My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Nissan Kicks

If you think that the current Nissan Kicks was going to suffice as their smallest SUV, we’re about to proven wrong.

Instead, Nissan created a new one – the 2025 Kicks. 

Nissan developed the 2025 Kicks to replace two vehicles. One, was the outgoing Kicks that was seen as one of two entry points for the brand. Customers were looking for more out of the older Kicks – perhaps all-wheel drive and a bit more power?

They used to have it in the Rogue Sport. It was a scaled down Rouge with a 2.0-liter engine and available all-wheel drive. However, Nissan removed it from their American offerings perhaps a bit too soon. 

The absence of the Rogue Sport left a hole in that smallish SUV segment now filled by the smaller Kicks. When compared to the competition, it seemed that Nissan needed something that would rival other vehicles in the Rogue Sport’s size class. 

The solution was simple: Increase the size of the Kicks to fill the space where the Rogue Sport used to live, give it more power and available all-wheel drive.

The result is a bold, expressive looking gateway SUV. It is now loaded with Nissan’s latest technology and added practicality. I found out more on their media drive in Santa Barbara, California. There’s plenty to tell here.

Design-wise, Nissan made references to athletes and found inspiration when creating the details on the Kicks. From linebackers in college football – thanks to their sponsorship of the Heisman Trophy – to sneaker culture – a nod to the model’s name – the Kicks was given a bold, athletic look that present a sense of assurance and strength. 

The fresh design includes a set of LED headlamps and driving lamps up front. You cannot ignore the bold grille that dominates the front clip. Don’t be intimidated by the front end, as it simply sets the tone for the 2025 Kicks. 

The side profile is chunky, yet it inspires usefulness and practicality. The C-pillar glass deviates from current Nissan design. You might find it was inspired by the latest Infiniti QX60. 

The Kicks’ rear end is highlighted by a new LED taillight design. The vertical-to-horizontal design pops to make it very distinctive, while adding more to its athletic image. 

This SR tester came in a lovely monotone hue of Scarlett Ember Tintcoat. Yes, it’s a deep medium red. SR models come with a set of 19-inch geometric aerodynamic aluminum wheels. In all, the exterior of the 2025 Kicks is distinctive and will pop out in a crowd of other vehicles. 

Once inside the 2025 Kicks, you will enjoy what I believe is the most elevated interior in a Nissan yet. In the SR tester, that began with a new flat instrument panel that stretches two-third across the dashboard. Inside the panel are two 12.3-inch screens. The left screen is a customizable digital instrument cluster, while touchscreen for infotainment system is on the right. You can connect your smartphone device wirelessly and SR models add wireless charging, as well. You can opt for a Bose 10-speaker audio system with headrest-mounted speakers for a more immersive sound. 

The climate control is now operated by haptic touch. Most other controls are simple to use and easy to utilize. However, I found that the level of quality inside the Kicks has been elevated. It is much nicer place to be.

That feel of higher quality was also felt on the seats. The Zero-Gravity seats are upholstered with cloth inserts surrounded by leatherette material. On the SR, your black seats get red contrast stitching on the inserts. You will find the same red contrast stitching all over the cabin. Front seats offer manual adjustments for height, rake, and recline and are accommodating to many bodies. There is plenty of room in the back seat, as well. 

The 2025 Kicks get a better cargo area. Front-drive models get up to 30.0 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, expanding to 60.0 cubic feet when those seats are folded down. If you add all-wheel drive, as in my SR tester, you have 23.9 cubic feet worth of space, expanding to 50.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. 

Nissan upgraded the drivetrain in the 2025 Kicks. Drivers will enjoy the larger and more powerful 141-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 140 pound-feet of torque. The Xtronic continuously variable transmission has also improved with better mapping and power take-off. As I mentioned before, this Kicks SR came with all-wheel drive. That, to me, is major news.

In all, the 2025 Kicks did a fantastic job of managing everything from city streets in Santa Barbara to climbing up and over the Santa Ynez Mountains on California Highway 154. The CVT’s new mapping helped when it was needed to shift ratios from hill climbs to passing maneuvers and managing traffic. As for fuel economy, I observed an average of 28.7 MPG. 

Throughout my paces across Santa Barbara County, the 2025 Kicks never felt fatigued or rough. It was very pleasant and relaxing. That included going over the mountains and ambling through some city traffic. The ride quality is quite good and having an 8.4-inch ground clearance was a plus in terms of suspension management. I felt minimal lean and roll through the turns – it was quite poised. Evasive maneuvers were also well managed and responsive. 

It also helps to have good steering response. With a sold on-center feel, keeping in a lane was very manageable. Nissan adds the ProPILOT Assist system as a way to lock you in on stretches of highway. They are emphasizing their driver assistance features and all of the technology has been proven to work exceptionally well. A plus in this segment! Another win is for the braking system. Pedal feel is just right with solid response to all four discs. In turn, normal and panic stops were also solid. 

Picking the right 2025 Nissan Kicks is easy. Just three trim levels and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive for each one. Pricing starts at $21,830. The beautiful red single-tone SR AWD tester came with a sticker price of $31,445. 

The easy way to praise the 2025 Kicks is congratulate Nissan for graduating their smallest SUV into a more competitive segment. By growing in size and performance, they have the right vehicle in this market to grab a share of the segment and its potential customers. 

However, the biggest news is the availability of all-wheel drive. As a Minnesota-based automotive media outlet, we know that all-wheel drive will get us through tough winters and summer storms. We welcome this addition to Nissan’s smallest SUV.

In short, yes, I like this 2025 Nissan Kicks and feel that this will help them – and their dealers – to attract customers to their vastly improved products. Hopefully, you’ll grab one for a drive soon! It’s definitely worth it!

DISCLAIMER: Vehicles, travel and logistics were provided by Nissan Motor Corporation USA – our opinions of our own

All photos by Randy Stern