Nissan Kicks Generations Canada: Complete Model-Year Guide

The Nissan Kicks has changed more than its familiar badge might suggest. In Canada, the story begins with the 2018 Nissan Kicks, a small, affordable front-wheel-drive crossover that arrived as cities were filling with buyers who wanted SUV styling without SUV-sized fuel bills. Fast-forward to today, and the Kicks has grown into a more substantial subcompact SUV with a larger engine, available all-wheel drive, considerably more technology, and a stronger road presence.

So, how many Nissan Kicks generations in Canada are there? For Canadian shoppers, the answer is refreshingly simple: two main generations. The first generation ran from the 2018 through 2024 model years, although Nissan extended its life into 2025 under the Kicks Play name. The second generation arrived as the redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks and continues with the current model. Nissan itself confirmed that the outgoing first-generation vehicle would be sold alongside the all-new 2025 model as the Kicks Play.

That overlap is exactly where things get confusing. A 2025 Kicks and a 2025 Kicks Play might share part of their names, but mechanically and structurally they belong to different generations.

In this guide, we’ll untangle the entire Canadian Nissan Kicks timeline, examine what changed from generation to generation, identify the important refresh years, and explain which version may make the most sense on the used market.

Nissan Kicks Generations in Canada at a Glance

Here is the Canadian timeline in its simplest form:

Generation	Canadian Model Years	Key Characteristics
First Generation	2018–2024	1.6L engine, FWD, compact dimensions
First Generation Facelift	2021–2024	Revised styling, technology upgrades
Kicks Play	2025	Continuation of first-generation design
Second Generation	2025–present	2.0L engine, available AWD, larger body

The original global Kicks actually appeared before Canadians could buy one. Nissan unveiled the first production Kicks in Rio de Janeiro in May 2016, after showing the Kicks concept two years earlier.

Canada joined the story later.

Nissan announced the North American version in November 2017 and launched the 2018 Kicks at Canadian dealerships in June 2018, initially with a starting MSRP of $17,998.

First-Generation Nissan Kicks: 2018–2024

The original Canadian Kicks was built around a straightforward idea: give urban drivers the upright seating position, cargo flexibility, and styling of a crossover without making them pay for hardware they might rarely use.

That philosophy explains one of the first generation's most important characteristics: Canadian Kicks models were front-wheel drive.

There was no AWD option.

For someone driving mostly around Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, or another urban area, that wasn't necessarily a deal-breaker. A good set of winter tires matters tremendously in Canadian conditions. Still, buyers wanting AWD naturally gravitated toward alternatives.

2018 Nissan Kicks: The Canadian Beginning

The 2018 model year represents the real beginning of the Nissan Kicks generations Canada story.

Nissan positioned the Kicks as an affordable compact crossover when it entered Canadian dealerships in June 2018.

Its dimensions made it particularly well suited to crowded cities. It could squeeze into parking spaces without feeling like we were docking a cruise ship, yet the tall body gave passengers and luggage more usable room than we might expect from such a small footprint.

Under the hood sat a 1.6-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 122 horsepower, paired with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission.

That output doesn't sound heroic because it wasn't designed to be.

The first Kicks prioritized efficiency and practicality rather than acceleration.

2019 Nissan Kicks: Settling Into the Market

The 2019 Kicks didn't reinvent anything. Nissan essentially carried forward the original formula.

That makes early 2018 and 2019 examples interesting used-car candidates today because they represent the simplest interpretation of the Kicks.

If our priority is inexpensive transportation, reasonable fuel consumption, useful cargo space, and relatively modern crossover styling, these early vehicles still make sense.

The trade-off is equally obvious: they lack some of the refinements and technology added later.

2020 Nissan Kicks: Evolution Rather Than Revolution

By 2020, Nissan didn't need to completely rebuild the Kicks. The model was still relatively young.

Instead, the company continued polishing equipment availability and packaging.

That's an important lesson when researching Kicks generations. Not every model-year change represents a new generation. Automotive manufacturers often introduce equipment revisions every year while retaining the same body structure, engines, chassis, and fundamental design.

