kicks e-Power sticks to the same formula as the current Kicks Play. It’s about 169 inches long, rides on a 103-inch wheelbase, and has 6.9 inches of ground clearance. So while the tech is new, the overall footprint is exactly what you’d expect from Nissan’s smallest crossover.

The tank holds 10.8 gallons, and Nissan says you can get up to 59 mpg. Real-world numbers will probably be lower, but it’s clear the goal is to squeeze out as much efficiency as possible while giving you that EV-style drive – no plug needed.

What’s It Like?

Seeing it in person, the Kicks e-Power actually looks better than photos suggest, especially if you pick one of the brighter colors. The new V-Motion grille ties it in with the latest Nissan lineup, and the updated lights give the front end a cleaner, more modern look.

At first, it almost passes for a full redesign. But look closer at the C-pillar, and you’ll see it’s really a major refresh. Still, thoughtful details, like the hidden rear door handles tucked into the pillar, give it a bit of a playful vibe.

There’s one quirky detail: the “KICKS” badge on the tailgate sits just a bit off-center. It’s not an error – it’s just how the spacing works out with the letter “I.” But once you notice it, you can’t really ignore it.

Step inside and the changes are obvious. The dashboard layout is tidier, the materials feel a notch better, and the new Moonstone interior theme brightens things up. There’s a 12.3-inch screen at the center for infotainment, while there’s another for the gauges, finally putting the Kicks on par with other new crossovers.

Some parts are familiar, though. The steering wheel is straight out of the Nissan Versa, and overall cabin space hasn’t changed much. If you’ve been in a Kicks Play, this will feel immediately familiar in terms of size.

Once you’re driving, the e-Power system really sets the tone. With the electric motor doing all the work, you get instant, smooth response when you pull away from a stop. It feels lively around town, but the punch fades a bit as you pick up speed.

Handling is a step up from the regular gas Kicks, partly because the battery sits low in the chassis. The Kicks e-Power feels more planted in corners, and Nissan has given the suspension a touch of sportiness without making the ride harsh.

Regenerative braking is pretty aggressive, which makes sense with the small battery. It does a good job of recapturing energy and means the gas engine doesn’t have to kick in as often, especially when you’re driving in traffic.

All in all, the Kicks e-Power drives more like an EV than most hybrids out there, but you never have to worry about plugging it in.

Verdict

If Nissan brings this setup to the US, the Kicks Play e-Power could easily become the brand’s most affordable electrified model. It would fit right below the Rogue e-Power and give buyers an easy way to try out hybrid tech.

There are also reports suggesting that the larger, newer, second-generation Kicks could adopt the same system, though nothing has been confirmed yet.

Right now, the Thai-market Kicks e-Power is a bridge between regular gas crossovers and full EVs, and it’s priced at an accessible point, just like the American Kicks Play. It doesn’t rewrite the rulebook, but it does change the driving experience in meaningful ways.