Is this the compact hybrid 4WD that Nissan needs in Australia? 2025 Nissan Kicks crossover SUV destined for Japan with Australia potentially in its sights as it emerges as possible rival to Hyundai Kona, MG ZS and Kia Seltos: Report

The next-generation Nissan Kicks crossover SUV is headed for Japan exclusively in hybrid guise next year, according to BestCar Japan, with the door potentially ajar for an Australian release.

Produced in Mexico for the North American market, BestCar is reporting the Kicks will arrive in Japan in Spring 2025 (March - May), albeit with its own unique powertrain fitted.

It isn't exactly clear why Nissan would be planning on sending the Kicks to Japan, although it is possible that Nissan could be looking for alternative export markets as an incoming Trump presidency threatens to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on Mexican-made vehicles sold in the US.

Japan is a right-hand drive market, putting Australia in the box seat for a local release.

CarsGuide has contacted Nissan Australia to ascertain whether it has any plans for a local release.

BestCar is speculating that the Kicks will be built exclusively with the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine as the Nissan Note, a five-door hatchback sold on the Japanese market with four-wheel drive thanks to a 40kW high-output electric motor fitted to the rear axle. All up it is capable of 85kW/280Nm.

In the US, the Kicks is fitted with a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine that produces 105kW, the same unit that featured in the previous-generation Nissan Qashqai.

The Kicks sold in the US market measures in at 4366mm long, 1801mm wide 1631mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2657mm.

That puts it roughly more than 100mm longer than the Nissan Juke and closer to popular rivals such as the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos and the MG ZS.

Aside from its unique powertrain, it will share the same exterior as the US version, with its front and rear design adopting many of the design cues – such as the striped LED headlights and taillights – featured on Nissan's "Chill-Out" concept revealed back in 2021.

BestCar forecasts the price in Japan to start somewhere between 2 million ($20,682) to 3 million ($31,023) though it would likely exceed $30,000 should it arrive in Australia.