What does a day in the life of engineers preparing the brand new Nissan SUV for extreme conditions look like?
Spoiler: it’s not glamorous. Picture yourself at 5:30 a.m. on a freezing Quebec winter morning, with temperatures that can drop to -20°F, no coffee, and no gloves, testing a prototype. That’s exactly what Nissan teams go through to ensure their vehicles meet the highest customer expectations.
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Years of meticulous preparation
Even before production of a new model begins, Nissan teams collaborate globally to optimize every detail. For the 2025 Nissan Kicks, this massive effort started long before its dealership debut last August. Part of the process involved testing a modified European Juke to simulate the Kicks’ performance. This clever workaround, carried out by the Japanese team in 2022, allowed for early fine-tuning of the chassis and powertrain. In 2023, Kicks prototypes were subjected to high-altitude trials in Colorado, followed by harsh Canadian winters as part of the “North” project. This initiative has made Canada the go-to testing ground for Nissan North America’s cold-weather evaluations. Feedback from engineers is then shared across teams in Mexico, Japan, the United States, and Canada to ensure global optimization.
Freezing winters tests for maximum comfort
The winter tests peak in Quebec, where the team faced frigid temperatures to evaluate the heating system. On average, a temperature of -20°F is what you have to endure during the harsh winter. Their goal? To ensure the Kicks’ interior warms up quickly, even after an icy night. And this is no job for the faint-hearted. Engineers must wait outside for 30 minutes in light clothing before stepping into the vehicle to measure the sensation of warmth on different body areas. This protocol also requires taking temperature readings every 10 seconds using probes placed throughout the cabin. A competitor’s model is even tested under the same conditions to benchmark performance. One of the key findings from this process came from Alex Bouckley, a meticulous engineer who detected an anomaly in the defrost system. The issue was promptly resolved with additional testing in an aerodynamic tunnel in Michigan.
Always striving for improvement
Car development never truly stops. Each test reveals details to fine-tune, from a simple capitalization error in the user interface to a finicky wireless charger. For Nissan teams, it’s about anticipating drivers’ needs and delivering a flawless experience. As the first rays of sunlight lit up the snowy Quebec landscape, marking the end of yet another test session, one thing was clear: this dedication pays off. The Kicks is ready to take on any road, in any conditions, and at any temperature!
This article explores the behind-the-scenes of the extreme testing process for the 2025 Nissan Kicks, from its collaborative design to rigorous winter trials. It highlights the engineers’ dedication to delivering a high-performing, reliable vehicle no matter the weather.
Images: © Nissan North America
