The 2025 Nissan Kicks enters the new model year with a personality that’s hard to ignore, especially for drivers who want something stylish, affordable, and practical without stretching their budget into the realm of larger crossovers. At first glance, the Kicks stands out with its bold lines and youthful stance, a design language that speaks directly to urban drivers who value individuality as much as day-to-day convenience. Nissan has clearly focused on giving this compact SUV enough presence to compete in a crowded segment, and the result is a small vehicle that feels more expressive than its size suggests.
Beneath the eye-catching exterior, the 2025 Kicks continues its mission as a sensible, well-equipped choice for shoppers who want modern features in a compact footprint. Nissan ensures even the lower trims come with the essentials, while upper trims deliver a surprisingly upscale interior that gives the cabin a more premium feel than its price would imply. The top configuration offers nicer materials, enhanced tech, and a more cohesive design overall, creating an environment that feels refined during daily commutes or longer weekend outings.
One of the biggest updates for this year is the availability of all-wheel drive, an option that broadens the Kicks’ appeal to customers in colder regions or those who want more confidence during inclement weather. It doesn’t transform the Kicks into an adventure machine, but it does add practicality to a model that previously relied solely on front-wheel drive. This addition helps the Kicks compete more directly with rivals offering AWD as a standard or optional feature.
However, despite its strengths in design, features, and interior execution, the Kicks still carries a notable drawback. The driving experience simply doesn’t match the visual personality it presents. Its modest powertrain holds it back, delivering performance that feels adequate around town but noticeably strained when merging onto highways or climbing steep grades. The lack of spirited acceleration limits the SUV’s overall capability, which may leave some drivers wishing Nissan had injected a bit more energy under the hood.
Even with this shortcoming, the 2025 Nissan Kicks remains appealing for shoppers who prioritize efficiency, value, and style over outright performance. It’s a practical choice for first-time buyers, city dwellers, or small families who want dependable transportation wrapped in a modern look.
2025 Nissan Kicks Review
Pros
- Attractive and modern exterior that gives the Kicks a stronger visual identity
- Pricing that remains accessible for budget minded shoppers
- A generous tech package with large screens, intuitive software and advanced driver aids
- Improved seating design that delivers noticeably better comfort for daily driving
Cons
- Weak acceleration that becomes more noticeable during merging or passing
- Real world fuel economy that falls short of expectations
- The SR trim rides too firmly, especially over patched or uneven pavement
What’s new
- Fully redesigned small SUV with a more expressive look and a stronger stance
- All wheel drive becomes available for the first time
- Upgraded cabin materials, enhanced tech features and improved driver assist systems
- Marks the first year of the second generation Nissan Kicks
Overview
The previous generation of the Nissan Kicks earned a reputation for being practical but unremarkable, often struggling to stand out in a segment full of sharper, more capable competitors. It was held back by limited power, minimal comfort and an overall cabin experience that felt a step behind the newest offerings in the market. With the arrival of the second generation for 2025, Nissan has clearly taken those criticisms to heart, delivering a model that feels like a complete reinvention rather than a modest update.
Inside and out, the 2025 Kicks reflects a more confident direction for Nissan’s smallest SUV. The exterior now carries bolder proportions and a more assertive style, helping it shed the utilitarian image of its predecessor. The cabin receives an even more dramatic transformation. Higher quality materials, cleaner design lines and next generation technology elevate the interior to a level that feels closer to larger and more expensive models. The new seating structure brings a welcome boost in comfort too, especially for long commutes or highway travel.
Perhaps the most meaningful addition for buyers in colder climates is the introduction of all wheel drive. This single feature broadens the Kicks’ appeal, giving it the ability to handle challenging weather more confidently. It won’t turn the Kicks into an off road specialist, but it does address one of the biggest limitations of the first generation.
Performance remains the one area where the Kicks still trails the pack. Its modest powertrain struggles during aggressive acceleration and feels strained at higher speeds. Even with that drawback, the redesigned Kicks manages to deliver a more polished, livable and modern driving experience overall. Nissan has succeeded in transforming a once forgettable SUV into something far more desirable, especially for buyers seeking value, personality and everyday practicality.
Technology advancements in the new Nissan Kicks
The redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks introduces a noticeable leap in everyday functionality by integrating a more refined and modern technology experience throughout the cabin. Drivers are welcomed by a dual display setup that blends a digital instrument cluster with a clear and responsive infotainment screen, bringing a level of sophistication rarely seen in this price category. The arrangement feels intuitive, and its menu structure is straightforward enough to minimize distraction, making it easy for new owners to adapt quickly.
