This week, I bring you the 2025 Nissan Kicks, a fuel-efficient subcompact crossover SUV that was completely redesigned for 2025. This second-generation Kicks is 2.3” longer, 1.6” wider, and almost an inch taller. In other good news, unlike years past, the 2025 Kicks is available with all-wheel drive!
This is the top-of-the-line SR model, but you can step down to the S, or the SV, which are less expensive than my test vehicle. However, even with all the upgrades you’ll learn about today, the S model starts at just $21,830 which is pretty amazing for an SUV these days.
Exterior
I like the new, edgier looks of the 2025 Kicks. The LED headlights go deep into the front fender. The 19” alloy wheels are just beautiful and totally changes the looks of the Kicks.
They also make it sit up better, which can help with ingress and egress to the cabin. The Arctic Ice Blue paint with the black roof and black roof rails look great. The Kicks SR has LED fog lights and a rear spoiler. The new front grill really looks modern. Salute to Nissan for making this one of the most attractive compact SUVs on the market.
Powertrain
The huge changes for 2025 extend beneath the hood. 1.6-liter 4-cylinder is gone, and in its place is a 2-liter 4-cylinder that has increased horsepower to 141, but more importantly is Nissan increased torque to 140-pound feet. It also has the Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission, and I have to say it’s not annoying. Nissan programs in fake shifts, so it doesn’t feel like the rubber band is about to break. For those fearful of the CVT from years ago, don’t be, it’s not a problem anymore.
Interior
More upgrades for 2025 involve the interior. I’ve talked for many years about Nissan’s Zero-Gravity seats, designed by NASA and how comfortable they are. Now the Kicks features these seats, too. The Kicks SR has leatherette seats with very attractive cloth inserts and quite a lot of stitching. I found them to be very comfortable and they are slightly bolstered. A cool feature is there are Bose speakers built into the front driver’s headrest.
New 12.3” gauges are easy to read, and the center of the colorful display is configurable. Large semi-circles on both sides display a tachometer on the left, and a speedometer on the right. Besides what you choose for the middle area, you can see miles to empty, and the outside temperature.
Also new and much larger is a very simple to use 12.3” touchscreen that controls the Bose sound system, vehicle info, settings, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri Eyes-Free, and a wonderful backup camera with a 360-degree view. Just below that is your automatic temperature-controlled air conditioning.
The center console is neat and organized with the push button start, the shifter, an Auto Hold button, an electronic emergency brake, and a couple of USB plugs. There are cup holders, but they sit a little too far back to be honest, but they are deep for larger cups. There is a separate switch to change drive modes from Sport, to Standard, to Eco.
Legroom and headroom in the back seat are larger than I expected thanks to the increased length of 2025. Nissan says it will seat five, but the middle person in the back seat needs to be small or it is going to be tight back there. There are two USC ports in the rear.
The cargo area was larger than I anticipated at 60 cubic-feet with the back seats folded down, and there is storage underneath the floor as well. A cargo cover will hide any valuables that you may have.
Features and Options
The Kicks SR comes with a nice list of standard features such as remote start, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, lane intervention, high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Bluetooth.
My tester has $3,135 worth of options that consist of the $1,950 Premium package, which includes the Bose 10-speaker stereo, a huge panoramic moon roof with a power sliding cover, heated seats and steering wheel, security system, and a cargo cover. Splash guards are $250, floor mats are $255, and the 19” alloys and premium two-tone paint runs $680.
Ride and Drive
The Kicks rides much better than the last Kicks I reviewed, the steering is responsive and effortless, and the turning radius is extremely tight. I was surprised by how well the Kicks handled. Interior quietness is fine, not annoying at all. Visibility all around is exceptional, especially from the driver’s view.
The new engine gives the Kicks more acceleration than the last version, but it’s not going to give you a whiplash when you slam the accelerator. Don’t get me wrong, it won’t get you run over and there is plenty of power to merge onto the highway. I know we all want great fuel economy and a ton of horsepower. With the Kicks, you get great mileage of 28 city, 35 highway, and 31 overall.
Verdict
Here’s the best part. Total MSRP on this all-new Kicks SR, as equipped, is $30,705, which is an outstanding value by today’s standards. There are a lot of great, small SUVs on the market today, but this Nissan ranks near the top of the list for looks, value, and features.
- What I liked most: The exterior looks and all the changes for 2025.
- What I would change: I wish it had a little more acceleration, but I can live with it.
- MSRP: Base $26,180, as equipped $30,705 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 28 City/35 Highway, 31 combined.
- Fuel Tank: 11.8 gallons with filler on the passenger side.
- Dimensions: 171.9” long/70.9” wide/64.2” high.
- Weight: 2,987 pounds.
- Trailer Towing: N/A.
- Miles When Tested: 4,000 miles.
- Official Color: Arctic Ice Blue with a Black roof.
- Spare tire: Inflator and repair kit.
- Final Assembly Point: Aguas, Mexico.
- 2025 Kicks in a few words: A real contender in the small SUV wars and a must-see if you are in the market.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5-year 60,000 mile power train with roadside assistance, and 2-years or 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
- Manufacturers website: Nissan
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