With the rising cost of new vehicles over the past few years, sourcing affordable transportation has become a priority for many buyers. Fortunately, the compact-utility category offers models such as the Nissan Kicks.
For 2025, the second-generation Kicks, which arrives in summer, presents a bolder silhouette in a slightly larger format. Physical changes include substituting Nissan’s V-Motion grille, found on most of the brand’s vehicles, for a cleaner-look design with four horizontal bars extending nearly the full width of the body. The textured rocker panels that extend outward from the door panels appear to offer a measure of protection from snow and sludge invading the cabin.
The rear spoiler is flush with the roof panel. Below it, the LED taillights extend across a wide opening liftgate.
The resized Kicks is more than seven centimetres longer and five centimetres wider than the outgoing model, and the distance between the front and rear wheels has increased by about four centimetres. Passenger space is also more generous as is cargo capacity with the split-folding rear seat upright or folded.
The new suspension allows for a generous 21 centimetres of ground clearance (the most in its class, says Nissan), which should allow the Kicks to comfortably traverse most poor road conditions and be useful for less-extreme off-road excursions.
The equally new interior comes with a 7.0-inch gauge display and a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, or available 12.3-inch versions. A traditional shift lever is positioned on the floor console.
Nissan has installed front and rear “zero gravity” seats, designed to provide added support.
Motivation comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with Normal, Eco and Sport modes. The engine is rated at 141 horsepower and 140 pounds of torque, which is a good improvement over the previous 1.6-litre four-cylinder with its 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet.
As before, the new powerplant is connected to a continuously variable transmission.
The previous Kicks was not available with all-wheel drive, but the 2025 model gets it as an option for all three trim levels. AWD adds a Snow setting to the drive modes.
AWD comes with yaw control, which applies light braking to the inside rear wheel when turning, which enhances stability, especially on slippery surfaces. The AWD’s only downside is a slight reduction in cargo volume owing to the space needed for the rear drivetrain components.
Official fuel-economy numbers for the Kicks haven’t been released but will likely be close to the 2024 rating of 7.7 l/100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway and 7.2 combined.
Base pricing is also unknown but is likely to be somewhat higher than the 2024 edition’s $25,100, including destination charges.
The base S trim covers the necessities plus several safety-technology systems. Included are emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane-departure with blind-spot warnings and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering is optional.
Along with the larger touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the midgrade SV adds a centre-console armrest, fancier interior trim, wireless charging pad and 17-inch steel wheels (16s are standard).
Topping the lineup, the SR gets 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, faux leather seat coverings, rear-seat armrest, ambient interior lighting and upgraded six-speaker audio system.
Premium content options available with the SV and/or the SR trim includes a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, remote engine start, central seat-mounted airbag, 360-degree around-view monitor and a 10-speaker Bose-brand audio package with front-seat headrest speakers.
With the enhanced Kicks, Nissan is adopting a more aggressive market position against similar price-bracket competitors such as the Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Venue and Toyota Corolla Cross. In terms of looks, content, comfort and added all-wheel-drive capability, the Kicks appears to have stepped up its game a couple of notches.
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