The automotive world is buzzing with excitement as Nissan unveils its second-generation Kicks for the 2025 model year. This popular subcompact crossover SUV, introduced in 2018, has transformed significantly, offering a fresh take on urban mobility. 

Design Evolution

The 2025 Nissan Kicks showcases a striking evolution in design philosophy. While the 2024 model sported a sporty look with solid and angled accents across the door panels and powerfully flared-back haunches, the new generation takes a more sophisticated approach. The 2025 Kicks boasts a sleeker design with smooth surfaces and a gracefully rolling roofline, giving it a more premium appearance.

Front-end styling has seen a dramatic shift. The 2024 Kicks featured Nissan’s signature V-motion grille with a thin chrome band linking to slender headlights. In contrast, the 2025 model introduces a bold, wide rectangular grille that seamlessly integrates with four horizontal LED ribbons on each side, creating a distinctive and modern face for the vehicle.

The 2025 Kicks has grown in all dimensions, expanding by one to two inches. This increase creates a more spacious cabin and a slightly larger footprint on the road, enhancing its presence while improving interior comfort and cargo capacity.

Performance Upgrades

One of the most significant changes in the 2025 Nissan Kicks lies under the hood. The 2024 model had a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower. The 2025 Kicks sees a substantial upgrade with a new 2.0-liter engine that delivers 141 horsepower. This 19-horsepower increase promises more spirited performance and better acceleration, addressing one of the main criticisms of the previous generation.

Transmission options remain similar, with both models utilizing continuous variable transmission (CVT) for smooth power delivery. However, the 2025 Kicks introduces a game-changing feature for the model line – available all-wheel drive (AWD). This addition significantly enhances the Kicks’ versatility, making it more appealing to buyers in regions with challenging weather conditions or those who occasionally venture off the beaten path.

The 2025 version improves ground clearance, raising it from 7 inches in the 2024 model to 8.4 inches. This enhancement boosts the vehicle’s commanding presence and increases its capability on rough terrain.

Fuel Economy

While the 2025 Kicks offers a more powerful engine, it experiences a slight reduction in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The 2024 Kicks delivered an impressive 7.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway. The 2025 model’s larger engine is expected to deliver 8.4 L/100 km in the city and 6.7 L/100 km on the highway for front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive variants should return 8.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway.

It’s worth noting that these figures are based on targeted EPA estimates and are subject to final confirmation. Despite the slight decrease, the 2025 Kicks still offers competitive fuel economy in its segment, especially considering the performance improvements.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the 2025 Nissan Kicks reveals a thoroughly modernized cabin. The most noticeable upgrade is the new dual-screen setup, featuring twin 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. This is a significant leap from the 2024 model, which offered a 7-inch or 8-inch central display.

The larger screens enhance the visual appeal of the interior and improve functionality and ease of use. The infotainment system continues to support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the available 10-speaker Bose premium audio system in the 2025 Kicks, an upgrade from the 8-speaker setup in the 2024 model. This enhancement promises a more immersive sound experience, complementing the vehicle’s improved NissanConnect infotainment system.

Comfort features have also seen improvements. The 2025 Kicks extends Nissan’s renowned Zero Gravity seats to front and rear passengers, whereas the 2024 model only limited these ergonomically designed seats to the front row. This upgrade should significantly enhance comfort for all occupants, especially on longer journeys.

Other carried-over features include a wireless charging pad, remote vehicle monitoring, and remote engine start capabilities. The 2025 model maintains the internet hotspot functionality, ensuring passengers stay connected on the go.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Nissan continues its commitment to safety with the 2025 Kicks. The 2024 and 2025 models come equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies as part of Nissan Safety Shield 360. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and high beam assist.

The 2025 model introduces one notable addition to its safety arsenal – lane-keeping assistance is now standard on the SR trim. This feature helps keep the vehicle centred in its lane, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety on longer trips.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Nissan is expected to keep the 2025 Kicks’ trim structure similar to the 2024 model, likely offering S, SV, and SR variants. Although official pricing hasn’t been revealed, industry experts anticipate a slight increase from the 2024 starting price due to the various upgrades and enhancements.

The 2024 Kicks started at around $22,000 for the base S trim, so prospective buyers of the 2025 model should expect a starting price closer to $23,000 or slightly higher. The 2025 Kicks positions itself to offer excellent value in the subcompact crossover segment, despite the potential price increase, thanks to its expanded feature set and improved performance.

Cargo Capacity and Practicality

One of the most significant practical improvements in the 2025 Nissan Kicks is its increased cargo capacity. The 2024 model offered 53.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded. The 2025 Kicks expands this to an impressive 60.0 cubic feet, a substantial increase that enhances the vehicle’s utility for everything from grocery runs to weekend getaways.

The 60/40 split-folding rear seats remain a standard feature, allowing flexible configurations to accommodate passengers and cargo as needed. This versatility, combined with the increased overall dimensions, makes the 2025 Kicks an even more practical choice for urban dwellers who occasionally need extra space.

Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality

Comprehensive driving impressions aren’t available yet, but the 2025 Nissan Kicks is expected to offer improved driving dynamics due to its updated powertrain and chassis. The more powerful engine should provide better acceleration and passing power, addressing one of the main criticisms of the previous model.

The addition of available all-wheel drive is a game-changer for the Kicks, likely improving its handling characteristics, especially in adverse weather conditions. This feature, combined with the increased ground clearance, also allows light off-road use, expanding the vehicle’s versatility.

Ride quality is expected to be refined, building on the comfortable ride of the 2024 model. The slightly larger dimensions and potentially revised suspension tuning should contribute to a more planted feel on the road while maintaining the agility crucial for urban environments.

Customization and Personalization

Nissan traditionally offers various customization options for the Kicks, and the 2025 model will likely continue this trend. Although specific color options and accessory packages haven’t been revealed yet, buyers can expect a range of exterior paint choices, including the popular two-tone combinations from previous models.

Interior customization options are also expected to be available, potentially including different upholstery choices and accent trims. These personalization options allow buyers to tailor their Kicks to their tastes, a feature particularly appealing to younger demographics.

Market Positioning and Competition

The 2025 Nissan Kicks enters a highly competitive subcompact crossover market. Its stylish design, improved performance, and advanced technology position it well against rivals like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Mazda CX-30.

The addition of available all-wheel drive brings the Kicks into closer competition with these rivals, many of which already offer this feature. The Kicks’ traditionally lower price point, even with a slight increase for 2025, could give it an edge in value proposition, especially considering its expanded feature set.

Conclusion

The 2025 Nissan Kicks represents a significant evolution of the model, addressing many of the limitations of its predecessor while building on its strengths. The more powerful engine, available all-wheel drive, increased cargo capacity, and advanced technology features make it a compelling option in the subcompact crossover segment.

While it sees a slight decrease in fuel economy, the overall package offers a balance of efficiency, practicality, and modern amenities that should appeal to many buyers. From urban commuters to small families needing a versatile vehicle, the 2025 Kicks appears poised to meet diverse needs.

As Nissan continues to refine its lineup, the new Kicks demonstrates the brand’s commitment to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The 2025 Nissan Kicks, with its blend of style, technology, and enhanced capability, is poised to make a significant impact on the subcompact crossover market, drawing in both loyal Nissan customers and new buyers to the brand.