The 2025 Nissan Kicks is here, and it’s making waves in the subcompact SUV world! This redesigned model brings bold looks, modern tech, and great value, all while keeping costs low. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for a budget-friendly crossover, the Kicks offers a lot to love. In this review, we’ll break down what makes the 2025 Nissan Kicks a top choice in its class, using simple words to explain its features, performance, and more.
What’s New for the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is a complete makeover from the older model. It’s bigger, better-looking, and packed with new features. Here’s a quick look at what’s changed:
- Bigger Size: The Kicks is now longer, wider, and taller, with more room inside for passengers and cargo.
- Bold Design: A fresh, modern look with sharp lines and a sporty vibe.
- All-Wheel Drive Option: For the first time, you can choose all-wheel drive (AWD) for better grip in tough weather.
- More Power: A new 2.0-liter engine gives it more zip than before.
- Upgraded Tech: Bigger screens, better safety features, and cool extras like wireless phone charging.
This SUV is built to compete with popular models like the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, and Kia Seltos, all while staying affordable.
Design: A Head-Turning Look
Exterior Style
The 2025 Nissan Kicks looks sharp and modern. It’s got a bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and a boxy shape that feels tougher than the old model. The design is clean and stylish, with fun details like the “Kicks” logo etched into the rear glass. You can also pick from five standard colors or two premium ones, plus seven two-tone color options for a custom look. The 8.4 inches of ground clearance makes it great for city driving and light off-road adventures.
Interior Comfort
Inside, the Kicks feels like a more expensive car. The cabin is modern, with soft materials and cool accents like red stitching on higher trims. The Zero Gravity seats are super comfy, perfect for long drives. The top SR trim comes with dual 12.3-inch screens for the dashboard and infotainment, making it feel high-tech. Even the base model has a 7-inch touchscreen, but you’ll need the SV or SR trim for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Performance: Smooth and Efficient
Engine and Power
The 2025 Kicks has a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. That’s more power than the old model, so it feels quicker off the line. It uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimics gear shifts to avoid that annoying drone you sometimes get with CVTs. While it’s not a racecar, it’s peppy enough for city driving and passing on the highway. If you want more grip, the optional AWD is great for snowy or rainy conditions.
Driving Experience
The Kicks is fun to drive in the city. Its small size makes parking a breeze, and the steering is light but precise. The suspension keeps things smooth, even on bumpy roads. The SR trim, with its 19-inch wheels, handles corners well but might feel a bit stiff on rough roads. The AWD version adds a “Snow” mode for better traction in bad weather. Fuel economy is solid, with front-wheel-drive models getting up to 31 mpg combined and AWD models at 30 mpg combined.
Technology: Packed with Features
Infotainment System
The Kicks’ tech is a big upgrade. The base S trim has a 7-inch touchscreen, but the SV and SR trims get a sharp 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are USB-C ports for charging, and the SR trim offers a 10-speaker Bose audio system with speakers in the front headrests for awesome sound. The system is easy to use, with clear menus and quick responses.
Safety Features
Every 2025 Kicks comes with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
The SR trim adds ProPilot Assist, which helps keep the car centered in its lane and adjusts speed in traffic. These features make the Kicks one of the safest options in its class.
Practicality: Room for Your Life
Cargo and Storage
The Kicks offers plenty of space for a small SUV. With the rear seats up, you get 30 cubic feet of cargo space in front-wheel-drive models (23.9 cubic feet with AWD). Fold the seats down, and you have up to 60 cubic feet for bigger items. The cargo area has a wide opening, making it easy to load groceries or luggage. Inside, there are deep cupholders and a handy phone holder, though storage in the center console is a bit small.
Passenger Space
The front seats are roomy and comfy, but the back seat is a bit tight for adults on long trips. Rear legroom is 34.5 inches, which is less than some rivals like the Honda HR-V. Still, the high rear seat gives good support, and kids or smaller adults will be fine for short rides.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Nissan Kicks starts at $23,220 (including destination fees) for the base S trim with front-wheel drive. The mid-level SV costs $25,070, and the top SR trim starts at $27,570. Adding AWD costs about $1,500. A fully loaded SR with AWD and extras like a panoramic sunroof and premium paint can hit around $31,000. Compared to rivals, the Kicks is one of the most affordable options, especially with its long list of standard features.
Nissan Kicks vs. Competitors
| Feature | 2025 Nissan Kicks | Honda HR-V | Chevrolet Trax | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $23,220 | $25,100 | $21,495 | $24,590 |
| Horsepower | 141 hp | 158 hp | 137 hp | 146 hp |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 mpg (FWD) | 28 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up) | 30 cu. ft. (FWD) | 24.4 cu. ft. | 25.6 cu. ft. | 26.6 cu. ft. |
| Standard Safety Suite | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes |
| AWD Available | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Conclusion: Why the 2025 Nissan Kicks Stands Out
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is a game-changer in the subcompact SUV market. It combines bold style, modern tech, and great value in a way that’s hard to beat. While it’s not the most powerful or spacious in its class, it offers a lot for the price, especially with features like all-wheel drive and advanced safety tech. If you’re looking for an affordable, stylish, and practical SUV for city driving, the Kicks is a top pick. Check it out at your local Nissan dealer and see why it’s turning heads!
FAQ: Your Questions About the 2025 Nissan Kicks Answered
How much does the 2025 Nissan Kicks cost?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks starts at $23,220 for the base S trim with front-wheel drive. The SV trim costs $25,070, and the SR trim starts at $27,570. Adding AWD costs about $1,500.
Does the 2025 Nissan Kicks have all-wheel drive?
Yes, for the first time, the 2025 Kicks offers optional all-wheel drive on all trims, making it great for snowy or rainy conditions.
How fuel-efficient is the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
Front-wheel-drive models get up to 31 mpg combined, while AWD models get 30 mpg combined, making it one of the more efficient SUVs in its class.
What safety features come standard on the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
Every Kicks comes with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
How much cargo space does the 2025 Nissan Kicks have?
With the rear seats up, front-wheel-drive models offer 30 cubic feet of cargo space, while AWD models have 23.9 cubic feet. With seats folded, you get up to 60 cubic feet.
Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks good for families?
The Kicks is great for small families or city dwellers. It has plenty of cargo space and safety features, but the back seat is a bit tight for adults on long trips.
