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Nissan’s Next Affordable Overlander Could Come from an Unlikely Spot

A potentially new frontier awaits for the Yokohama-based automaker’s most affordable crossover SUV.

Rear view of a blue Nissan Kicks SR AWD with black trim and taillights.Nissan
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By Chris Chin

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Nissan isn’t giving up on its Rock Creek Edition models and is supposedly porting the treatment over to its entry-level Kicks crossover. The word comes after spy photographers caught a rather unusual Kicks prototype driving around in Tennessee.

The prototype’s unusual details has speculators suggesting the Kicks could be getting the more rugged trim. But it also doesn’t seem too far-fetched as the Japanese automaker is really leveraging its future product strategy on affordable overlanding and accessibility to off-roading fun.

A new frontier for the Kicks

Gray Nissan SUV with red roof and side mirrors driving on a road with palm trees and a beige building in the background.
The Nissan Kicks just entered its second generation and it could be getting spicier with a Rock Creek Edition.
Nissan

The Nissan Kicks just entered its second generation as the brand’s most affordable and accessible crossover SUV. Now, the Japanese automaker apparently wants to spruce up the Kicks range with a new, trail-ready Rock Creek Edition.

The speculation arose after spy photographers caught a Kicks prototype just a wee-bit south of the Smyrna area. Nissan America’s HQ is located in the city just south of Nashville. Although nothing is confirmed, the prototype sports some revealing details.

Such includes a more pronounced tubular roof rack system, some seemingly slightly higher ground clearance and other details suggest this isn’t any ordinary Kicks.

The idea of a more trail-ready Kicks also doesn’t seem like too unlikely. Nissan’s really betting on beefing up its lineup to offer more adventurous options. And it’s all in a bid to compete more directly with Subaru and its popular Wilderness models.

Nissan is also really diving into its off-road heritage, what with a new Xterra on the way. Its relatively recent amplification of its PRO-4X Frontier and Armada also showcase Nissan’s adventurous and rugged aspirations.

Nissan’s down with getting dirty

Tan Nissan SUV with black trim and roof rack carrying an orange kayak, parked on a dirt path in a forest.
Nissan expanded its Rock Creek Edition treatment to the Rogue, which is also available on the global X-Trail.
Nissan

As a refresher, the Yokohama-based automaker introduced its Rock Creek Edition models as “trail-ready” variants to its crossover SUVs. They feature a comprehensive list of notable accessories and add-ons, all to boost their capabilities and versatility.

Initially, the Rock Creek movement began as an upgradable appearance package with the facelifted, R52 third-generation Nissan Pathfinder. When the company introduced its first variant in 2019, the package only consisted of added more stylish wheels, blackened door handles, wheel wells, subtle undercladding and other interior appointments.

Dark green Nissan SUV with headlights on parked on rocky terrain with desert mountains in the background.
The Rock Creek Edition treatment first surfaced as an appearance package on the “R52” Pathfinder in 2019.
Nissan

The Rock Creek Edition treatment has since evolved to offer more comprehensive upgrades. Such includes beefier all-terrain tires, light suspension lifts and upgrades, more plastic protective underbody treatments, tubular roof racks, and more.

To date, only the Rogue and the Pathfinder come with the optional Rock Creek Editions. Now, speculation suggests the Kicks could be next in line to get the upgrades.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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