Which 2023 Nissan Kicks variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide] 

Nissan Philippines launched the Kicks e-Power in August 2022, allowing the automaker to add a fresh new offering to its lineup. The new model does, in fact, fall within the immensely popular subcompact crossover segment. So, many people might be eyeing this as their next ride. 

The 2023 Nissan Kicks e-Power

Further adding to the desirability of this new model is the fact that it is also a hybrid. And yes, as of its launch, it is one of the most affordable hybrid crossovers in the market right now. To this end, many might indeed be itching to get their hands on it. 

Before diving into this new model though, be aware that the Nissan Kicks has three different trims. There’s the entry-level EL, VE, and the top-spec VL. So which one’s the right one for you? 

Nissan Kicks Variants: Exterior 

To begin, all Kicks variants come with exactly the same dimensions. They are all 4,300mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,615mm in height. A wheelbase of 2,620mm is also standard, as is a ground clearance of 180mm. 

They do, however, have slightly different curb weights. The lightest trim is the EL at 1,343kg, while the heaviest is the VL at 1,359kg. In the middle of the pack weight-wise is the mid-spec VE at 1,349kg.  

The Kicks e-Power from the rear

As for exterior equipment, all trims do come with LED headlamps and LED taillights. However, only the top-spec VL comes with an auto-on/off function. Moreover, the VL gets a pair of front LED fog lamps, whereas the other two do not. All trims have a follow-me-home and auto hazard light feature and LED taillights. 

Style-wise, there aren’t many differences between the three. All come with a black-colored V-motion grille, body-color bumpers with silver trims, and body-color side mirrors. The exterior mirrors for all three also have auto-fold and power adjust functionality.  

The three Kicks e-Power variants are largely identical in terms of styling

All variants then ride on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Nissan Kicks Variants: Interior 

Inside, all three 2023 Nissan Kicks trims are kitted out with Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats. The said crossover also comes with 60:40 split folding rear seats for the rear cabin. For the VL, these seats are wrapped with double-stitched genuine leather. The seats on the other two trims are then wrapped in fabric.  

The rear seats of the Kicks e-Power VL

The drivers are also provided with a manual tilt and telescopic steering column. On the top-spec VL and VE, their steering wheels are clad in leather. Meanwhile, the EL gets a urethane steering wheel. 

For comfort, occupants are kept cool by a single-zone automatic climate control system. All three also come with a storage box, Type A and Type C USB ports, bottle and cup holders for the front and rear, and genuine Nissan floor mats.  

Nissan Kicks Variants: Tech and safety 

Handling entertainment for the VL and VE Kicks e-Power variants is an eight-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This monitor is then linked to a six-piece speaker system. Meanwhile, a “Standard Audio'' unit with USB connectivity and an auxiliary jack is offered on the entry-level EL, patched to four speakers.  

Only the VE and VL get a touchscreen head unit

Both the VL and VE also get more in the way of safety than the EL. In total, they have six airbags, whereas the base trim only has dual front airbags. All variants do come with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle dynamic control, and engine immobilizer, as well as a car alarm. The EL then lacks rear parking sensors, which are standard on the VL and VE.  

In addition to those, the VL and VE both come standard with driver-assist features which are absent on the EL. These include an intelligent forward collision warning, emergency braking, and driver attention alert. Both the VL and VE also get an intelligent around-view monitor, but only the former comes with a moving object detection system. All do come with hill-start assist. 

Nissan Kicks Variants: Engine 

Under the hood, all three Kicks e-Power trims use an AC synchronous motor for propulsion. The said motor is then charged by a 1.2-liter inline-3 gasoline mill that acts as an onboard generator. Energy for the motor is then drawn from a 2.13 kWh battery. 

The e-POWER system

At the most, the Kicks e-Power can produce up to 134 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels via an automatic single-speed gear reduction gearbox. All also get one-pedal driving (e-Pedal Step), Eco and Sport drive modes, and disc brakes for all four wheels. 

All three also come with a torsion beam type suspension for the rear and a strut-type suspension setup in front.  

Nissan Kicks Variants: Price 

Nissan Kicks Variants: Conclusion 

To conclude, the Kicks e-Power VL and VE might be the variants you’d want to get if you prioritize safety. This is because they are the only two that come with driver assist features and six airbags. Then again, the EL does have a decent standard safety kit. The top-spec VL though is the only variant that comes with Moving Object Detection, and that might be a useful feature especially when driving around our tight city streets. 

The Kicks e-Power VL's front cabin

Concerning powertrains though, all three are quite the same. But then do consider that the EL is the lighter of the three, which could have a positive impact on real-world performance.  

Also, the VL and VE are the only two that offer a real touchscreen, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. If you need those, then the midrange VE and top-tier VL might be more to your liking. 

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