The Nissan Kicks continues to build a reputation as one of the most practical and value-oriented options in the subcompact crossover segment. With its recent redesign, this compact SUV delivers more power, enhanced technology, and improved interior space, all while maintaining its affordability. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Kicks stand out in a crowded marketplace and whether it deserves consideration for your next vehicle purchase.

Bold and Refined Exterior Design

The 2025 Nissan Kicks makes an immediate visual impact with its fresh, modern styling. Whether navigating urban streets or exploring scenic routes, the Kicks’ striking exterior ensures you make a statement. Its bold grille, sleek LED headlights, and sculpted body lines convey confidence and elegance.

The Kicks strikes the perfect balance between rugged capability and sophisticated design. The proportions have been carefully refined for the new generation, with the vehicle growing slightly in all dimensions. It’s now 56 mm longer and approximately 40 mm wider than the previous model, giving it a more substantial presence on the road.

Distinctive wheel designs further elevate the eye-catching impression, with options ranging from 16-inch steel wheels on base models to stylish 17-inch alloys on higher trims. Available two-tone colour options allow for personal expression, making the Kicks a vehicle that turns heads without being ostentatious.

Powerful Performance

Under the hood, the Explorer offers a range of powertrains to suit your driving style. The 2025 model features a significant upgrade with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. This represents a welcome boost from the previous generation’s 122 horsepower, providing more confidence during highway merges and everyday city driving.

Power is routed through the refined Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which balances efficiency with responsive acceleration. The transmission has been tuned to minimize the “rubber band” feeling sometimes associated with CVTs, offering a more natural driving experience.

One of the most significant additions for 2025 is the availability of Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, a feature previously unavailable on the Kicks. This system adapts to varying road conditions by transferring power between the front and rear wheels, providing optimal traction on snow, rain, or mud. This addition makes the Kicks a more versatile option for drivers facing challenging weather conditions.

Fuel economy remains impressive despite the increase in power and available all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models achieve approximately 8.4 L/100 km in city driving and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway. All-wheel drive variants see only a minor efficiency penalty, making the Kicks an economical choice for daily commuting.

Interior Comfort and Versatility

Step inside the 2025 Kicks and find a spacious and well-appointed cabin. With seating for up to five passengers, the Kicks offers generous legroom and headroom across both rows. The redesigned interior feels noticeably more premium than before, with improved materials and thoughtful touches throughout.

The Kicks cargo space adapts to your needs, with up to 30 cubic feet of space behind the second row and an impressive 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. Whether it’s gear for a weekend adventure or daily errands, the Kicks provides the flexibility you need. The rear opening is particularly wide at 40.3 inches, making loading and unloading larger items a breeze.

Comfort features include available heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, providing added comfort in cold weather. The cabin design prioritizes ergonomics, with all controls placed intuitively within the driver’s reach. Red and grey stitching, brushed aluminum trim, and soft-touch materials help elevate the feel in higher trim levels, creating an environment that punches above the vehicle’s price point.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The Kicks advanced technology suite keeps you connected and entertained. The base model comes equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgrade to an impressive 12.3-inch display that dominates the center console. This larger screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, eliminating the need for cables.

A fully digital gauge cluster is available in either 7.0-inch or 12.3-inch configurations, depending on trim level. These displays provide customizable information at a glance, allowing drivers to prioritize the data most important to them.

The available Bose Personal Plus audio system delivers exceptional sound quality through 10 speakers, including unique drivers built into the driver’s headrest for a more immersive experience. USB ports in both rows keep devices charged, while an available wireless charging pad adds further convenience for compatible smartphones.

Navigation with real-time traffic updates and enhanced voice recognition makes getting to your destination easier and stress-free. Drivers can also enjoy the convenience of over-the-air updates, keeping their Kicks tech features current without a visit to the dealership.

Safety First

Safety is always prioritized in the 2025 Kicks, with Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology included as standard across all trim levels. This comprehensive suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking.

Higher trims add ProPilot Assist, the Nissan advanced driver assistance system that combines adaptive cruise control with steering assist functions to reduce driver fatigue on longer journeys. This feature appears in the Kicks lineup for the first time with the 2025 model.

