Nissan has pulled the wraps off the fourth-generation Roox, a pint-sized box on wheels designed to maximize space within Japan’s strict Kei car regulations. And while it may never officially reach U.S. shores, the Roox’s mix of clever packaging, fresh design, and unexpected tech is enough to make enthusiasts abroad wish it did.
At first glance, the silhouette feels familiar—tall, upright, and unapologetically boxy. But every panel is new. The front fascia now wears a bolder expression with sharp headlights linked by a wraparound LED light bar. Out back, the sliding rear doors remain, ensuring easy access to tight city parking spots, a hallmark feature of previous generations that Nissan wisely kept.
The Roox’s mission is clear: squeeze out every usable millimeter of space. To that end, Nissan stretched the cabin by 4.5 inches, giving the interior a surprisingly roomy feel for a car that’s barely bigger than a shoebox. Rear seats slide fore and aft by nearly a foot, unlocking a cargo area capable of swallowing four carry-on–sized suitcases.
Inside, things get properly futuristic. Dominating the dash is a massive 12.3-inch infotainment display—the largest ever fitted to a Kei car. It’s joined by Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor, complete with an “Invisible Hood View” that digitally erases the front end of the car to help drivers spot curbs, bicycles, and other urban hazards.
This Roox also leans heavily on active safety. Standard kit includes a 3D view system, Nissan’s ProPILOT semi-autonomous driver-assist suite, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot intervention, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. For a city car that costs less than many used Civics, the tech list borders on decadent.
Customization hasn’t been overlooked either. Buyers can pick from 17 paint schemes, including six two-tone options, across the base Roox and the sportier Highway STAR trim. Pricing starts at a very approachable 1.6 million yen (about $10,760).
As for performance, don’t expect much to change under the skin. The Roox is still expected to use a 658-cc three-cylinder producing 52 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque. In the Kei car world, that’s right on target—and more than enough to shuffle through Tokyo traffic.
The 2025 Nissan Roox may be small, but it proves that Kei cars can deliver big on design, practicality, and technology. Too bad it’ll never make the trip stateside.
Source: Nissan