Nissan Kicks 16+ speakers: how to choose and install the best acoustics

Standard audio system Nissan Kicks 2016 and newer often becomes a weak point even in top trim levels. Owners complain about insufficient sound power, distortion at high volumes and lack of bass. At the same time, the car offers excellent sound insulation of the interior, which makes the acoustic upgrade especially noticeable.

In this article we will look at all aspects of speaker upgrades in Kicks 16+: from analysis of the standard system to selection of components and step-by-step installation. You will learn which speaker models are suitable in size, how to properly connect an amplifier, and which hidden multimedia system settings will help you unlock the potential of a new sound without additional costs.

Standard audio system Nissan Kicks 16+: characteristics and weaknesses

Basic equipment Nissan Kicks equipped with a system with 4 speakers (one in each door), and top versions also get tweeters in the A-pillars. The sound source is a head unit with power 20W×4, which is clearly not enough for high-quality sound.

The main problems of standard acoustics:

• 🔊 Weak bass - speakers diameter 16 cm in doors are not able to reproduce low frequencies below 80 Hz.
• 📢 Distortion at high volumes — paper diffusers of standard speakers are deformed under load.
• 🎛️ Lack of equalizer in basic versions of multimedia (except Bose- systems in premium configurations).
• 🔌 Poor sound insulation of doors — vibrations from the speakers are transmitted to the metal, creating extraneous noise.

Fun fact: North American and European versions Kicks sometimes equipped with a system Bose Personal Plus with 8 speakers and subwoofer. However, in Russia and the CIS such options are extremely rare.

Which speakers are suitable for replacement in Kicks 16+

When choosing new speakers for Nissan Kicks need to be taken into account three key parameters:

1. Size - front and rear speakers have a diameter 16 cm (6.5"), Twitter - 2.5 cm (1").
2. Planting depth — the maximum depth of the front speakers should not exceed 60 mm, otherwise they will hit the window lifter.
3. Resistance — the standard radio is designed for 4 ohm, but also supports 2 ohm (subject to installation of an amplifier).

Best options for replacement:

Speaker type	Recommended model	Power (RMS)	Frequency range	Price (approximate)
Front wide	Focal Access 165 A1	60 W	60 Hz – 21 kHz	8 000 ₽
Rear coaxial	Pioneer TS-A1670F	50 W	35 Hz – 32 kHz	6 500 ₽
Twitter	Morel Maximo Ultra 1	30 W	2.5 kHz – 22 kHz	5 000 ₽
Component system	Hertz DCX 165.3	100 W	50 Hz – 23 kHz	22 000 ₽

For those who are planning to install an amplifier, models with power 80–100 W RMS, for example, JBL Club 6520 or Alpine S-S65C. If your budget is limited, you might consider Kicx ICQ 6.5 - inexpensive, but noticeably better than standard ones.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing speakers with more powerful ones, be sure to check whether your radio supports their impedance. Connection 2 ohm speakers to a standard system without an amplifier can lead to overheating of the output stage.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing speakers

To install new speakers in Nissan Kicks you will need:

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (phillips, flat, torx T20).
• 🔨 Plastic mounting spatulas for removing trim.
• 🔌 Soldering iron or terminal blocks for connecting wires.
• 🎧 Multimeter to check polarity.
• 🧰 Dynamic foam or vibroplast for sound insulation.

Front speaker replacement process:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
2. Remove the plastic door handle trim (pry it off with a spatula from the side of the mirror).
3. Unscrew the two torx bolts T20 at the bottom of the trim and one hidden bolt under the armrest.
4. Carefully remove the trim, starting from the top corner (the clips are located there).
5. Disconnect the standard speaker connector and unscrew the 4 fastening screws.
6. Install the new speaker, connect the wires (observe the polarity!) and reassemble everything in reverse order.

Disconnect battery

Take a photo of the location of the wires

Check connector compatibility

Prepare sound insulation

Have a wiring diagram handy -->

For the rear speakers, the process is similar, but the trim is easier to remove - just unscrew the two bolts at the bottom and pull the panel towards you. The tweeters in the racks are secured with latches and can be removed without completely dismantling the casing.

⚠️ Attention: When installing a component system (with remote tweeters), additional wires will be required from the crossover to the tweeters. Use copper cables with a cross-section of at least 1.5 mm².

Adjusting the sound after replacing speakers

Even the most expensive speakers won't reach their full potential without proper setup. B Nissan Kicks The following options are available with the standard radio:

• 🎚️ Balance/fader — adjustment of sound distribution between front/rear speakers.
• 🔄 Loudness — volume compensation function at low frequencies (useful for bass).
• 🎛️ Equalizer (in versions with NissanConnect) — manual adjustment of frequency bands.

Recommended settings for balanced sound:

Баланс: 0 (центр)
Фейдер: +2 (смещение на передние динамики)
Loudness: Вкл. (уровень 2 из 3)
Эквалайзер:
60 Гц: +3 дБ
250 Гц: 0 дБ
1 кГц: -1 дБ
10 кГц: +2 дБ

If your radio does not have an equalizer, you can use external sound processors, for example, SoundQuest Drive or Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.3. They connect between the radio and the amplifier and allow you to fine-tune the sound.

