The 2025 Nissan Kicks marks a significant evolution in Nissan’s subcompact SUV lineup, with enhancements in design, performance, and technology. Embracing a “street-smart” aesthetic inspired by high-end sneakers, the 2025 Kicks showcases a bolder exterior with a wider stance and increased ground clearance of 8.4 inches. The interior benefits from expanded dimensions, offering more room inside, particularly in the rear seats.
Performance
Under the hood, the new Kicks is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, a noticeable upgrade from the previous generation. It’s paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, delivering smooth and efficient performance. Acceleration is nothing exciting, but it’s fine for everyday use. The engine gives you just enough power to get around town and handle highway driving, though it feels sluggish when trying to pass or merge quickly. The CVT keeps it smooth, but the response time and acceleration feel disappointing. Performance overall is focused more on comfort and efficiency than speed.
For the first time, all-wheel drive is available on all trims, adding extra confidence in various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency remains solid, with estimated ratings of 7.6 L/100 km combined for front-wheel-drive models and 7.8 L/100 km combined for those with all-wheel drive.
Interior
The 2025 Kicks went through a significant interior redesign, elevating its appeal in the subcompact SUV segment. The cabin now comes with higher-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and refined textures, enhancing the overall experience. Design-wise, the Kicks adopts a modern, minimalist approach with clean lines and a driver-centric layout. The updated dashboard integrates dual displays, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an available 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, providing intuitive access to vehicle information and entertainment.
Seating & Space
At the heart of the Kicks’ interior are Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, now standard for both front and rear outboard positions. These seats are engineered to reduce fatigue on long drives by promoting natural spinal alignment. The higher trims enhance comfort with leather seats, offering a premium feel. For a compact SUV, the cabin provides more than enough space for five occupants, with increased legroom and shoulder room compared to previous models. Rear passengers benefit from improved seating comfort, making the Kicks suitable for both daily commutes and longer drives.
Technology and Features
The 2025 Kicks brings a more modern and tech-focused interior with the introduction of a refreshed dashboard design. Higher trims come with dual screens, including a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, making smartphone integration easy and cable-free. Available upgrades include a 10-speaker Bose audio system with headrest-mounted speakers, wireless smartphone charging, and a panoramic moonroof, all of which add to the overall comfort and convenience of the cabin.
Safety
Safety is a key strength of the 2025 Kicks, with every model coming standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite. This includes important features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning. The Kicks has also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, highlighting its strong focus on keeping occupants protected and giving drivers added peace of mind on the road.
Pricing and Trims
The 2025 Kicks is offered in three trims: S, SV, SV Premium and SR Premium. Pricing starts at $29,282 for the base S model with front-wheel drive, while the fully equipped SR with all-wheel drive comes in at $37,628.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks makes a strong impression in the subcompact SUV class with its upgraded performance, modern tech, and solid safety features. The addition of all-wheel drive and more interior space adds practicality, while its overall value and ease of use make it a smart option for city drivers who want flexibility without sacrificing comfort or features.
