Serving as the entry point to the brand's extensive lineup of crossovers and SUVs, the redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks features a bold new design, upgraded interior, extra space, and more available technologies.
First introduced for the 2018 model year, the five-passenger Kicks is Nissan's smallest SUV, slotting in directly beneath the compact Rogue now that the Rogue Sport is no longer in production. Nissan offers the 2025 Kicks in three trim levels: base S, value-oriented SV, and sporty SR; Premium packages are available for the SV and SR.
The 2025 Kicks' only engine choice is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which works with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The 2025 redesign also makes all-wheel drive (AWD) available for the first time.
In an effort to drive more foot traffic to its dealerships, Nissan stepped outside the shoebox of crossover SUV design when developing the next-generation Kicks, incorporating elements of high-end sneakers into the vehicle.
One such example is the three-dimensional shape inspired by athletic sneaker soles accenting the rocker panels on the rear of the vehicle. Other defining characteristics of the 2025 Kicks exterior design are a wide stance and fenders, a boxy lower half, a small roof spoiler, and full-width, wrap-around LED taillights.
The Kicks S (16-inch) and SV (17-inch) have steel wheels, while the sporty SR has 17-inch aluminum wheels. You can get 17-inch alloys on the SV, and 19-inch aluminum wheels are available for the SR.
Nissan describes the 2025 Kicks' interior as "modern and airy," and says it counters the "tough, robust exterior with a more cocoon-like sensation."
The 2025 Nissan Kicks comes standard with cloth seats in S and SV trims, while the sporty SR gets leatherette seats with red and black cloth inserts. Heated seats are available on the SV and SR. Speaking of seats, while those in the Kicks only adjust manually, Nissan does treat occupants in both the front and back rows with its innovative Zero Gravity seats that feature NASA-inspired comfort technology.
The base Kicks S features dual 7-inch display screens—one in front of the driver housing gauges and instruments and a separate screen to the right serving as the infotainment touchscreen. The mid-level SV trim retains the 7-inch instrument display but upgrades to a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with two display modes: Classic and Enhanced. Meanwhile, the top SR trim features dual 12.3-inch displays.
Regarding passenger space, Nissan says that front and rear shoulder room has increased—by 1.7 and 1.5 inches, respectively—compared to the outgoing model. Also, rear-seat passengers have an additional 0.9 inches of knee room.
There's plenty of usable cargo space, as well. The Kicks provides up to 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats (23.9 cubic feet for AWD models) and up to 60 cubic feet with them folded (again, less for AWD models). The SUV also has a small, hidden storage compartment below the cargo area floor.
All versions of the 2025 Nissan Kicks use a 141-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a CVT. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, but AWD is available on all trims for the first time on the Kicks. Three drive modes—Normal, Eco, and Sport—are available on FWD models, while AWD versions come with an additional Snow mode.
In addition to its new AWD system, the 2025 Kicks boasts improved ground clearance—now up to 8.4 inches. These improvements mean more Kicks owners might be willing to venture off-road thanks to the vehicle's increased capabilities.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks has a comprehensive safety package despite its entry-level status. Indeed, Nissan equips all versions of the 2025 Kicks with its Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Other standard driver-assistive technologies include adaptive cruise control and, on the SR, ProPilot Assist, which allows for semi-autonomous driving in certain conditions. This is the first time ProPilot Assist is available on the Kicks. The SR trim also comes with a surround-view camera system.
The Kicks also comes standard with a rear-seat reminder system, driver monitoring system, and Easy Fill Tire Alert, making it easy to inflate tires to the proper levels.
As mentioned earlier, the entry-level Kicks S has a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, while SV and SR trims come with a 12.3-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring are available, and the Kicks provides up to four USB Type-C ports. A wireless device charging pad is standard on SV and SR trims.
Audiophiles will enjoy the optional Bose Personal Plus 10-speaker audio system, available on the SR with Premium package. Carried over from the outgoing model but with improvements, the Personal Plus system adds speakers to the passenger's seat headrest, allowing them to get the same audio kicks on Route 66 as the driver.
The Nissan Kicks competes against other small crossover SUVs, including the Buick Envista, Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Envista and CX-30 are more upscale than the Kicks, offering a more premium package overall. And the budget-priced Trax presents tremendous value. However, with the added space, the addition of AWD, and improvements in available technology, the redesigned Kicks is in a much better position to compete in the small SUV segment.
Nissan is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of March 22, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jeff Youngs has over 25 years of experience in the auto industry, including 19 years with JD Power in marketing and editorial management roles. He also spent nearly six years as a media relations pro with General Motors. As a freelance automotive journalist, his work has appeared on JDPower.com, CarGurus, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, Autolist, and iSeeCars.
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