The compact crossover SUV segment continues to evolve, and Nissan is stepping up its game with the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks. As the second-generation model of this popular urban SUV, the 2025 Kicks brings a fresh and modern approach with enhanced styling, a more powerful engine, improved technology, and an available all-wheel-drive system—a first for the Kicks lineup.
Since its initial launch, the Nissan Kicks has been known for its affordable pricing, fuel efficiency, and practicality, making it a top choice for city dwellers and young drivers looking for a stylish yet budget-friendly crossover. With the latest updates, Nissan aims to elevate the driving experience by offering a larger and more comfortable cabin, a stronger powertrain, and cutting-edge tech features that rival higher-end competitors in the segment.
Set to go on sale in August 2024, the new Kicks is expected to be available in multiple trims—S, SV, and SR—each offering a mix of affordability and premium options. Manufactured in Aguascalientes, Mexico, this latest version of the Kicks will replace the outgoing model with a bolder design, improved ride quality, and more safety features as standard.
Exterior and Design Enhancements
Nissan has given the 2025 Kicks a bold and modern redesign, making it larger, sportier, and more refined than its predecessor. Built on the CMF-B platform, the new Kicks now boasts a more assertive stance, with larger dimensions that enhance both aesthetics and practicality.
Larger and More Proportional Design
Compared to the previous model, the 2025 Kicks has:
- Grown by 71 mm in length, giving it a more balanced and confident look.
- Increased by 41 mm in width, providing a broader stance for improved road presence.
- Gained 20 mm in height, contributing to better headroom and a slightly more commanding driving position.
- An extended wheelbase (by 50 mm), which enhances interior space and stability on the road.
These dimensional changes not only improve the overall proportions but also provide a more spacious cabin and better ride quality.
Refreshed Front Fascia with Signature Nissan Styling
The front-end of the 2025 Kicks features a more aggressive and modern look, incorporating Nissan’s latest V-Motion grille design that seamlessly integrates with sharp LED headlights and daytime running lights. The sleek and angular lighting signature gives the Kicks a premium and futuristic appeal.
Other front-end refinements include:
- A sculpted hood with stronger character lines, adding a sense of motion even when the car is stationary.
- Wider lower air intakes for a sportier look and improved aerodynamics.
- Integrated LED fog lights on higher trims for better visibility in challenging conditions.
Sleek Side Profile and Sporty Character Lines
The side profile of the new Kicks has been redesigned for a more dynamic and muscular look. Some of the key highlights include:
- A more prominent shoulder line that runs from the headlights to the taillights, emphasizing its sculpted body.
- Larger alloy wheels (likely 17 or 18 inches, depending on trim level), which fill out the wheel arches more effectively and contribute to a more planted stance.
- A floating roof design that enhances the Kicks’ modern aesthetic and gives it a sleek, coupe-like appearance.
Sportier Rear End with Modern Touches
At the rear, the 2025 Kicks continues its bold redesign with a more sculpted and aggressive tailgate. Key updates include:
- Full-width LED taillight bar, creating a more cohesive and high-tech look.
- A sportier rear bumper, which integrates a more rugged skid plate-like design, hinting at its newly available AWD capability.
- A roof spoiler, enhancing the aerodynamics and overall sporty appeal.
New Color Options and Customization
Nissan is expected to introduce new vibrant color options and two-tone paint schemes, allowing customers to personalize their Kicks to match their style. Previous models have been offered in eye-catching hues such as Monarch Orange, Scarlet Ember, and Boulder Gray, and the 2025 version is likely to continue this trend with new, fresh shades.
Performance and Engine Upgrades
One of the most significant upgrades in the 2025 Nissan Kicks is its enhanced powertrain, which delivers a more powerful, responsive, and refined driving experience. Nissan has replaced the previous 1.6-liter engine with a larger and more capable 2.0-liter four-cylinder, significantly improving overall performance. Additionally, for the first time in its history, the Kicks now offers an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, increasing its versatility and appeal to a wider range of drivers.
Interior Features and Technology
The 2025 Nissan Kicks has received a major interior upgrade, making it more spacious, tech-savvy, and premium than ever before. Nissan has focused on improving comfort, connectivity, and convenience, ensuring that the Kicks delivers a modern and user-friendly driving experience. From larger infotainment displays to advanced connectivity options and premium materials, the new Kicks stands out as a compact crossover that feels much more refined inside.
Spacious and Comfortable Cabin
Thanks to its larger dimensions and extended wheelbase, the 2025 Kicks now offers a roomier interior, providing more legroom, headroom, and cargo space for both front and rear passengers.
- The wider body and increased height create a more open and airy cabin, reducing the cramped feeling often associated with small crossovers.
- The extended wheelbase translates to better rear passenger space, making long trips more comfortable.
- The cargo area is expected to be larger, making it even more practical for daily errands and road trips.
Nissan has also upgraded the interior materials, offering higher-quality plastics, soft-touch surfaces, and more refined upholstery options, even on base models. Higher trims will likely include leatherette or leather-appointed seats, adding a touch of luxury.
