2025 Nissan Kicks: 5 Things We Like, 5 Things We Don’t Like
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If you're shopping for a small SUV or crossover, the Nissan Kicks is the newest star on the block. Not only is the second generation completely transformed from the ground up, but it has also grown in size and power to make up for the loss of the Qashqai while offering the most trunk space in the segment.
Not sure whether you should buy one or not? We can help you decide. Our team at The Car Guide has had the opportunity to drive the new Kicks several times since it launched in Canada last summer. Here are five things we like and five things we don't like about it...
- Also: Old Nissan Kicks to Be Sold Alongside New Kicks for 2025
- Also: 2025 Nissan Kicks: Starting From Scratch, Sort Of
We Like: Bold, Athletic Looks
Admittedly, not everyone will agree with us here. While its predecessor lacked a bit of character, the 2025 Kicks really looks sharp as designers gave it a bold new identity. In fact, without the badge on the rear liftgate, one would assume they’re two different vehicles. The visual separation between the new Kicks and other Nissan products—not to mention the competition—is refreshing, particularly at the front where the wide grille blends with the redesigned headlights. Features such as the muscular rear fenders, available two-tone exterior and eye-catching 19-inch wheels in SR trim further add to the unique appeal of the Kicks.
We Don’t Like: The Steel Wheels
Obviously, in order to keep prices at reasonable levels, choices have to be made for entry-level models. With Nissan preferring to focus on technology and safety, among other things, the front-wheel-drive Kicks S and SV as well as the all-wheel-drive Kicks S have to make do with unattractive steel wheels (16 or 17 inches), and those largely ruin the efforts that were put into the exterior design. To get alloy wheels, you'll need to opt for the SV AWD model, which starts at an all-inclusive price of $33,520.
We Like: Ground Clearance
Built on a new CMF-B platform designed for the Americas, the 2025 Nissan Kicks has significantly bulked up and gained precious ground clearance in the process. The latter measures 214.2 mm, which doesn't match the popular Subaru Crosstrek (220 mm) but nevertheless earns the Kicks a place on the podium in the subcompact SUV segment. That's sure to please a number of Canadian drivers facing snowy winters.
We Don’t Like: The Base S Model
In addition to the 16-inch steel rims, the least expensive Kicks makes sacrifices when it comes to content. That's to be expected, of course, but let's just say it could do a little better given the price (more on that later). Incidentally, the base S model is exclusive to the Canadian market, and Nissan expects it to account for 25 percent of new Kicks sales. Alas, it has no heated steering wheel. What’s more, the interior is duller and the stereo has only four speakers. In the Kicks' defense, most rivals find themselves in a similar situation.
We Like: The Trunk
As mentioned earlier, the 2025 Nissan Kicks has grown in size. For example, front shoulder room has increased by a 43.1 mm, while rear-seat passengers enjoy an additional 22.9 mm of knee room and 38.1 mm more shoulder room. Trunk space is even more impressive, having increased from 716 litres to a best-in-class 850 litres (almost on par with a compact SUV like the Mazda CX-5. This includes underfloor storage, mind you, and applies to FWD-only Kicks models (677 litres with AWD). The cargo floor is adjustable on SV and SR models. With the bench seat folded down, the available space increases to 1,700 litres (previously 1,504 litres), elevating the Kicks just above average in the segment.
We Don’t Like: The Engine
Inheriting the 2.0-litre engine from the departed Qashqai, the 2025 Kicks is freed from the puny 1.6-litre unit (122 hp, 114 lb-ft) its predecessor was relying on. However, the 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque are nothing to get excited about, either. The continuously variable transmission, even with the latest revisions and simulated gear shifts, doesn't help much. A more refined or more powerful engine, like the ones available at Mazda, Hyundai or Subaru for instance, would be sweet, but you won’t find one, not even in the top-line model. At 7.4-7.7 L/100 km, the 2025 Kicks is one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs out there, but real-world consumption is more like 8 L/100 km.
We Like: Available AWD
Many have criticized the Kicks in the past for not offering the option of all-wheel drive, affecting its all-road, all-weather capability, but thankfully that’s no longer the case with the new 2025 model. Granted, there are better AWD systems on the market, but this one does have its merits. First, torque distribution to the rear wheels does not necessarily depend on front-wheel slippage, as is the case with so-called reactive AWD systems. The Kicks is also able to provide four-wheel power based on throttle input. Next, there’s a Snow mode that enhances control on slippery roads. Finally, AWD-equipped Kicks models replace the rear torsion beam with an independent multi-link suspension for a smoother ride.
We Don’t Like: Noise Levels
As you can imagine, the large 19-inch wheels on the Kicks SR result in a stiffer and noisier ride, but it’s more than that. You see, despite Nissan's efforts to increase noise absorption in strategic places and reduce wind noise by designing a panoramic roof that opens inwards rather than outwards, the new Kicks isn't as quiet as we'd like. In fact, it’s louder than many SUVs in the segment. The engine doesn’t really like being pushed hard and it will let you know.
We Like: Technology
Zero Gravity seats now on front and rear outboard seats make the cabin more comfortable and more pleasant. Nissan has also emphasized technology, with a standard, driver-oriented 12.3-inch touchscreen and 7- or 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster highlighting the brilliantly redesigned cockpit of the 2025 Kicks. Both are sleek and user-friendly, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is part of the mix. The 360-degree camera system (Kicks SR only) is something you won’t find in any competitor. Ditto for the excellent 10-speaker Bose sound system with four speakers built into the driver and front passenger headrests creating an immersive audio experience. We got a kick out of it—pun fully intended—while listening to Pink Floyd's Money.
We Don’t Like: Pricing
This was inevitable given the radical transformation of the Kicks and its move upmarket, but Nissan’s cheapest crossover is nowhere near the bargain it used to be. The base S model with front-wheel drive starts at $29,970 including freight and PDI, making it noticeably more expensive than the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona the folks at Nissan identify as key competitors. The same is true with the Chevrolet Trax. You must add another $2,000 for all-wheel drive. The range-topping Kicks SR comes in at $37,670, and remember it still has just 141 horsepower. Luckily for customers on a tight budget, Nissan will continue selling the old Kicks using the name Kicks Play, which is arguably a wise move. We’ll find out for sure when sales figures for the first and second quarters of 2025 are released.
