The 2025 Nissan Kicks is completely redesigned for 2025. It's larger than before and is now offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Kicks remains a 5-passenger, 4-door wagon that competes in the subcompact crossover class. It goes up against rivals like the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla Cross. For 2025, it introduces new features such as a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks comes in three trim levels: S, SV, and SR. All trims are powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). An Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is available as an option. The SV and SR trims offer additional features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 10-speaker Bose Personal Plus Audio System.
Pricing for the 2025 Nissan Kicks starts at $21,830 for the S trim, $23,680 for the SV trim, and $26,180 for the SR trim. The SR AWD trim is priced at $27,680. Safety features include Nissan Safety Shield 360, which comprises automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Optional equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Long derided for its underwhelming 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, Nissan upgrades the 2025 Kicks with a 2.0-liter unit rated at 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Numbers that are up 20 and 26, respectively. Though the engine swap doesn't transform Kicks into a hot hatch, the new engine is significantly more refined and delivers enough power for most drivers. Paired only with a CVT automatic, the Kicks will run from 0 to 60 MPH in about 9.5 seconds. The engine is significantly smoother than the one it replaces and provides respectable passing punch on the highway.
The CVT automatic feels alert and reacts quickly to throttle input - unusual traits for for this type of transmission. The availability of all-wheel drive is a huge plus, though the merits of AWD in this class are somewhat dubious. Still, the suspension now provides 8.4 inches of ground clearance -- up from 7.0 inches in the previous model -- to make minor off-road excursions easier.
Kicks carries EPA ratings of 28 MPG city and 35 MPG highway with front-drive and 27/34 MPG ratings with AWD. Those numbers compare favorably to competitors like the Trax, HR-V and Corolla Cross. Like most vehicles in the class, Kick's engine runs fine on regular-grade gasoline. In routine commuting expect to average about 29 MPG, maybe as high as 32 MPG if you do a lot of highway cruising. The smallish 11.9-gallon tank (12.4 with AWD) provides a modest highway range of about 340 miles.
Though Kicks is a diminutive crossover, it drives like a larger vehicle. The solid chassis and the refined suspension do an excellent job of maintaining composure over rough roads. (It should be noted that front-drive models get a less-sophisticated twist-beam rear axle vs. a rear multi-link setup with AWD, however.) While some competitors feel like tiny cars on the highway, Kicks manages to punch above it's measurements and impart of feeling of size and weight.
Still, it's a subcompact crossover, so overall handling characteristics are more in line with an economy car than a sports coupe. The chassis is clearly understeer biased, but the steering carries good weight and imparts a fair amount of road feeling. The suspension does an excellent job of reducing secondary motions and there's little acceleration squat or brake dive. Speaking of brakes, front and rear discs are standard, meaning stopping distances are short and the pedal is easy to modulate.
Interior noise levels are near the top of the class. Of course, there is a fair amount of engine noise in hard acceleration, but it quiets down nicely when cruising. Road and wind noise can intrude, especially at 70 MPH.
Kicks is all new for 2025 and nowhere is that more apparent than in the cabin. Materials get a huge upgrade, the design is overhauled, and there is finally adult-size room front and back. Though there are a few quibbles, the overall design sets a new standard in the class. Most controls fall close to hand and are clearly marked. The climate controls, though thankfully separate from the infotainment screen, are a bit low and recessed, but otherwise the interior is hard to fault.
The front seats are transitioned into what Nissan calls their Zero Gravity design. Regardless of the name, the seats are vastly more comfortable and supportive than in the previous model. Head and leg room are quite good up front and reasonable in the rear. Door openings are a little narrow, but at least the taller build means it is easy to get in and out. Outward visibility is good to all directions.
From a technical perspective, Kicks moves much closer to the competition. All models get a digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system is offered with an available 12.3-inch center screen (a 7.0-inch display is standard), The larger screen crisp and snappy in response and is also quite configurable. Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto are standard. All of the typical safety features are there and Nissan has a better-than-most semi-automated driving system.
The cargo hold isn't quite as large as you'd expect. Behind the rear seats there's just about 30 cubic fee and rear seats folded there's about 60 cubic feet. Both numbers trail class leaders a bit. Interior storage is quite good. With lots of open and covered bins and a nifty available cell-phone charger that's designed to be easy to use and accept most phone sizes.
Bottom Line -- The 2025 Kicks is so much better than its predecessor, it might just be the vehicle to put Nissan back on the radar for mainstream shoppers. It's all grown up in the right places, but remains true to the class and is a perfect urban runabout. It's refined, roomy (for the class), offers a good blend of performance and economy and is certainly value priced. Shoppers in the class might want to consider giving Kicks a test drive, because they might be kicking themselves if they don't.
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