2025 Nissan Kicks has received a major overhaul that will make SUV enthusiasts sit up and take notice. Known for its compact size and budget-friendly approach, the Kicks has often been seen as a city-friendly crossover without much of an aggressive edge. However, with the 2025 model, Nissan has added two significant changes: a boxier, more rugged design, and for the first time, an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option.
What’s New for 2025?
For starters, almost everything about nisaan Kicks is new. Nissan redesigned the Kicks on a new global platform, but they smartly kept the overall dimensions close to the outgoing model. It’s only slightly bigger about 2.3 inches longer and 1.5 inches wider, while the roof is about an inch taller. These changes might sound small, but they make a noticeable difference in the way the car feels inside and out.
increased length and width improve cargo space, making it a leader in its class. With 30 cubic feet of cargo room, the 2025 Kicks actually matches the much larger Mazda CX-5 in this department. This means you can pack a lot more for those weekend trips without worrying about space. The added height also allows for a panoramic moonroof option, giving the cabin an open, airy feel.
extra width translates into a bit more space inside, especially in the rear seat. While the Kicks still isn’t the roomiest SUV out there, it offers a solid 77.2 inches of combined legroom, which is slightly more than last year’s model. That said, if legroom is a top priority, you might find more space in competitors like the Chevy Trailblazer or the Kia Soul
Exterior: Boxy, Rugged Design
most striking updates to the 2025 Kicks is its new design. Gone is the softer, curvier silhouette that has defined the previous models. Instead, Nissan has gone for a boxy, squared-off look that gives the Kicks a much more traditional SUV vibe.
front end is bold with a larger grille, squared-off headlights, and chunkier bumpers. This new look feels more confident, signaling that the Kicks is not just a city car but a versatile vehicle that’s ready for different terrains. The sharp edges and straight lines also give it a slightly bigger presence on the road, despite it being categorized as a subcompact SUV.
Driving Experience
When you add AWD to the Kicks, you don’t just get better traction you also get a more advanced suspension system. The rear twist-beam axle in the front-wheel-drive version is replaced by a fully independent multi-link suspension when you opt for AWD. This makes for a smoother, more comfortable ride, especially over rough surfaces.
Even with AWD, the 2025 Kicks manages to keep its fuel economy respectable. You can expect around 31 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined city and highway driving. Front-wheel-drive models will give you even better numbers, close to 36 mpg combined.
Interior: Practical and Comfortable
Inside, Nissan has stayed true to what makes the Kicks popular: its simplicity and practicality. The interior space is well-utilized, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The boxier design also helps with cargo space, offering a more squared-off rear that increases load capacity.
materials used are decent for its price range, with some nice soft-touch points on the dashboard and door panels. You won’t find luxury touches like leather or wood trims, but the seats are comfortable, and the cabin feels well-assembled. An optional premium package offers a few upgrades, including a better sound system, heated seats, and a sunroof.
Performance and AWD Finally Arrives
Perhaps the most exciting addition to the 2025 Kicks is the AWD option. For the first time, you can drive a Kicks that offers better traction and handling in rain, snow, or on dirt roads. While the AWD system in the Kicks isn’t designed for hardcore off-roading, it’s more than capable of handling everyday challenges like snowy streets or slick highways.
Nissan sticks with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the Kicks, which some drivers might not love. But the new CVT is smoother and more responsive than before, helping with both fuel efficiency and performance. Plus, Nissan is throwing in the first three oil changes for free, which is a nice bonus.
AWD system in the Kicks isn’t designed for extreme off-road adventures like the Nissan Xterra or the Patrol, but it does offer more confidence when driving in tough weather conditions. added traction will make the Kicks much more appealing to people in regions where rain and snow are common.
Engine and Performance
2025 Kicks offers the same 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, but there’s a notable improvement in its output, making the car feel zippier on the road. With around 135 horsepower, the Kicks isn’t the most powerful in its class, but it’s still efficient and peppy enough for daily drives. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) remains, which some drivers may find takes getting used to. However, the improved AWD and suspension tuning help balance out the driving experience, making the Kicks feel more stable, especially at higher speeds or on rougher surfaces.
Fuel Efficiency
Nissan Kicks has always been its fuel efficiency, and this continues with the 2025 model. Even with the addition of AWD, the Kicks manages to maintain an impressive fuel economy. Expect numbers around 31 mpg combined, which is excellent for an SUV with this capability. Front-wheel drive versions get even better mileage, close to 36 mpg combined.
Technology and Features
nissan kicks 2025 is the tech upgrade, especially in the higher trims. The top-level SR trim gets twin 12.3-inch LCD screens, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These large screens are sharp and responsive, making them a joy to use. However, if you opt for the SV trim, you’ll get slightly smaller screens, with a 7-inch display replacing the 12.3-inch cluster. Even more scaled down is the base model, which comes with 7-inch screens, and unfortunately, you won’t find wireless smartphone projection here.
Safety remains a priority with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 coming standard across all trims. This includes features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. These features make the Kicks not only affordable but also a smart and safe choice for families.
Pricing and Value
2025 Kicks is the price. Starting at around $23,220, the Kicks remains one of the most affordable new SUVs on the market. Even if you opt for AWD or some of the higher trims, it’s still possible to drive off the lot with a fully loaded model for under $31,000. That’s a great deal considering the features, performance, and now the added capability of AWD.
If you’re working with a budget, you’ll appreciate that there are three different versions of the Kicks that come in under $25,000. You can choose the base S model, add AWD to it, or go for the mid-level SV trim. Each offers something a little different, but all are great value for the money.
2025 Nissan Kicks finally feels like a true SUV with its new boxy design and the much-anticipated AWD option. It’s still affordable, practical, and efficient, but now it’s also more capable of handling different driving conditions. This makes it an appealing choice for anyone looking for a subcompact SUV that’s ready for both city streets and weekend adventures. If you’ve been on the fence about the Kicks because of its front-wheel-drive limitations or its softer design, the 2025 model gives you plenty of reasons to reconsider.
