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This preview of the redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks will be updated with drive impressions this summer.
The redesigned Nissan Kicks competes with other small crossovers ranging from the Hyundai Venue to the Subaru Crosstrek.
A crossover antidote to the Nissan Versa small sedan, the Nissan Kicks launched new for 2018 as a budget-minded entry point to the brand. An underpowered engine and poor safety scores, as well as cramped and unwelcoming seats for four passengers (ignore that fifth seat belt) scuttled the 2024 Nissan Kicks appeal, with a TCC Rating of 5.0 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.) Once we test it early this summer, we expect the 2025 model’s rating to improve since the redesigned model addresses those limitations.
Larger, more powerful, and now with all-wheel drive, the second-generation Nissan Kicks grows into the American market.
It looks more like a crossover than a hatchback, with its vertical front end and squared off corners. The high shoulder line and floating roof carry over, as do 16-inch wheels, but new wheel designs with aero covers and available 19-inch alloy wheels fill out its profile. The biggest departure lights up the front, with a broad slotted grille extending from end to end into stacked daytime running lights that bookend the sides under slender LED headlights.
The interior of the Kicks steps out from its budget-car past with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 12.3-inch touchscreen on top SR grades. The S and SV models have a 7.0-inch instrument cluster, while the base S gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen. The SV gets the larger touchscreen. The circular vents have been replaced by rectangular vents that complement the long and low dash, similar to the grille, and a mechanical shifter remains in a console that can now accommodate larger beverages. The door pockets grow in size, too, to slake America’s thirst.
2025 Nissan Kicks engine and performance
A larger engine replaces the 122-hp 1.6-liter inline-4 offered in last year’s Kicks. The new 2.0-liter inline-4 makes 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, and it pairs with a CVT driving the front wheels. All-wheel drive becomes an option for the first time on the redesigned Kicks, and it adds a Snow mode to the Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes on both models. The new mill likely will saw into the 33 mpg combined fuel economy rating of the old model. It weighs a bit more at about 3,000 pounds, but gets a larger gas tank.
Expect better handling from the all-wheel-drive Kicks, as the rear suspension swaps out a twist beam axle for a multilink setup that should handle lateral and vertical movements better. It should lead to a more stable, calmer feel behind the wheel. It also grows up, with significantly more ground clearance (8.4 inches) versus its predecessor (7.0 inches). That shouldn’t inspire off-road fantasies, but it’ll be easier to get in and out of, and should make it better to get out of snowed-in situations.
The Kicks gets a boot in size, too, growing 2.8 inches in length to 171.9 inches, and with a wheelbase that’s at least 1.5 inches longer (104.6 inches with FWD and 104.9 with AWD). It’s 1.6 inches wider to 70.9 inches, and the height increases marginally as well, all improving on the passenger and cargo space. The rear seats project to be roomier, with nearly an inch more legroom and 1.5 inches more shoulder room, but fitting three in back may challenge even the heartiest of college road-trippers. The FWD models can stow 30.0 cubic feet of space behind the 60/40-split rear seats, or 60.0 cubic feet with the seats down; AWD Kicks measure out to 23.9 and 50.1 cubic feet. All but the base S has a hidden floor storage area.
How much does the 2025 Nissan Kicks cost?
Pricing will be announced closer to the summer on-sale date, but expect it to cost more than the budget 2024 Kicks and its $22,125 starting price.
Sold in S, SV, and SR trims, the Kicks comes with standard driver-assist systems including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, lane-departure warnings, and automatic high beams.
Standard convenience features include the two 7.0-inch screens, one USB-A port, cloth seats, keyless start, and 16-inch steel wheels.
Step up to the SV grade for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless smartphone charger, as well as a satellite radio trial, the 12.3-inch touchscreen, two USB-C ports, keyless entry, and 17-inch steel wheels.
The top SR grade comes with red accent stitching on synthetic leather upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, a surround-view camera system, and a limited hands-free driving system.
Where is the 2025 Nissan Kicks made?
In Aguascalientes, Mexico.