Think of it like updating the apps on your phone rather than buying a new phone.

The 2018, 2019, and 2020 Canadian Kicks all belong to the same original generation.

2021 Nissan Kicks Facelift: The Big First-Generation Update

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is where the first generation becomes considerably more interesting.

Nissan gave the model a meaningful mid-cycle refresh rather than merely changing trim equipment.

The company highlighted a redesigned exterior featuring its new Double V-motion grille, revised wheel designs, available LED headlights, interior improvements, and upgraded connectivity.

Yet beneath those visual changes, the underlying Kicks remained a first-generation vehicle.

How the 2021 Kicks Exterior Changed

The front end is the easiest way to distinguish a refreshed Kicks from an earlier model.

The grille became significantly larger and gave the little crossover a broader, more assertive face.

That may sound cosmetic, but styling plays an important role in how cars age. The refreshed version generally looks closer to newer Nissan products than the original 2018 nose.

From a used-car shopper's perspective, that can make the 2021–2024 models feel newer even though their basic mechanical foundation remains familiar.

The 2021 Interior and Technology Upgrade

Inside, Nissan also refined the cabin.

Connectivity became a bigger focus, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrated into the Kicks experience. Nissan also added available Intelligent Cruise Control as part of the update.

This matters because technology ages faster than engines.

A perfectly reliable 2018 crossover can still feel old when we plug in our phone and discover an infotainment system from another era. The refreshed Kicks narrowed that gap considerably.

Did the 2021 Kicks Get a New Engine?

No.

The facelift did not turn the Kicks into a performance SUV.

The familiar 1.6-litre engine continued, meaning buyers still received 122 horsepower and the same efficiency-first personality.

For some drivers, that is perfectly adequate. For others, especially those frequently merging onto fast highways with passengers and luggage aboard, the modest power output can feel stretched.

That criticism would ultimately become one of the areas Nissan addressed with the second generation.

2022 Nissan Kicks: A Mature First-Generation Choice

The 2022 model sits in what we might call the sweet middle period.

You might be interested in this content.Nissan Kicks 4WD or 2WD: Which Drivetrain Should You Choose?

It benefits from the 2021 redesign while remaining several years removed from the beginning of the generation.

For used-car shoppers, that's often appealing. The first-year excitement has passed, the styling still looks relatively fresh, and buyers can often find vehicles with useful technology without paying near-new prices.

Of course, condition matters much more than a single model year.

A well-maintained 2020 Kicks with detailed service records is usually a smarter purchase than a neglected 2022 example simply because the calendar says the latter is newer.

2023 Nissan Kicks: Familiar Formula, Familiar Strengths

By 2023, we knew exactly what the Kicks was.

It was small.

It was economical.

It was easy to maneuver.

And it was not pretending to be a rugged off-road SUV.

There is something refreshing about that honesty.

Many crossovers dress themselves like hiking boots while spending their entire lives commuting between suburban garages and supermarket parking lots. The first-generation Kicks embraced the urban mission instead.

The lack of AWD remained its most obvious limitation for Canadian buyers wanting additional traction capability.

2024 Nissan Kicks: The Final Regular First Generation

The 2024 Nissan Kicks marked the end of the first-generation model under the regular Kicks name in Canada.

From a buying perspective, that makes the 2024 especially interesting.

Late-generation cars often benefit from years of incremental manufacturing and equipment refinement. At the same time, they're mechanically tied to a design that is about to be replaced.

That can create attractive discounts in the used market once the newer generation becomes common.

But then Nissan did something unusual.

It didn't completely kill the original Kicks.

2025 Nissan Kicks Play: The First Generation Lives On

When the redesigned second-generation Kicks arrived for 2025, Nissan Canada continued selling the original model as the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play. Nissan explicitly described it as the continued first-generation Kicks offered alongside the all-new model.

That creates one of the most important distinctions in this entire guide.

