The 2025 Nissan Kicks, a subcompact crossover, has been significantly refreshed, retaining its characteristic low-cost and fun-size personality while incorporating various enhancements. Notably, the exterior and interior styling has been revamped, presenting a more modern interpretation while maintaining the essence of the original design. The new Kicks is slightly larger in every dimension, resulting in increased interior space, including improvements in front and rear shoulder room as well as rear knee room. Additionally, new infotainment options, such as an available 12.3-inch center screen, have been introduced, aligning with the SUV’s exterior aesthetic. One of the most significant updates is the replacement of the previous model’s 1.6-liter engine with a more robust 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, addressing concerns about power inadequacy. Furthermore, the availability of all-wheel drive for the first time enhances its competitiveness against rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos.
What’s New?
The 2025 Kicks has undergone a comprehensive redesign, featuring updates in size, styling, and performance. Notable changes include a larger body, new exterior and interior styling elements, and the introduction of a more powerful four-cylinder engine with available all-wheel drive. The suspension has been adjusted to provide higher ground clearance, improving its capability for minor off-road adventures. Moreover, enhancements in comfort are evident with the inclusion of Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats throughout the cabin and the addition of Pro Pilot lane-keeping assist in the top SR trim.
Power Source
Addressing longstanding criticism of its underpowered engine, the 2025 Kicks now boasts a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. This represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, providing more responsive performance. The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that directs power to the front wheels, with the option for all-wheel drive for enhanced traction, particularly in adverse conditions. A new “Snow” drive mode has been introduced for AWD models, further enhancing its versatility.
Entertainment and Connectivity
The 2025 Kicks offers a range of infotainment and connectivity features across its trim levels. The base model comes with a standard 7.0-inch color touchscreen, while higher trims are equipped with a larger 12.3-inch unit that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. USB ports vary depending on trim level, with the SR trim featuring USB-C ports for rear passengers. Audio options range from a standard four-speaker setup to a premium 10-speaker Bose system, catering to diverse preferences and audiophile needs.
Comfort
Interior enhancements contribute to a more modern and comfortable driving experience. The introduction of horizontal flat display screens, including a larger center screen, improves visibility and accessibility to infotainment features. Notable comfort upgrades include the incorporation of Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats throughout the cabin, ensuring a more supportive and ergonomic seating arrangement for passengers. Additionally, the SR trim features a haptic touch panel for climate control functions, adding a touch of sophistication to the interior design. Despite the increase in size, cargo space remains ample, though AWD models may experience a slight reduction due to additional drive hardware.
Driver-Assistance Features
Standard safety features are abundant in the 2025 Kicks, including automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The availability of adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature further enhances its safety credentials. Crash test results from authoritative organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) can provide additional insights into its safety performance. Overall, the 2025 Nissan Kicks offers a compelling combination of enhanced features, improved performance, and advanced safety technologies, making it a competitive option in the subcompact crossover segment.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2025 Nissan Kicks presents a notable advancement in the subcompact crossover category, boasting enhanced features, improved performance, and a competitive price point. While it may not revolutionize the segment, its refreshed design, more powerful engine, and the addition of all-wheel drive make it a compelling option compared to its competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos. With its blend of practicality, modernity, and affordability, the 2025 Kicks is poised to attract a decent share of consumers seeking a versatile urban vehicle, ensuring its sales remain competitive in the subcompact crossover market
