Nissan Kait 2027: The new SUV replacing the Kicks Play enters its final testing phase

The successor to the Kicks Play is almost ready. Nissan is putting the finishing touches on the Kait 2027, an SUV that combines mechanical continuity with a completely renewed design inspired by the Ariya.

Nissan is preparing to replace its successful Kicks Play with the new Kait 2027, a model that has entered its final development phase and promises to maintain the spirit of the compact urban SUV while introducing a much more modern aesthetic. According to Autos Segredos, the P02H project will retain much of the structure of the 2016 model, but will undergo a deep visual update that positions it alongside the latest SUVs in its segment.

A redesign inspired by the Ariya
The new Kait will feature a more sophisticated and technological look, adopting design cues from Nissan’s latest electric models. At the front, it showcases sharper LED headlights, a redesigned hood, and a more aggressive bumper. At the rear, narrow taillights connected by an acrylic strip create a modern light signature reminiscent of the Nissan Ariya, one of the brand’s design benchmarks.

Despite the visual overhaul, the Kait maintains the overall proportions of the Kicks Play, including the doors, roof, and side windows. This confirms Nissan’s strategy of deeply refreshing an existing model without altering its core platform – a common industry practice that reduces development costs and time to market.

Inside, the evolution is more technological than structural. The SUV keeps the familiar dashboard layout but introduces a more advanced digital instrument cluster and a repositioned infotainment screen for improved ergonomics. The seats also retain their design, balancing comfort and familiarity for current Kicks owners.

Under the hood, Nissan opts for mechanical continuity, keeping the 1.6-liter engine with 110 hp paired with a CVT automatic transmission – a reliable and efficient setup familiar to the brand’s audience. The Kait 2027 is expected to make its official debut between November and December this year, with commercial launch planned for the first quarter of 2026, including export plans to key regional markets.