A 2025 Kicks Play is not the same vehicle as a 2025 Kicks.

The Kicks Play retained the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.

The redesigned 2025 Kicks, meanwhile, moved to a larger engine and introduced AWD availability.

Why Nissan Kept the Kicks Play

The strategy makes sense when we look at pricing.

Redesigned cars usually become larger, more powerful, better equipped, and inevitably more expensive. Keeping the older platform alive gives Nissan something to offer customers whose biggest concern is affordability.

In other words, the Kicks Play became the budget-friendly younger sibling even though, mechanically, it was actually the older one.

For shoppers comparing Canadian used vehicles, the name is therefore more important than the model year.

Second-Generation Nissan Kicks: 2025–Present

The all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks marked the biggest transformation in the model's Canadian history.

This wasn't simply another grille, screen, or wheel update.

It was a proper generational change.

Nissan presented it as an all-new vehicle, with redesigned styling, increased capability, more technology, greater power, and—crucially for Canadians—available all-wheel drive.

If the first Kicks felt like a tall hatchback wearing crossover clothes, the second-generation model feels much more like a genuine small SUV.

The 2025 Kicks Gets a Larger 2.0-Litre Engine

One of the clearest improvements appears under the hood.

Nissan replaced the outgoing 1.6-litre unit with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque.

We're still not talking about sports-car performance.

But that's not the point.

The larger engine gives the redesigned Kicks roughly 16% more horsepower than its 122-hp predecessor, while the increase in torque helps it feel better suited to its larger body.

For daily driving, that extra muscle matters most when accelerating onto highways, climbing grades, or carrying passengers.

Available AWD Changes the Kicks Equation in Canada

Perhaps the single most important generational improvement for Canadians is Intelligent All-Wheel Drive availability.

The first-generation Kicks built its reputation entirely around FWD.

The new generation expands the audience.

Someone in Ontario who simply wants an affordable commuter may still prefer FWD, while a driver regularly dealing with snowy rural roads, steep winter routes, or less predictable conditions now has an AWD option within the same model family.

AWD doesn't replace winter tires, of course.

But having both can make the Kicks considerably more appealing in our climate.

Second-Generation Kicks Exterior: Bigger Personality

The visual transformation is equally dramatic.

You might be interested in this content.How Nissan Kicks Work: A Complete Guide to the Small SUV

The second-generation Kicks looks chunkier, wider, and more geometric than the outgoing vehicle.

The previous model used flowing lines and a relatively delicate silhouette. The newer Kicks looks like it spent the summer at the gym.

Nissan also continued leaning into colourful personalization and available two-tone paint combinations. Its Canadian gallery highlights the floating-roof effect created by the blacked-out rear pillar and contrasting exterior treatments.

This is one of those redesigns where casual observers can tell something major happened without checking the badge.

Technology Takes a Major Step Forward

Another clear generational shift occurs inside.

The second-generation cabin embraces much larger digital displays and stronger smartphone integration.

Nissan lists standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto connectivity on the redesigned Kicks, helping the infotainment experience feel much more contemporary.

That's important for ownership longevity.

Mechanical specifications get most of the attention when we compare generations, but interior technology determines how modern a vehicle feels every single day.

A responsive display, easy phone connection, useful driver assistance, and sensible controls can make the difference between a cabin that ages gracefully and one that feels prehistoric after five years.

2026 Nissan Kicks: Second Generation Continues

The 2026 Canadian Kicks continues the second-generation formula.

The core 2.0-litre engine remains rated at 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft, with the Xtronic CVT continuing as the transmission. Nissan's specifications also retain the availability of Intelligent AWD depending on configuration.

That consistency is useful.

The 2025 model did the heavy lifting by introducing the new platform and powertrain package. The following model year builds from that foundation rather than starting another redesign cycle.

First-Generation vs Second-Generation Nissan Kicks

Put the two side by side and the philosophical difference becomes obvious.