The available 360-degree camera system enhances visibility in tight spaces, making parking and maneuvering in congested areas significantly easier. This system provides a virtual bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, clearly showing obstacles in all directions.

These intelligent safety and driver-assistance features help you stay aware of your surroundings, allowing you to avoid potential threats while boosting confidence to make informed decisions in challenging situations, thereby providing you with a sense of reassurance.

Value Proposition

One of the strongest selling points of the Kicks continues to be its outstanding value. While the 2025 model adds significant upgrades in technology, performance, and features, it remains one of the most affordable options in the subcompact SUV segment.

The Kicks is available in three distinct trim levels: S, SV, and SR. Even the base S model comes well-equipped with automatic LED headlights, Nissan Safety Shield 360, and air conditioning. Moving up to the SV adds the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, while the range-topping SR brings leatherette seat accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the 360-degree camera system.

For those seeking additional features without upgrading to a higher trim, the available Premium Package offers luxury enhancements, including a Bose audio system, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

Is the Nissan Kicks a Good Car?

The Nissan Kicks represents an excellent value in the subcompact SUV segment. It delivers on the core requirements of affordability, efficiency, and practicality while adding enough style and technology to stand out from competitors. The 2025 redesign addresses previous shortcomings by adding more power, all-wheel drive capability, and enhanced interior space.

For urban dwellers and small families, the Kicks offers an ideal balance of compact exterior dimensions for easy parking and maneuverability with surprisingly generous interior space. The comprehensive safety features provide peace of mind, while the available technology keeps the vehicle feeling modern and connected.

While it won’t satisfy drivers seeking sporty performance or luxury appointments, the Kicks excels at its intended purpose: providing reliable, efficient, and practical transportation with a touch of style. For those prioritizing value and functionality in their vehicle purchase, the Nissan Kicks deserves serious consideration.

5 Nissan Kicks Facts

1. The Kicks features a unique “floating roof” design, created by blacking out the C-pillars, which gives it a distinctive appearance that stands out from other subcompact SUVs.
2. The Bose Personal Plus audio system available in higher trims includes speakers built directly into the driver’s headrest for an immersive sound experience.
3. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Kicks offers up to 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 60 cubic feet with them folded down.
4. The Kicks was first introduced globally in Brazil during the 2016 Summer Olympics before making its way to North America in 2018.
5. The 2025 redesign marks the first time the Kicks has offered all-wheel drive, addressing a key limitation of the previous generation.

Questions and Answers About the Nissan Kicks

How does the Kicks compare to other subcompact SUVs?

• This compact SUV stands out in its segment through a combination of value, standard safety features, and cargo capacity. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-30, the it typically offers more standard safety technology at a lower starting price. Its cargo space is also generous for the class, although some rivals, such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, offer more passenger room in the rear seats.

Does the Nissan Kicks have good fuel economy?

• Yes, it maintains excellent fuel efficiency despite its recent power increase. Front-wheel drive models achieve approximately 8.4 L/100 km in city driving and 6.9 L/100 km on highways. All-wheel drive variants see only a slight efficiency decrease. These figures keep it among the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid options in the subcompact SUV segment.

Is the Nissan Kicks reliable?

• This compact SUV has built a positive reputation for reliability since its introduction. Experience with small vehicles and the relatively simple mechanical layout of the Kicks contribute to its dependability. The CVT transmission has been refined over several generations of Nissan vehicles, addressing earlier concerns with this technology. Regular maintenance should result in a trouble-free ownership experience.

What safety features come standard on the Kicks?

• All models come standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking. Higher trims add ProPilot Assist (adaptive cruise control with steering assistance) and a 360-degree camera system.

Which Kicks trim level offers the best value?

• The mid-level SV trim typically represents the sweet spot in the lineup. It offers significant technology upgrades over the base model, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while maintaining a reasonable price. Adding the available Premium Package brings luxury features like heated seats and the Bose audio system without stepping up to the top SR trim.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*