Stepping up to the SV or SR trims unlocks a larger 12.3 inch screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration without cables. This enhancement improves convenience for navigation, streaming and communication. Nissan also equips the Kicks with a solid selection of driver assist systems. However, accessing the most advanced features requires choosing the SR trim, where buyers gain ProPilot Assist, a system that blends adaptive cruise control with lane centering to support smoother and more confident highway driving.
Competitors to consider
The 2025 Nissan Kicks enters a highly competitive segment filled with well established extra small SUVs that appeal to a wide range of buyers. The Chevrolet Trailblazer stands out with its rugged inspired look and confident presence, making it a strong choice for drivers who want a small SUV with character. Those seeking a more refined experience may lean toward the Mazda CX-30, which delivers sharp handling, a premium cabin feel and impressive ride quality for its size.
For shoppers prioritizing value, the Chevrolet Trax offers generous space and a strong feature set at an appealing price point. The Hyundai Kona is another versatile rival, providing a roomy interior and balanced performance that suits both city and suburban use. Buyers who occasionally explore mild off road trails may find the Subaru Crosstrek especially appealing due to its confident ride and available all wheel drive capability. With so many solid competitors, the Kicks earns its place as long as acceleration is not the top priority.
If you’re exploring more and want deeper insights across the lineup, you might also enjoy reviews such as 2025 Audi A3 Review: The Perfect Blend of Luxury, Tech, and Performance and 2024 Audi RS 6 Review: A Symphony of Speed, Style. For a closer look at earlier designs, check out the Audi A5 2023 Review, the all electric Audi e-tron 2023 Review, or the well rounded Audi A6 2023 Review. Performance enthusiasts may appreciate the Audi e-tron GT 2022 Review, while luxury sedan fans can dive into the Audi A8 2022 Review. If crossovers are more your style, don’t miss the Audi Q3 2023 Review, the versatile Audi Q7 2023 Review, and the popular Audi Q5 2023 Review.
Driving experience
The driving character of the 2025 Nissan Kicks centers on ease of use rather than performance, and that becomes clear the moment you press the accelerator. Its small four cylinder engine delivers modest power that feels adequate for city traffic but noticeably strained during highway maneuvers. Under heavier throttle, the engine grows coarse and works harder than expected, especially when merging onto fast moving ro
ads. In our testing, the Kicks reached 60 mph in 10.3 seconds, making it one of the slowest options in the extra small SUV segment. Part of the issue comes from the transmission, which is slow to respond and often hesitates before delivering the power you need, amplifying the sense of sluggishness.
Ride quality also reflects this modest approach. On perfectly smooth pavement, the Kicks feels controlled enough, but bumps and uneven roads unsettle the cabin more than competitors do. The suspension works hard to keep up, creating a busier ride than some drivers will prefer, particularly on long commutes.
Still, the steering feels light and predictable around town, which helps the Kicks maintain a friendly and approachable personality in dense urban settings. Panic braking performance was average, with a stopping distance of 132 feet from 60 mph, but pedal feel remained confident in everyday conditions. Visibility is good thanks to the boxy shape, though the rear window is smaller than ideal. Driver assistance systems perform consistently on the highway, contributing to a sense of stability even if the powertrain struggles to keep up with traffic demands.
Comfort
The cabin of the 2025 Nissan Kicks aims to provide more comfort than its modest price might suggest, and in several ways, it succeeds. The front seats offer supportive cushioning that works well for daily driving, and the SR trim enhances the experience with a blend of synthetic leather and breathable fabric that feels pleasantly upscale.
This material mix keeps the seats comfortable on warmer days, reducing the heat buildup that commonly affects all synthetic upholstery. Rear seat comfort is also respectable for the segment, offering better support than many similarly sized rivals. Everyday usability benefits from clearly arranged controls, making it easy for drivers to adjust settings without unnecessary confusion.
Accessing the rear seats requires a slight twist of the leg because of the small toe box, something taller passengers may notice more often. Installing child seats is straightforward, though space becomes a limiting factor with rear facing models. Forward facing seats and boosters fit with fewer compromises. Interior noise levels are mostly well managed during light cruising, keeping the cabin relatively calm for a small SUV.
However, the engine becomes noticeably louder when worked hard, and the coarse sound makes its way into the cabin more frequently than some buyers may prefer. Climate controls use capacitive touch panels, which offer a modern appearance but require more precision than traditional buttons. Even with these quirks, the Kicks provides enough comfort for daily errands and short trips, making it feel practical and user friendly for most families.
