2025 Nissan Kicks
There was once a time when there were three smaller SUVs on Nissan dealer’s lots.
However, some models were discontinued that were competitive in a growing segment, such as the Juke and Rogue Sport. That left the smaller Kicks available those looking something smaller and more efficient than the Rogue.
The Kicks did lack a few things, such as available all-wheel drive and other amenities found across the Nissan lineup.
The good news is that Nissan just introduced a new Kicks. This new version of its gateway SUV has grown in size, added a lot of style, and a lot of features that were missing in the small SUV segment.
Design-wise, think of it as an athlete that can carry you, your friends, and your luggage. It is a fresh design with LED headlamps and driving lamps, and a bold grille that dominates the front clip. The profile is chunky, inspiring usefulness and practicality. Out back is a new LED taillight design that takes a different shape for Nissan. It really completes the new exterior design.
Our SR tester came with 19-inch geometric aerodynamic aluminum wheels, with a beautiful red paint job. You can get an available contrasting roof paint color, as well.
Stepping inside is the most elevated interior in a Nissan yet. Two 12.3-inch screens on a flat panel are standard on the SR. The left screen is a customizable digital instrument cluster, while touchscreen for infotainment system is on the right. Controls have improved, while the climate control is now operated by haptic touch. The Kicks offers a higher level of quality and interactivity than any smaller SUV its lineup previously.
The seats offer a mix of contrasting cloth seat inserts and sport leatherette surrounds. The Zero-Gravity seats are very supporting, as well as comfortable and fatigue-free. Front seats offer manual adjustments for height, rake, and recline and are accommodating to many bodies. There is plenty of room in the back seat for adults, as well. Cargo space has increased overall. Behind the rear seats, you have 23.9 cubic feet worth of space, expanding to 50.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down in our AWD tester. Front-wheel drive models can give you up to 30.0 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 60.0 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
The Kicks also gets a power upgrade to a 141-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It also puts down 140 pound-feet of torque. A newly developed Xtronic continuously variable transmission is attached, sending power to all four wheels - a first for Kicks.
Overall performance is more substantial with improved CVT mapping and power take off. It cruises the highway very well and does passing maneuvers with ease. In our time with our SR AWD tester, we observed a fuel economy average of 28.7 MPG.
As with everything on the 2025 Kicks, ride quality has improved. You can tell by its stance and it’s 8.4-inch ground clearance. With that said, the suspension system absorbs a lot of the cracks and potholes quite well. Lean and roll was minimalized in the corners. You can feel it’s quick reflexes through evasive maneuvers.
The steering system offers a tight turning radius. On-center was improved greatly, as well as overall steering feel. Braking felt very good with good pedal feel and feedback from the wheels. It also turned in solid stops in normal and panic situations.
There are three trim levels available for the 2025 Nissan Kicks. All trim levels are offered in both front- and all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $21,830. Our SR AWD tester came with a sticker price of $31,445.
The 2025 Kicks competes with other smaller SUVs offering high value at a lower price point. You can cross-shop the Kicks with the Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul and Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Eclipse Cross, Honda HR-V, Ford Bronco Sport, Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos, Jeep Renegade and Compass.
The transformation of the 2025 Nissan Kicks has turned this very small SUV into a highly competitive vehicle that will attract new customers to the brand. Well-equipped, with loads of technology and comfort. This is the right vehicle Nissan needs at this time. If you agree, grab one for yourself!
Credits: CarSoup Editors
