Nissan KICKS

Importing a used Nissan Kicks from the USA

The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact crossover that has quietly become one of Nissan's most sensible small SUVs in North America, and it makes an interesting used import for European buyers who want a practical, economical high-riding hatchback with American equipment. To import a used Nissan Kicks from the USA is to buy a car built for value: light, easy to park, cheap to run, and available in a well-judged range of trims. Because the model has gone through a full redesign, it is important to know which generation you are looking at, since the two cars are mechanically quite different. USCar Trader manages the Kicks as a standard North American used vehicle and starts every deal with a VIN and origin check that determines how customs will treat the car.

From launch to today

The first-generation Kicks reached the US market for the 2018 model year, replacing the outgoing Juke as Nissan's entry crossover and drawing on the global B-platform shared with the Micra and Note. It ran through the 2024 model year with a mid-cycle refresh around 2021 that updated the front fascia and added Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite as standard. For 2025 Nissan launched a fully redesigned second-generation Kicks: a larger, taller body, a new interior, a bigger engine and — for the first time — available all-wheel drive. If you are importing, the generation split matters: a 2018–2024 car is front-drive only, while a 2025-onward car may be AWD.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

The first-generation Kicks used the 1.6-litre HR16DE naturally aspirated four making around 122 hp and 155 Nm, driving the front wheels through Nissan's Xtronic CVT. It was never a quick car, but it was frugal and unstressed. The second-generation 2025 model steps up to a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four producing roughly 141 hp, again with a CVT, and now offers an available intelligent all-wheel-drive system that sends torque rearward when grip is needed. Neither generation is turbocharged, and there is no hybrid or diesel in the US Kicks line, so every example you import will be a normally aspirated petrol with a continuously variable transmission.

Trim levels and variants

The Kicks is sold only as a five-door crossover. US trims across both generations follow the familiar S, SV and SR structure. The S is the value entry point; the SV adds convenience and comfort features; the SR is the style-focused top trim with contrast-roof colour options, upgraded interior materials, a Bose audio option with speakers built into the front headrests on the new car, and the full driver-assist package. American Kicks are generously equipped with screens and connectivity even at the lower end, which is part of the appeal for import buyers.

Used availability in the USA

The Kicks sold in large numbers as an affordable crossover and a popular fleet and rental vehicle, so the American used market is deep, especially for 2019–2023 first-generation cars. That means good availability and a wide choice of mileage and condition. Expect a spread from lightly used one-owner cars to higher-mileage former rentals. The 2025 second-generation cars are, by contrast, still scarce and low-mileage. Because so many Kicks lived as commuter or fleet vehicles, careful history checking is worthwhile — condition varies more than on a car bought new by enthusiasts.

When importing makes sense

A used Kicks import suits a buyer who wants an economical, easy-to-handle small crossover with generous equipment and low running costs, rather than performance or towing capacity. It is a good fit for city and suburban use, for a second car, or for someone who values Nissan's simple, proven mechanicals and the relaxed CVT drivetrain. If you want all-wheel drive you must target a 2025-or-later second-generation car; for pure value, a clean first-generation SV or SR is the sweet spot.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

The Kicks has a generally solid reliability reputation, helped by simple, low-stress mechanicals. The main long-term concern with any Nissan of this era is the Xtronic CVT: while the Kicks' lower-power application is less stressed than the transmissions in heavier Nissans, you should still favour cars with documented CVT fluid changes and avoid any example showing shudder, hesitation or overheating warnings on a test drive. The 1.6 HR16DE is a robust engine but can consume a little oil as it ages, so check the level and look for a clean service record. Other typical "Nissan Kicks common problems" are minor: infotainment freezes on early cars, occasional door-lock actuator wear, and interior trim rattles. Suspension and brakes are conventional and cheap to maintain.

How US versions differ

US Kicks run mph-primary instruments, US-spec lighting without a rear fog lamp, and North American radio bands and navigation data. The daytime-running-light setup and headlight beam pattern follow federal standards and will need ECE adaptation. Equipment naming and some safety-assist calibrations differ from any European-market equivalents. These are routine conversion points for an import rather than obstacles.

From US purchase to registration

Selection comes first — decide on generation, trim and drivetrain. Then run a VIN and origin check to fix the customs classification, place funds in escrow, and book ocean freight from a US port to Bremerhaven or Rotterdam. On arrival the car goes through EU customs clearance, then a TÜV individual approval (§21 StVZO) with any required modifications, and finally German registration. USCar Trader coordinates each step as your intermediary while you remain the importer.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

Keep the two charges separate. The EU import duty depends on provable origin: the Kicks is assembled in Mexico, so it is not automatically a US-origin good. The 0% rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only to cars whose VIN and plant code prove US assembly, on direct transport, between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2029. A Mexican-built Kicks that cannot be documented as US origin is dutiable at the standard passenger-car rate. On top of the customs value plus any duty, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies — there is no exemption and no "duty-free" guarantee. We quote no margin; the number follows the documented origin.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Typical work for a US Kicks includes fitting a rear fog lamp, adapting the lighting to ECE beam pattern, and setting the speedometer to read km/h. The odometer should be documented in the correct units. Once the individual approval confirms emissions and safety compliance, the resulting paperwork lets you register the car and obtain plates.

Pre-purchase checklist

Import FAQ

Can I import a used Nissan Kicks to Germany?

Yes. As a used vehicle it can be imported, cleared and registered after a TÜV individual approval; USCar Trader acts as your independent broker.

Does the Kicks qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Only if the VIN proves US assembly. The Kicks is built in Mexico, so the 0% rate is not automatic and depends on documented origin.

Is German import VAT always due?

Yes. The 19% Einfuhrumsatzsteuer applies to every import and is calculated on customs value plus any duty.

Is the Nissan Kicks available with all-wheel drive?

Only the second-generation 2025-onward Kicks offers AWD. All first-generation cars are front-wheel drive.

Is the Kicks reliable?

Generally yes, with simple mechanicals; the main watch-point is CVT servicing, so favour cars with documented fluid changes.

What engine does the Kicks use?

A 1.6-litre four on 2018–2024 cars and a 2.0-litre four from 2025, both petrol with a CVT.

What does the TÜV require?

Typically a rear fog lamp, ECE-compliant lighting and a km/h speed display; specifics are set at inspection.

How long does the import take?

Ocean freight plus clearance and approval usually spans several weeks depending on shipping schedules.

To begin, explore Nissan in the Carhub, compare related crossovers such as the Nissan Rogue, the Nissan Murano and the Hyundai Kona, or view current Nissan Kicks listings.