Feature	First Generation	Second Generation
Main Canadian years	2018–2024	2025–present
Extended version	2025 Kicks Play	—
Engine	1.6L four-cylinder	2.0L four-cylinder
Horsepower	122 hp	141 hp
Torque	114 lb-ft	140 lb-ft
Transmission	Xtronic CVT	Xtronic CVT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD or available AWD
Character	Simple urban crossover	More substantial small SUV
Technology	Basic to moderate	Significantly more modern

The biggest differences aren't hidden in obscure specifications.

They're things drivers will actually notice.

The second generation offers more power, more drivetrain choice, a more modern cabin, and a more substantial overall package.

The first generation counters with simplicity, lower used prices, and potentially lower acquisition costs.

Which Nissan Kicks Generation Is Best for Canadian Drivers?

There's no universal winner.

If our priority is getting the most affordable Kicks possible, the original generation deserves attention.

If we want AWD, the decision becomes much easier: look at the second generation.

If technology matters heavily, the second-generation car again wins.

But value-conscious used shoppers shouldn't dismiss the older Kicks simply because a shiny redesign has arrived. A clean 2021–2024 example can deliver a lot of practical transportation for the money.

Best Generation for Budget Buyers

The first generation wins.

Early examples can be significantly less expensive than a new second-generation model, while refreshed 2021–2024 vehicles offer a more modern appearance.

For someone driving primarily in urban areas and willing to use quality winter tires, FWD may be perfectly adequate.

Best Generation for Canadian Winter Flexibility

The second generation wins because AWD finally becomes part of the equation.

Again, we wouldn't treat AWD as magic. Ice doesn't care how many wheels receive engine torque.

But the added drivetrain choice removes one of the original Kicks' biggest Canadian-market limitations.

Best Generation for Technology

Second generation.

The redesigned interior and wireless smartphone integration put it comfortably ahead of early first-generation cars.

Best First-Generation Years to Consider

If we were shopping within the original generation, the 2021–2024 facelift models would be particularly attractive.

They combine the proven basic layout of the earlier Kicks with fresher styling and improved technology.

That doesn't automatically make them more reliable than an earlier vehicle, but they generally feel more contemporary.

Why 2021 Is an Important Cut-Off

The 2021 refresh creates a natural dividing line in the first generation.

Models from 2018–2020 represent the original design.

Models from 2021 onward receive the refreshed appearance and equipment updates.

So although enthusiasts may refer casually to “early Kicks” and “later Kicks,” both groups still belong to the same first generation.

How to Identify a First-Generation Nissan Kicks

The easiest clue is model year.

Regular Canadian Kicks vehicles from 2018 through 2024 belong to generation one.

The 2025 Kicks Play does too.

Visually, these cars have a narrower and more rounded body than the redesigned vehicle. Earlier 2018–2020 versions use the original front styling, while 2021–2024 models carry the larger Double V-motion grille introduced during the facelift.

How to Identify a Second-Generation Nissan Kicks

A regular 2025 or later Kicks uses the new-generation design.

Look for the broader, squarer body and radically different front and rear styling.

You might be interested in this content.Are Nissan Kicks Easy to Steal? A Complete Security and Theft Risk Guide

The engine specification provides another easy clue: if the Canadian Kicks has the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 141-hp engine, you're looking at the redesigned generation rather than the older Kicks Play.

And if it has AWD, there's no mystery at all.

It's second generation.

Is the Second-Generation Kicks Worth Upgrading To?

For many owners, yes—but not automatically.

Suppose we already own a low-mileage 2022 Kicks that is paid off and perfectly suited to daily commuting. Trading it simply because the redesigned model exists may not make financial sense.

But someone who finds the first-generation model too slow, wants AWD, values newer technology, or simply needs a more substantial vehicle will discover meaningful improvements.

This isn't a facelift pretending to be a redesign.

The second generation changes the fundamental proposition of the vehicle.

What Canadian Used-Kicks Buyers Should Watch For

Generation matters, but vehicle condition matters more.

The badge on the hatch won't tell us whether the previous owner skipped maintenance, bounced wheels off curbs, ignored warning lights, or treated the interior like a moving storage locker.

