Nissan Kicks ‘B’ Gear Explained | Understanding Your Vehicle’s Unique Features

purpose of the ‘B’ gear in the Nissan Kicks and how it differs from EVs. Learn why consulting your owner’s manual is key to mastering your car’s fe….

Tomas Alpert

9 Feb 2025

Exploring the Nissan Kicks’ Unique ‘B’ Gear

The Nissan Kicks, a budget-friendly small crossover, offers a driving experience that’s both adequate and slightly underwhelming, thanks to its two-liter four-cylinder engine paired with the Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This setup delivers 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. However, it’s the unconventional ‘B’ gear on the shifter that catches the eye, replacing the typical ‘L’ mode found in many vehicles.

Understanding the ‘B’ Gear Functionality

The ‘B’ stands for ‘Brake,’ and according to Nissan’s owner’s manual, this mode is designed for scenarios where maintaining higher revs is beneficial, such as descending steep hills or climbing. Unlike traditional ‘L’ gears that select a lower gear ratio, the ‘B’ gear in the Kicks simulates a low gear ratio to facilitate engine braking, reducing the need to constantly apply the brake pedal during downhill cruising.

The ‘B’ Gear in EVs vs. ICE Vehicles

In electric vehicles (EVs), such as the Nissan Leaf, the ‘B’ gear typically engages a high-regen mode, converting kinetic energy into battery charge and enabling one-pedal driving. This contrasts sharply with the ICE-only Kicks, where ‘B’ mode serves purely for engine braking without any regenerative capabilities. This discrepancy highlights the evolving landscape of automotive technology and the varying functionalities of similar features across different powertrains.

Comparative Analysis with Hybrid Vehicles

The Toyota Prius, for instance, has long featured a ‘B’ gear described as a means to apply engine braking on steep descents. Unlike in EVs, Toyota’s manuals specify that using the ‘B’ gear does not impact regenerative braking, advising drivers to stick to ‘D’ mode for optimal fuel efficiency. Interestingly, the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid has replaced the ‘B’ gear with an ‘S’ mode, offering adjustable levels of engine braking and acceleration force, further illustrating the diversity in how manufacturers implement similar functionalities.

The Importance of Consulting Your Owner’s Manual

The ‘B’ gear serves different purposes depending on the vehicle’s powertrain. In the Nissan Kicks, it’s best reserved for specific driving conditions rather than everyday use, as it can lead to increased engine noise and reduced efficiency. This exploration underscores the importance of familiarizing oneself with the owner’s manual to fully understand and utilize the unique features of one’s vehicle.