In-cabin tech
In the tech department, the 2025 Nissan Kicks takes a meaningful step forward by offering features that enhance both convenience and value. Our SR test model included a 12.3 inch touchscreen that immediately elevates the cabin’s usability, presenting crisp graphics and a layout that feels more premium than expected.
Lower trims use a smaller 7 inch screen, but the upgraded display creates a more immersive and modern experience. Although the Kicks does not include a built in navigation system, nearly every trim except the base supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, allowing drivers to rely on familiar smartphone apps for routing and media. The system pairs quickly and works reliably during everyday commuting.
Additional amenities include a wireless charging pad and available USB C ports for rear passengers, ensuring that everyone onboard stays powered up during longer drives. The optional Bose surround sound system adds a layer of refinement rarely found in this price range, producing clearer audio and better cabin fill than the standard setup.
While the Kicks doesn’t try to overwhelm the driver with complex technology, it delivers a well balanced package that feels thoughtfully arranged. For budget conscious shoppers, these upgrades give the Kicks a strong advantage, blending simplicity, connectivity and entertainment in a way that makes the cabin feel more upscale than its classification might suggest.
Storage
Storage in the 2025 Nissan Kicks lands right in the middle of the extra small SUV class, offering enough practicality for day to day life without pushing the boundaries of versatility. The front wheel drive SV and SR trims provide 29.2 cubic feet of cargo room, while the base S offers a touch more at 30 cubic feet.
Choosing all wheel drive reduces total space to 23.9 cubic feet across all trims, which is a notable drop for those who regularly carry larger items. Still, the SV trim’s adjustable cargo floor adds meaningful flexibility, allowing owners to accommodate taller objects or create a flatter loading surface depending on the situation.
Around the cabin, the Kicks incorporates several helpful storage areas that support everyday convenience. Oversized cupholders, wide door pockets and thoughtfully placed bins give front and rear passengers enough room to stash phones, bottles, small bags and miscellaneous items.
It’s not an innovative layout, but it is genuinely functional, especially for families or commuters who appreciate simplicity. The Kicks also has limitations worth noting. It isn’t rated for towing, which may matter to buyers who need light trailering capacity. Competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and Kia Seltos can tow modest loads, making them more appealing for outdoor hobbies or small utility tasks. Even so, for urban lifestyles centered around groceries, backpacks and daily gear, the Kicks delivers a practical and user friendly cargo setup.
Value
Value is one of the strongest arguments for choosing the 2025 Nissan Kicks, but it depends on where you land within the lineup. The price gap between the entry level S model and the fully equipped SR trim approaches ten thousand dollars, which is significant for a vehicle in this class.
While the SR model offers appealing upgrades such as the larger touchscreen and enhanced materials, the lack of a stronger or smoother powertrain limits how much value buyers truly get from that higher price point. For many shoppers, the mid level trims strike a better balance, pairing the improved tech and optional all wheel drive with a more reasonable cost of entry.
What the Kicks does deliver consistently across the lineup is respectable build quality and interior fit and finish that outperform expectations for the price. Budget minded buyers will appreciate that Nissan includes all wheel drive availability, something not all rivals offer at this cost. Warranty coverage is competitive, featuring three years or 36,000 miles of bumper to bumper protection and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain.
Nissan also includes two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, along with three years of roadside assistance. Altogether, these elements create a value package that feels dependable and cost conscious, making the Kicks a sensible choice for buyers seeking affordability without sacrificing essential features.
MPG
The 2025 Nissan Kicks aims to deliver competitive fuel economy, but real world results tell a different story. The EPA estimates 30 mpg combined for all wheel drive models and 31 mpg for front wheel drive versions. In practice, the Kicks struggles to reach those numbers. During testing with the AWD SR trim, fuel economy fell notably short of official ratings.
The primary culprit is the underpowered engine, which requires heavier throttle inputs to keep up with traffic. Even under ideal conditions, the powertrain lacks the efficiency needed to hit its targets. While most extra small SUVs fall slightly below their EPA ratings, the Kicks shows a wider gap, making its real world efficiency less impressive than expected.
X factor
There is a genuine sense of charm in the 2025 Kicks that helps it stand out, blending stylish design with an unexpectedly refined cabin feel for a budget friendly SUV. The interior materials, tech layout and overall presentation help remove the stigma that inexpensive vehicles often carry. This sense of sophistication gives the Kicks an appealing personality that many shoppers will appreciate.
Unfortunately, the powertrain does not match the vehicle’s polished appearance. The engine and transmission combination feels strained outside low speed city driving, limiting the sense of confidence on highways or hilly terrain. While the Kicks succeeds in offering style and smart packaging, its driving dynamics hold it back from being a class leader.
