The 2025 Nissan Kicks is back with a fresh design, more power, and, for the first time, all-wheel drive. Though Kicks has always been a practical choice for urban drivers, but now it’s trying to prove that it can be more than just a “cheap and cheerful” option.
2025 Nissan Kicks: Power & Capability
One of the most significant upgrades for the 2025 Kicks is the new 2.0-liter inline-four engine, replacing the old 1.6-liter unit that often struggled to keep up. With 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, the new engine isn’t exactly thrilling, but it’s a welcome improvement, especially when paired with the Xtronic CVT. The addition of all-wheel drive (AWD) makes the Kicks more competitive with rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos. AWD models even come with a Snow mode for better grip on slippery roads.
The Kicks is still no speed demon,, but it handles well for a subcompact SUV. The AWD models benefit from a multi-link rear suspension, giving it a more composed feel compared to the torsion beam setup on the front-wheel-drive versions.
2025 Nissan Kicks: A Fresh Face
Nissan has given the Kicks a more confident, sporty look. The front fascia has been smoothed out, with bold LED headlights and a more sculpted grille. The boxy lower half of the body is complemented by a sleek, rounded cabin, creating a balance between ruggedness and sophistication. Details like the subtle roof spoiler and full-width LED taillights give the Kicks a more upscale appearance.
Interestingly, the rocker panels have a textured design inspired by athletic sneaker soles, a playful touch that nods to the crossover’s urban appeal. With 8.4 inches of ground clearance, the best in its class, the Kicks can handle more than just city streets, making it a decent companion for light off-road excursions.
2025 Nissan Kicks: Cabin: Practical but Polarizing
Inside, the Kicks aims for a more upscale feel with its flat-bottom steering wheel, contrasting stitching, and a redesigned dashboard. The Zero Gravity seats, now standard for both front and rear passengers, are genuinely comfortable and help reduce fatigue on longer trips. Rear passengers get a bit more space, with an extra 1.5 inches of shoulder room and nearly an inch of additional knee room.
Technology has also taken a step up. The base S trim has a 7.0-inch display, while the SV and SR trims get a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR trim even offers a 10-speaker Bose sound system with headrest-mounted speakers, though some might find the sound quality lacking given the price of the upgrade.
However, not everything is a hit. The climate controls on the SR use touch-capacitive switches, which can be finicky and distracting to use while driving. The interior materials are practical but lean a bit too hard into textured plastics that may feel cheap to some.
Cargo Space and Versatility
With the rear seats up, the front-wheel-drive Kicks offers a generous 29.2 cubic feet of cargo space, dropping to 23.9 cubic feet in AWD models due to the additional drive components. Folding the rear seats opens up to 58.5 cubic feet in FWD versions and 50.1 cubic feet with AWD. The cargo area has a flexible luggage board, providing adjustable levels for better utility. If you need to stash larger items, the low liftover height makes loading easier.
Fuel Economy and Pricing
Fuel economy is respectable, with the FWD models earning 28 mpg city, 35 highway, and 31 combined. AWD versions drop slightly to 27 mpg city, 34 highway, and 30 combined. Given its lightweight and efficient engine, the Kicks is still one of the more economical options in its class.
Pricing starts at $23,220 for the base S trim and goes up to $27,570 for the top-tier SR. AWD is a $1,500 option across all trims, and while it’s worth it for those in snowy regions, it does cut into cargo space. The fully loaded SR trim, with all the tech and premium packages, can climb to around $32,000, which may feel a bit steep considering the Kicks’ budget-friendly reputation.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Every Kicks model comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes:
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear automatic braking
• High beam assist
The SR trim adds ProPILOT Assist, a semi-autonomous driving feature that helps maintain your lane and manage speed in heavy traffic. While not a fully hands-free experience, it makes commuting a bit less stressful.
Visit the official website of Nissan for more information on Safety features.
For more information about the Safety features & crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Our View : A Mixed Bag of Value and Style
The 2025 Nissan Kicks tries to balance being an affordable, practical crossover with a bit of style and fun. It has grown up in design and capability, thanks to the new AWD system and better tech, but it still has its limitations. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who want something stylish, efficient, and easy to park.
However, if you’re looking for more power, premium materials, or a more engaging driving experience, you might find the Kicks lacking. It does what it’s supposed to do, just don’t expect it to go above and beyond.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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