2018 Nissan Kicks jukes its way into compact crossover lineup

The Nissan Kicks went on sale last year in certain markets outside the U.S., and it'll finally coming to a dealership near you in June of next year (assuming you live in America). But wait – doesn't Nissan already have a compact CUV to compete with the likes of the Chevy Trax and Honda HR-V? Not anymore. The Juke is gone for 2018, replaced by the significantly less polarizing Kicks.

The 2018 Nissan Kicks will start "well under $19,000." That means it'll be a few thousand dollars less expensive than the Juke it replaces (before incentives, naturally). And that's likely a big reason why the Juke is kicked to the curb. And don't expect the Kicks to follow the Juke down the turbocharged path of pint-sized pocket rocket, either. Power for the Kicks will come from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 125 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. Those ponies will be routed to the front wheels only through a continuously variable transmission.

So, it's no powerhouse, and its lack of all-wheel drive mean it's more of a tall hatchback than a pseudo off-roader. But it'll be fuel efficient – Nissan expects the Kicks will score a 33 mile-per-gallon combined rating from the EPA. And the Kicks will be highly customizable, with multiple two-tone paint schemes on the menu, including an eye-searingly bright great-pumpkin orange with contrasting black roof.