When Nissan first introduced the Kicks in 2018, it entered the market as an entry-level crossover SUV, notably without an all-wheel-drive option. Now, for the 2025 model year, the Kicks is graduating with available all-wheel drive, adding versatility to its compact design.
While still positioned as the starting point in Nissan’s SUV lineup below the Rogue and Pathfinder, the new 2025 Kicks has grown in size. It’s longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering a more spacious and comfortable cabin. This growth allows it to fill the gap left by the discontinued Rogue Sport.
New Styling and Features
The exterior styling of the Kicks has been refreshed for 2025, featuring elements of Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille, along with slim, modern LED headlights and vertical taillights, which give the SUV a wider stance. Inside, the Kicks has a more upscale feel, thanks to its clean dashboard design and available 12.3-inch touchscreen display. For those who appreciate technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered on upper trims, enhancing connectivity and ease of use. The front and rear seats also feature Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, improving comfort on longer drives.
Performance and Efficiency
The 2025 Kicks comes with a new, more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque, replacing the previous 1.6-liter engine. This boost in power makes it more competitive in the compact SUV segment. All models are equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and come standard with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is now an option. For added versatility, all-wheel-drive variants come with a snow mode to help navigate tricky winter conditions.
Interior and Cargo Space
Despite its status as an entry-level SUV, the interior of the new Kicks feels premium, especially in the higher SV and SR trims, which feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The cabin design is simple yet functional, with plenty of storage for front-seat passengers, including a large center console and wireless charging pad. Both front and rear seats are more spacious than the previous model, offering greater comfort for passengers.
The Kicks boasts impressive cargo space, offering up to 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats in front-wheel-drive models. This is significantly more than competitors like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30. However, all-wheel-drive variants see a reduction in cargo space to 23.9 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the front-wheel-drive Kicks provides up to 60 cubic feet of space, making it a versatile option for city drivers who need extra room.
Technology and Connectivity
Nissan has equipped the 2025 Kicks with its latest infotainment system. While the base S model comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, the upper trims feature a larger 12.3-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on the SV and SR trims, and multiple USB ports are provided for charging devices. The top-tier SR model can also be equipped with a Bose Personal Plus 10-speaker system for enhanced sound quality, complete with headrest speakers for front-seat passengers.
Safety Features
The 2025 Nissan Kicks comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, a suite of driver-assist technologies that include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SR trim also offers Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, which adds features like lane-keeping assist, front sonar, and traffic sign recognition, further enhancing the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
How the Kicks Stacks Up Against the Competition
The 2025 Kicks is set to compete against popular models like the Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Mazda CX-30. While the Kicks offers a more spacious cabin and improved power, it still lags behind most competitors in overall horsepower. The Honda HR-V offers more rear legroom, while the Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla Cross provide slightly more advanced features in some trims. That said, the Kicks continues to hold its own with strong cargo capacity, practical tech, and now, the added benefit of available all-wheel drive.
Final Verdict
The redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks steps up its game with more interior space, increased power, and the option for all-wheel drive, making it a more versatile choice in the compact SUV segment. While it remains Nissan’s entry-level SUV, the upgrades in size, performance, and features make the Kicks a solid contender that will appeal to both city dwellers and small families alike.
With pricing expected to be announced closer to its release, the new Kicks could become an even more compelling option for those in the market for an affordable yet feature-packed SUV. Keep an eye out for its arrival in showrooms later this summer!
