The Nissan Kicks e-Power is an intriguing mix of hybrid and EV, offering an electrifying driving experience while maintaining the familiarity of a gas-powered car. Officially, it’s classified as an EV since only the electric motor drives the wheels, but in practice, it behaves like both an EV and a hybrid.
If you’ve been wondering what that means for your everyday driving, here’s rundown after testing the base EL variant for a week—because there’s more to this car than just its eco-friendly setup.
Exterior: Understated but Charming
From a design perspective, the Kicks has a lot going for it. While looks are subjective, I personally love the clean, no-fuss style. The V-motion grille at the front gives the car a modern look, and while the latest version available in other markets has some updates, this one still holds its own in terms of appeal. The compact crossover shape works well too, offering a higher driving position than a hatchback but without the bulk that can make driving in the city a hassle.
I tested the Kicks EL in a gray shade, and it’s one of those colors that looks sharp even when the car’s a bit dirty—a definite win if you don’t wash your car as often as you should. Despite being the base variant, Nissan didn’t skimp on the lighting. The LED headlights are both stylish and functional, providing excellent visibility at night.
The 17-inch alloy wheels are another highlight, which come standard across the Kicks range. It’s a nice touch that makes even the base model feel a bit more premium.
Interior: Basic but Spacious
The Nissan Kicks is nearing the end of this generation’s lifespan, and you can feel that in the cabin design. It’s not outdated by any means, but some areas could use a refresh. The urethane steering wheel feels a bit cheap, as do the hard plastic panels around the cabin. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to note if you’re particular about the feel of your car’s interior. The fabric seats are standard for the base variant, and given the price point, they’re adequate.
On the plus side, there’s plenty of space for both the driver and passengers. I particularly appreciated the flat-bottom steering wheel, which makes it easier for those of us with thicker thighs to get comfortable.
Storage is also well thought out, with plenty of cubbyholes and compartments to store your belongings. In the front passenger area, the space is more than sufficient, and the second row offers decent legroom for average-sized adults.
While rear amenities are a bit sparse (no A/C vents back there), Nissan’s reputation for strong air-conditioning systems means the cabin cools down quickly enough. There are two USB charging ports in the back and a couple of bottle holders, which are always handy.
As for cargo space, the Kicks doesn’t disappoint. The trunk is spacious enough for everyday needs, and the hard tonneau cover is a nice feature that keeps your belongings hidden and secure.
Tech & Safety: Hits and Misses
Here’s where things start to feel a bit old-school. The base EL variant comes with what Nissan calls a “standard audio” system, which translates to a basic 2DIN setup—no touchscreen, just buttons and knobs like the good old days. Sure, it feels nostalgic, but in a world where even entry-level cars have touchscreens, it’s a bit surprising. That said, the system does connect via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, so it’ll still play your music. It just won’t do it in a flashy way.
When it comes to smartphone integration, the EL doesn’t offer anything fancy—no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto here. You do get a USB port to charge your phone, though, which is better than nothing.
Safety-wise, the Kicks EL has all the essentials: ABS, traction control, and dual front airbags. However, it doesn’t have the full suite of airbags that the higher variants get. So if safety is a top priority, you might want to consider moving up a trim. One notable absence is Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility features—apart from Hill Start Assist, those are reserved for the more expensive models. But hey, the upside to this is that the EL is lighter, which contributes to its nimble handling.
Driving & Handling: Surprisingly Fun
The Kicks EL is powered by an AC synchronous motor, producing 136 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. While these figures might not sound overly impressive on paper, the fact that it’s an electric motor driving the wheels means acceleration is instant. The car moves off the line with a surprising sense of urgency, but don’t worry—it’s not so fast that it’ll catch you off guard. It’s quick but composed, making it a fun city car.
What’s interesting is that the internal combustion engine (ICE) doesn’t directly drive the wheels. Instead, it serves as a generator to charge the battery that powers the electric motor. This setup gives you the smooth, quiet driving experience of an EV without worrying about plugging it in.
The Kicks also features regenerative braking, especially pronounced when driving in Eco Mode. It takes a little getting used to, but once you do, it feels natural—especially if you’re coming from a traditional gas-powered car like me.
The steering is light, which makes it easy to navigate through tight city streets. However, it can feel a bit too light at times, especially on the highway where more feedback would be appreciated. Still, for urban driving, it’s more than sufficient. The suspension, though, is on the stiff side, which means you’ll feel more bumps and imperfections on the road. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially if your daily commute involves rough roads. Plus, the Kicks could benefit from additional road noise insulation for better riding comfort.
Fuel efficiency is one of the Kicks’ strongest points. After driving nearly 150 kilometers—mostly in the city but with some highway runs—I averaged 12.9 kilometers per liter. Considering I only used up about a quarter of the tank after seven days, that’s pretty impressive.
A Mixed Bag, but Worth Considering
At ₱1,179,000, the Nissan Kicks e-Power EL offers a lot of value, especially if you’re looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient crossover. The driving dynamics are enjoyable, and the fuel savings are significant, thanks to the e-Power system. However, the basic infotainment setup and some of the cheaper interior materials might make you hesitate.
If you can stretch your budget a bit, it might be worth considering the VE variant, which offers more safety features and a few extra creature comforts. But if you’re happy with the essentials and can overlook the lack of modern tech, the Kicks EL is a solid choice for city driving.
