2026 Nissan Kicks

HR16DE

1.6L NA I4

An unhurried, rev-friendly naturally aspirated four that prioritizes smoothness and frugality over drama, pulling cleanly from low revs and asking for little in return.

The HR16DE was co-developed by Nissan and Renault under the Renault-Nissan Alliance, where it also wears the Renault designation H4M, and has served as a global workhorse across small Nissans for nearly two decades.

• It uses twin port fuel injectors per cylinder, an unusually sophisticated touch for an economy engine, improving cold starts and fuel atomization.
• Because it is the shared Alliance small engine, the same basic unit appears badged as a Renault, blurring the line between Nissan and Renault hardware.