According to the Automotive News Future Product Pipeline, the next-gen Nissan Kicks was supposed to get appear for the 2024 model year. But apparently, that’s not going to happen.
Several outlets, including Automotive News, have reported that there was a tooling theft from a supplier in Mexico, which has forced Nissan to push back the production of the affordable sub-compact SUV, which means we won’t see it until of June 2024.
[Read more: Whoa! That’s the 2025 Nissan Kicks?]
We reached out to Nissan for confirmation that Kicks has been delayed, and the company line provided by a spokesperson is oddly vague:
“Due to an unexpected factor outside the company’s control, one of our new-model programs has been slightly delayed. We have no further details to share at this time.”
So, was it Kicks that was affected? Well, looking at that Future Pipeline again, the only other vehicle slated for a redesign in 2024 is Armada. So, TBD. But we trust Automotive News, so we’re betting the answer is yes.
This is the second delay the sub-compact SUV has experience. The first was due to the vehicle’s inability to pass crash test.
What to expect for the next-gen Nissan Kicks
The current-gen Kicks got a significant refresh in 2021. Now, from recent spy shots posted by Motor1, you can see the next-gen Nissan Kicks will get new wheels, a new grille, new headlights and a more upright stance. It’s also slated to get all-wheel drive as well as a larger engine.
We assume this means the very affordable $20K base price goes away. Which is a shame. We hope a front-wheel-drive option remains – along with a lower price.
The bottom line
A next-gen Nissan Kicks is coming. And we’ll likely get details soon. But the production model and when it will appear in dealers is definitely TBD. We also wonder if it’ll still be a 2024 model or if it moves to the 2025 model year.
This is where we insert the little shrugging emoji. You’ll know when we do.
