The new Nissan Kait midsize SUV has been unveiled in Latin America. Launched in Brazil, the Nissan Kait is essentially a redesigned version of the old Kicks, featuring revamped styling and a new model name.

Production has begun at Nissan’s Resende plant. From 2026, the Kait will be exported from Brazil to over 20 countries, mainly in South America.

1. New Nissan Kait revealed as Kicks-based SUV in Brazil
2. Uses 1.6-litre petrol engine (110hp and 146Nm) with standard CVT gearbox
3. Four variants offered with touchscreen and digital cluster

Nissan Kait exterior design

New lights and grille, but overall shape stays the same

The Nissan Kait gets a cleaner design and a more upright stance than the Kicks, giving it a stronger visual appeal. It features sharper split LED headlamps, new LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), a larger grille with horizontal slats and a wider lower air intake. The side profile remains similar to the Kicks, but the refreshed alloy wheels add a bit more sportiness to the overall look.

Most elements, such as the body-coloured door handles, circular wheel arches, rising beltline, roof rails and outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) are carried over. The sloping roofline continues as well. At the rear, the Kait gets new, sharper tail-lamps and the ‘KAIT’ name badge is now placed prominently on the tailgate, with the number plate moved down to the bumper.

In terms of size, the Kait remains close to the Kicks. It is 4,304mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,611mm high, with a 2,620mm wheelbase. Its boot space is rated at 432 litres. Nissan will offer six exterior colour options.

Nissan Kait interior design

Entry-level positioning, yet equipped with many features

The Kait has a black interior theme. Its dashboard layout is similar to that of the Kicks, but the air-con vents have a different design. The gear selector also has a simpler look, and the rear seats come with a 60:40 split-fold function.

The SUV will be offered in four trims: Active, Sense Plus, Advance Plus and Exclusive. Key features include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a Pioneer 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless phone charger. 

Also in the list are upgraded upholstery, automatic digital climate control, a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control. A comprehensive set of ADAS features will also be available.

Nissan Kait powertrain and specs

1.6-litre petrol engine and CVT gearbox carried over from Kicks

The Nissan Kait is based on the same V-platform used by the Kicks and will serve as Nissan’s new entry-level SUV in South America.

It is powered by a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 110hp and 146Nm. The engine is set up for simple, efficient performance. A CVT gearbox is the only transmission option. Nissan claims the Kait delivers around 11kpl in city driving. 

Prices for the Kait in Brazil start at R$117,990 (about Rs 20 lakh). Exports to other South American countries from Brazil will begin in 2026.