2025 Nissan Kicks trim level differences
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is offered in S, SV and SR trims, each accommodating five passengers and sharing the same basic powertrain. All versions use a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower and 141 lb ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Front wheel drive is standard, with all wheel drive available across the lineup.
The S trim covers the essentials, while the SV adds upgraded tech, larger screens and more convenience features. At the top, the SR trim brings the sportiest look, the most advanced driver assistance systems and the fullest collection of interior upgrades, making it the most feature rich option in the lineup.
Which Kicks trim does CarDrav recommend?
While Nissan reserves the most appealing features for the SR trim, CarDrav believes the SV with the Premium package delivers the ideal balance of value and everyday usability. The SR may offer more tech and visual flair, but its higher price doesn’t bring a stronger or smoother powertrain, which limits the return on investment.
Meanwhile, the SV with the Premium package gains an enhanced infotainment system, upgraded interior materials and features that improve comfort and convenience throughout the year. For buyers looking to keep costs reasonable without sacrificing meaningful equipment, this configuration stands out as the smartest and most sensible choice.
Safety
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Back-up Camera | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
| Tire Pressure Warning | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes |
| Pre-collision Safety System | Yes |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 4 / 5 |
| Frontal Barrier Crash – Overall | 3 / 5 |
| Frontal Barrier Crash – Driver | 3 / 5 |
| Frontal Barrier Crash – Passenger | 3 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating – Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating – Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating – Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating – Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole – Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole – Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover Rating | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk of Rollover | 19.8% |
FAQ
Is the Nissan Kicks a good car?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks earns a mixed but respectable reputation among experts and everyday drivers. Based on comprehensive on-road evaluations and controlled test-track sessions, professional reviewers score the Kicks at 6.2 out of 10, pointing to its stylish design, strong value and generous tech, while noting clear limitations in engine performance and driving refinement.
From a consumer standpoint, the Kicks fares better. Verified owner reviews give it an average of 4 out of 5 stars, reflecting general satisfaction with comfort, fuel efficiency in daily use and cabin practicality. Shoppers should also consider cargo space, which ranges from 23.9 to 30 cubic feet depending on trim and drivetrain.
For long-term ownership considerations, safety and reliability remain key factors. The Kicks’ crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS, combined with detailed expert evaluations and real-owner feedback, provide a well-rounded picture of what to expect when maintaining and living with the vehicle over time.
What’s new in the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
Edmunds’ automotive experts highlight several major updates that distinguish the 2025 Kicks from the outgoing model. This year marks the start of the SUV’s second generation, introducing a dramatically refreshed design, a more upscale cabin and a broader suite of connectivity and driver assist technologies. The most notable addition is the availability of all-wheel drive for the first time, expanding the Kicks’ capability in challenging weather conditions. Altogether, these changes represent one of the most significant redesigns in the model’s history.
Is the Nissan Kicks reliable?
Understanding the Kicks’ long-term dependability starts with owner feedback. Real-world consumer reviews offer an authentic look into day-to-day durability, common complaints and recurring issues. The model currently holds a 4-star average reliability rating, which positions it competitively within the segment. Shoppers should compare this score with ratings of rival SUVs to determine how the Kicks stacks up in long-term ownership satisfaction.
Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks a good car?
Evaluating whether the 2025 Kicks is the right fit depends on your priorities. Expert testing assigns it a 6.2/10, while owners report a more favorable 4-star average, creating a balanced picture of strengths and weaknesses. Prospective buyers should consider factors like fuel economy, available features, cargo flexibility and crash-test performance when deciding if the Kicks aligns with their needs and budget.
How much should I pay for a 2025 Nissan Kicks?
Pricing for the 2025 Kicks varies depending on trim level and drivetrain. The most affordable configuration, the Kicks S FWD, starts at $21,830 including destination. Other trims are priced as follows:
- S FWD: $21,830
- S AWD: $23,330
- SV FWD: $23,680
- SV AWD: $25,330
- SR FWD: $26,180
- SR AWD: $27,680
These price points place the Kicks firmly in the budget-friendly SUV category while offering a range of features and options to match different needs.
What are the different models of the Nissan Kicks?
- S (FWD)
- S (AWD)
- SV (FWD)
- SV (AWD)
- SR (FWD)
- SR (AWD)
Each trim offers its own blend of tech, design details and available features, with AWD optional across the lineup.
Which Kicks model is right for me?
- Budget shoppers: S trim
- Best balance of price and equipment: SV with Premium Package
- Most features and tech: SR trim
- For added confidence in bad weather: Any AWD version
