Why was the Kicks discontinued?
3 Answers
The Kicks has not been discontinued. Basic information introduction: 1. Introduction: The Kicks (null) is an SUV launched by Dongfeng Nissan, Nissan's domestic manufacturer, in 2017. The latest model year is 2021, also known as: Nissan small SUV, displacement: 1.5L; transmission: manual, continuously variable transmission. 2. Features: The addition of technological configurations, and higher technology is also the direction of future vehicle development, so it can be said that the Kicks has taken another step closer to the goal of intelligent technology. 3. Colors: Based on the original color combinations, three new two-tone body color options have been added for owners to choose from: Hurricane Orange/Tungsten Steel Gray two-tone, Obsidian Black/Hurricane Orange two-tone, and Obsidian Black/Hurricane Red two-tone. It adopts Nissan's family-style V-Motion front grille, and the two-tone body and floating roof design are currently the most popular elements.
I remember driving the Kicks for several years back then, and I found the car quite distinctive, especially its unique front fascia design that appealed to many young people. However, its sales later declined continuously for several reasons. First, the interior space was too small—friends sitting in the back often complained about feeling cramped, making it far less practical compared to today's larger SUVs. Second, the fuel consumption was relatively high, and with soaring gas prices now, new car buyers are leaning toward more energy-efficient options. Third, the maintenance costs were steep, with expensive parts and common issues like rapid aging of the suspension system. Additionally, Nissan introduced newer models like the Kicks (current generation), which better align with market demands and offer more balanced performance. Market research shows that the Kicks' sales plummeted after 2020, with global demand sharply declining, prompting Nissan to shift production resources to electric vehicle projects like the Ariya. Overall, changing consumer preferences and the model's lack of profitability accelerated its discontinuation, and updates to safety standards also played a significant role, as the older model couldn’t comply with new regulations.
From an automotive enthusiast's perspective, I really like the design of the Kicks. It was once a star in the small SUV segment, focusing on sportiness and youthfulness. But why was it discontinued? The main reason is market factors. The Kicks' design didn't receive major updates, and its appearance remained unchanged for years, losing its appeal. Competing models like the Toyota C-HR and Honda HR-V are more stylish and come with smart features. Sales data shows a significant decline in North America and Europe, and Nissan's financial reports mentioned thin profit margins, making it impossible to continue investing in the older model. The company is now fully committed to electrification, and the Kicks' gasoline platform doesn't fit the future, such as low-emission requirements or battery integration technology. Historically, the small SUV market has become saturated, and Nissan needs to optimize its product lineup, discontinuing the Kicks to support new projects like the hybrid version of the Qashqai. In the long run, technological innovation drives choices, and those that can't keep up will be phased out.
