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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda Pilot2025 Nissan Kicks Review
Check out our comprehensive review of the 2025 Nissan Kicks for details on the cabin, technology, amenities, and safety of this second-generation crossover.
2025 Nissan Kicks – nissanusa.com | Shop 2025 Nissan Kicks on Carsforsale.com
What is New for the 2025 Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks, ahem, kicks off second-gen production with a larger footprint, more technology, and dramatically updated styling. Said to be inspired by high-end sneakers, the Kicks finally lives up to its name. Like it or not, this new look stands out in a crowd with funky running lights, unusual wheel designs, and something of a Kammback rear end. Fortunately, the Kicks retains its bargain basement pricing, while adding AWD for the first time.
Carsforsale.com Score
8.25/10
Powertrain
Score
8.25/10
Interior
Score
8.5/10
Technology
Score
8.25/10
Value
Score
8/10
The Breakdown
Loaded with standard driver aids
Expressive styling
Less than $22,000 to start
Hubcaps for 2 of 3 models
Smartphone integration not standard
No performance option
Kudos to Nissan for getting outside the crossover box
YEAR MAKE Specs
- 141 horsepower from base engine
- 140 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 30 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 60 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Adaptive cruise control is standard
- Bose audio system with headrest speakers
- 2 years of complimentary maintenance
2025 Nissan Kicks Powertrain 8.25/10
Every 2025 Kicks is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-4 engine good for 140 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque, which is a bump of 18 hp and 26 lb-ft of torque over the prior generation Kicks. It pairs with a CVT to spin the front wheels, though AWD can be added to any Kicks model for $1,500.
Doing so brings a Snow drive mode to go with the standard Normal, Eco, and Sport modes. Though the Kicks may not present as an off-roader, some soft-roading may be in order as it boasts a relatively high 8.4 inches of ground clearance. In standard guise, the Kicks is rated for 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined – figures that make the Kicks one of the best small SUVs for gas mileage. Adding AWD brings those figures down by 1 mpg across all categories.
2025 Nissan Kicks Interior 8.5/10
Thanks to a growth spurt of nearly 3” in length, 1.6” in width, and just under an inch in height, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is considerably larger inside than the outgoing model. Maximum cargo capacity is 60 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear bench folded down. However, be aware that adding AWD running gear trims that number down significantly to 50 cubic feet.
Black patterned cloth is the standard upholstery with top-spec SR variants adding leatherette with red accents. Heated front seats are only available via optional packages on SV trim and above, which is part of how Nissan keeps the pricing so low on the Kicks. But the automaker’s lauded Zero Gravity seats are now standard for the first and second rows.
2025 Nissan Kicks Technology Features 8.25/10
In base form, the 2025 Kicks comes with a 7” central display. SV models and above feature a 12.3” screen with wireless smartphone mirroring, a screen that helps the little Kicks compete with more expensive vehicles in the ongoing competition for the best infotainment system. A matching-sized digital gauge cluster is found on the range-topping SR only. Siri Eyes Free tech is lineup standard, but the audiophile-friendly Bose audio system with 10 speakers, including in the front headrests, requires an optional package.
Nissan fits every new Kicks with a long list of advanced safety systems including forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Though the 2025 model has yet to be tested by either agency, the IIHS rated the 2024 Kicks Good in all categories, its highest grade. At the NHTSA, the previous model earned 4 of 5 stars for overall safety.
2025 Nissan Kicks Trims & Pricing
S – $21,830
The entry-level 2025 Kicks S comes with 16” steel wheels and hubcaps, LED headlights, a full-width LED taillight, and textured black cloth seating. A 7” digital instrument panel and 7” central display make up the screen real estate and these models come with a 4-speaker stereo and a single USB port. Standard safety tech includes lane departure warning, a driver attention monitor, and reverse parking sensors.
SV – $23,680
The mid-pack Kicks SV adds a 12.3” central screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These models also come with hands-free proximity key entry, another USB port, and the option for an SV Premium package. It includes heated front seats and side mirrors, a panoramic moonroof, rear HVAC ducting, and remote engine start.
SR – $26,180
The top-dog Kicks SR is the only model to skip steel wheels and hubcaps in favor of 19” alloy rims along with LED fog lamps and SR badging. Inside, upgrades include leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, and an all-digital gauge cluster. ProPILOT hands-on driving assist is included here along with a Premium package that builds on the SR bundle with a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.
2025 Nissan Kicks Overall Value 8/10
Without a doubt, the 2025 Nissan Kicks SV is the way to go. It only costs $1,850 more than the base model, but comes with the must-have smartphone mirroring tech, not to mention a much bigger infotainment interface. Plus, it adds the option for heated front seats, which will be hard to resist for owners with chilly winters.
The latest Chevy Trax is a compelling alternative to the new Kicks, but be aware, it cannot be fitted with AWD. As for warranty coverage, Nissan adds to its industry-typical 3-year basic term and 5-year powertrain term with 2 years or 24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
Carsforsale.com Overall Score 8.25/10
2025 Nissan Kicks – nissanusa.com | Shop 2025 Nissan Kicks on Carsforsale.com
Nissan gets a thumbs up for getting creative with the 2025 Kicks styling, it’s a head-turner, especially with the available two-tone paint. Like the prior model, the Kicks remains an exceedingly low-priced vehicle, with a base price well below half the average price of a new car these days.
Now, that doesn’t come without obvious sacrifices to the bean counters like steel wheels and a lack of smartphone integration on lower-tier models. But hey, for about $22,000 and a car that looks this exciting, that’s a small price to pay.
FAQs About the 2025 Nissan Kicks
Can the Nissan Kicks Pull a Light Camper?
Nissan does not list a towing capacity for the Kicks, so no, it cannot pull a light camper.
Where is the Nissan Kicks made?
The Kicks is built at Nissan’s factory in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
Is the Nissan Kicks AWD?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks comes standard with FWD, but all models can be fitted with AWD for an extra $1,500.