Before purchasing any used Kicks, inspect the maintenance history, tires, brakes, suspension behaviour, electronics, body condition, and CVT operation carefully.

A pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic can be money well spent.

We should also check the VIN for outstanding recalls and verify that scheduled services were completed.

For technical procedures or maintenance requirements, Nissan Canada's owner's manuals remain the proper reference for the exact vehicle and model year.

Why the Nissan Kicks Generation Timeline Matters

Understanding generations isn't automotive trivia.

It affects what we're buying.

Search listings for “2025 Nissan Kicks Canada,” and we can encounter two fundamentally different vehicles: the first-generation Kicks Play and the second-generation Kicks.

That's why model year alone can sometimes mislead shoppers.

We need to look at the complete name.

The generations also help explain used prices. A seller may advertise a 2024 Kicks as “almost the same as new,” but the redesigned 2025 model represents a substantial technological and mechanical leap.

That doesn't make the 2024 undesirable.

It simply means its value should be judged as a late example of the outgoing generation.

The Evolution of the Kicks in Canada

The Kicks' transformation mirrors the evolution of the subcompact crossover category itself.

The first generation arrived when buyers mainly expected these vehicles to be affordable hatchback alternatives with slightly taller seating.

Today's shoppers expect more.

They want AWD.

Large screens.

Wireless smartphone connectivity.

Driver-assistance technology.

More cabin versatility.

More visual presence.

The second-generation Kicks responds to those expectations while maintaining the approachable character that made the original appealing.

It's almost as though the first Kicks showed up to work wearing sneakers and a hoodie, while the second arrived in hiking boots carrying a laptop bag. Same personality, bigger ambitions.

Conclusion: Two Generations, Two Different Personalities

The Nissan Kicks generations in Canada can ultimately be divided into two distinct chapters.

The first generation arrived for 2018, hitting Canadian dealerships in June of that year. It established the Kicks as a simple, efficient, FWD urban crossover. Nissan refreshed it substantially for 2021, then continued that basic design through 2024.

When the all-new second-generation Kicks arrived for 2025, the model grew up. The new 2.0-litre engine increased output to 141 horsepower, available AWD broadened its Canadian appeal, and the redesigned interior and technology pushed the Kicks into a noticeably more sophisticated era.

And then came the curveball: Nissan kept the first generation around for 2025 as the Kicks Play, meaning shoppers could effectively choose between two generations in the same showroom.

Which one should we buy?

For affordability and straightforward urban transportation, a well-maintained first-generation Kicks—particularly a refreshed 2021–2024 example—can offer excellent practical value.

For AWD capability, stronger performance, newer technology, and a more substantial overall vehicle, the second generation is clearly the more complete package.

Different generations, different priorities.

That's what makes understanding the timeline so useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Nissan Kicks generations are there in Canada?

There are two main Nissan Kicks generations in Canada. The first arrived for the 2018 model year, while the redesigned second generation debuted for 2025. Nissan also continued selling the first-generation vehicle for 2025 under the Kicks Play name.

What year did the Nissan Kicks first come to Canada?

The Nissan Kicks entered Canadian dealerships in June 2018 as a 2018 model. Nissan initially announced a Canadian starting MSRP of $17,998.

What year did the Nissan Kicks change generations?

The major generational change happened for the 2025 model year. The redesigned Kicks received a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, significantly different styling and available AWD.

You might be interested in this content.Nissan Kicks Engine Size: What’s Under the Hood?

Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play second generation?

No. The 2025 Kicks Play belongs to the first generation. Nissan Canada specifically continued the outgoing Kicks alongside the redesigned 2025 Kicks and renamed the older vehicle Kicks Play. Its 1.6-litre engine produces 122 horsepower.

Which Nissan Kicks generation has AWD in Canada?

The second-generation Nissan Kicks, introduced for 2025, brought available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive to the Canadian Kicks lineup. The original Canadian generation was built around a front-wheel-drive configuration.