Amplifier Installation: When It's Necessary

An amplifier will be needed in three cases:

1. You have installed speakers with power >50W RMS.
2. Want to add a subwoofer for deep bass.
3. The standard radio cannot cope with the load (the sound “cuts” at high volumes).

For Nissan Kicks compact 4-channel amplifiers are optimal, such as:

• 🔊 Alpine KTA-450 (50 W×4, compact, mounted under the seat).
• 🔊 JBL Club A600 (75W×4, with treble/bass adjustment).
• 🔊 Pioneer GM-D8704 (100W×4, class D, high efficiency).

Connection diagram:

1. Positive wire (+12V) connect to the battery via a fuse 60–100A.
2. We throw the minus onto the body (be sure to clean the contact area!).
3. We take the signal from the radio through RCA outputs (or use line-out converter, if they are not).
4. Control wire (REM) connect to the blue wire of the radio (antenna control).

The subwoofer will require a monoblock amplifier (for example, Kicker CXA300.1) and a box for the speaker. B Kicks It is convenient to place the subwoofer in the niche of the spare wheel (if it is a spare wheel) or behind the rear seats.

How to avoid noise when connecting an amplifier?

1. Use shielded RCA cables.

2. Route power wires and signal cables on different sides of the vehicle.

3. Install a 1F capacitor next to the amplifier if voltage sags are observed.

4. Check the ground with a multimeter - the resistance should be < 0.5 Ohm.

Soundproofing doors: why is it important

Even the highest quality speakers will not be able to achieve their potential without proper sound insulation. B Nissan Kicks doors have cavities that resonantly amplify some frequencies and dampen others. This leads to:

• 🔊 "Booing" bass at speed 80–100 km/h.
• 🎵 Loss of details in mid frequencies (voice, guitars).
• 🚗 Extraneous vibrations from road noise.

Recommended set of measures:

1. External side of the door:
   • Paste vibroplast (For example, StP A2) for metal (coverage area not less than 60%).
   • Close the technological holes bimastom or splenom.
2. Inner side:
   • Glue the plastic sheathing anti-creaking (For example, StP Bimast Bomb).
   • Install acoustic foam behind the speaker to improve the frequency response.

The cost of complete soundproofing of four doors will cost 8 000–12 000 ₽ (with materials). If your budget is limited, start with the front doors - this will give 70% effect.

💡

Sound insulation not only improves sound, but also reduces fatigue on long journeys by reducing road noise.

Common mistakes when upgrading acoustics

Many owners Nissan Kicks encounter problems after replacing the speakers themselves. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Failure to comply with polarity

If you confuse “+” and “–” when connecting, the speakers will work in antiphase. This will lead to:

• Weak bass (low frequencies are dampened).
• Fuzzy scene (sound is “smeared” throughout the cabin).

Solution: Always check the polarity with a multimeter or according to the markings on the stock speakers.

2. Ignoring the load on the generator

A powerful audio system (especially with a subwoofer) can load up to 50–100A. If the generator is weak (90A in basic versions Kicks), this will lead to:

• Voltage sags (dim headlights).
• Battery discharge at idle speed.

Solution: Install an additional capacitor or upgrade the generator to 120A.

3. Poor sealing of speakers

If there are gaps between the speaker and the door panel, it will spoil the bass and create extraneous noise. Always use an O-ring or sealant.

FAQ: answers to popular questions

Is it possible to install 16 cm speakers instead of the standard 13 cm ones in the front doors?

No, in Nissan Kicks 16+ front speakers are strictly sized 16 cm (6.5"). Installation of 13 cm models will require the manufacture of adapter rings, which will degrade the sound. It is better to choose speakers with a suitable diameter, e.g. JBL GTO629 or Alpine S-S65.

Do I need to change my radio to improve the sound?

Not necessarily. Head unit NissanConnect (if available) has a good enough DAC and supports external amplifiers via RCA outputs. Replacing the radio is only advisable if:

• You have the basic version without equalizer.
• Do you want to add Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Are you planning to install a multi-channel system (5.1).

In other cases, an external sound processor is sufficient (for example, DSP).

How can I check if my radio supports an external amplifier?

Open the glove compartment and inspect the rear panel of the radio. If there are connectors RCA (usually white and red), then there is support. Also check for a blue wire with a white stripe (REM) in the harness - it is needed to automatically turn on the amplifier.

In basic versions without NissanConnect There are no amplifier outputs - you will need line-out converter (For example, LC2i from AudioControl).

How much does a full acoustic upgrade cost in Kicks?

The cost depends on the system level:

Level	What's included	Cost (₽)
Budget	Replacing front/rear speakers (eg Pioneer TS-A1670F)	12 000–18 000
Medium	Component system + door soundproofing	30 000–50 000
Premium	Component system + amplifier + subwoofer + DSP	80 000–150 000

Prices are indicated taking into account service work. By installing it yourself, you can save up to 40%.

Is it possible to connect a subwoofer to a standard radio without an amplifier?

Technically it is possible, but it is pointless. The subwoofer requires power from 100 W, and the standard radio gives the maximum 20 W to the channel. Even if you physically connect the subwoofer to the rear speakers through a capacitor, the sound will be weak and distorted.

Minimum configuration for subwoofer:

• Monoblock amplifier (eg. Kicker CXA300.1).
• Subwoofer in a box (for example, JBL GT-BassPro12).
• Line-out converter (if there are no RCA outputs).