Advanced Infotainment System
The 2025 Nissan Kicks brings significant upgrades to its infotainment and digital display offerings.
- Base models (S trim) come with dual 7-inch screens—one for the instrument cluster and another for the infotainment system.
- Higher trims (SV and SR) get large 12.3-inch displays, providing a more modern and premium feel.
- The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making smartphone integration seamless.
- A new, intuitive user interface ensures easy navigation through menus and controls.
These upgrades make the Kicks one of the most high-tech vehicles in its segment, appealing to younger drivers and tech-savvy consumers.
Premium Sound System and Audio Upgrades
For those who enjoy high-quality audio, the 2025 Kicks offers an optional 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which features:
- Speakers integrated into the front headrests, delivering an immersive listening experience.
- Clearer, more powerful sound, making road trips and daily commutes more enjoyable.
This premium sound system is available on higher trims, reinforcing the Kicks' appeal as a tech-forward compact crossover.
Enhanced Connectivity and Convenience Features
Nissan has ensured that the 2025 Kicks is packed with modern connectivity features to meet the demands of today’s drivers.
- Wireless charging pad, available on higher trims, makes charging smartphones effortless.
- Multiple USB Type-C ports, allowing passengers to charge their devices quickly.
- Upgraded voice recognition, enabling hands-free access to key functions.
These features ensure that drivers and passengers stay connected, entertained, and productive on the go.
Refined Climate Control and Interior Comfort Features
Nissan has also focused on improving climate control and comfort inside the 2025 Kicks.
- Automatic climate control ensures the cabin stays at the perfect temperature without constant manual adjustments.
- Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, available on higher trims, provide extra comfort during colder months.
More supportive and ergonomic seating, ensuring a comfortable ride for long distances.
More Power, Better Acceleration
The 2025 Kicks is now powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, which produces:
- 139 horsepower, an increase from the previous 122 hp.
- 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque, offering better low-end power and responsiveness.
This marks a notable improvement in acceleration, highway merging, and overall drivability, making the new Kicks more engaging to drive. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the additional power ensures a smoother and more confident ride.
Improved Transmission: Xtronic CVT
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been updated for better efficiency and performance. Nissan’s Xtronic CVT has been tuned to provide:
- Smoother power delivery, reducing the rubber-band effect typical of older CVTs.
- Improved fuel efficiency, ensuring that the Kicks remains an economical choice for daily commutes.
- Quieter operation, with better noise isolation to enhance cabin comfort.
New All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Option
For the first time, the 2025 Nissan Kicks offers an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, giving drivers more confidence in varied weather and road conditions. The AWD system is designed to:
- Improve traction on slippery surfaces such as rain, snow, or gravel roads.
- Provide an extra layer of safety, making the Kicks a more versatile option for those in regions with seasonal weather challenges.
Refined Ride Quality and Suspension Upgrades
Nissan has also made chassis and suspension improvements to enhance ride quality, including:
- A stiffer body structure, reducing vibrations and improving stability.
- Better suspension tuning, ensuring a smoother and more composed ride over bumps and potholes.
- Upgraded steering response, making the Kicks feel more agile and easy to maneuver.
Fuel Efficiency Expectations
Despite the increase in engine size, Nissan has worked to maintain excellent fuel economy, ensuring that the Kicks remains one of the most fuel-efficient options in its class. While official EPA ratings are yet to be announced, the larger engine is expected to balance power and efficiency effectively, making it an appealing choice for both city and highway driving.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Nissan has made safety a top priority in the 2025 Nissan Kicks, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and passive safety features. From automated emergency braking to blind-spot monitoring, the new Kicks offers a level of safety typically found in larger, more expensive vehicles. Whether driving in city traffic or on the highway, these features provide added confidence and peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.
Standard Safety Features
The 2025 Nissan Kicks comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard across all trim levels, which includes:
Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Helps detect vehicles and pedestrians in the car’s path.
Blind Spot Warning
- Monitors blind spots and warns the driver when another vehicle is approaching.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Detects vehicles approaching from the side when reversing.
High Beam Assist
- Automatically adjusts between high and low beams for improved nighttime visibility.
Rear Automatic Braking
- Helps prevent rear collisions by detecting obstacles behind the vehicle and applying the brakes if necessary.
These standard features ensure that even the base model Kicks comes well-equipped with essential safety technologies, making it a smart choice for families, new drivers, and city commuters.
Available Advanced Driver-Assistance Features
Higher trims of the 2025 Nissan Kicks (SV and SR) offer even more advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, such as:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Maintains a set speed while automatically adjusting to keep a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
ProPILOT Assist (on SR trim)
- Combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience on highways.
Traffic Sign Recognition
- Uses cameras to detect and display speed limits and other road signs in the driver’s instrument cluster.
360-Degree Around View Monitor
- Provides a bird’s-eye view of the car using multiple cameras, making parking and tight maneuvers easier.
Enhanced Structural Safety and Airbags
In addition to active safety systems, the 2025 Kicks also features an improved body structure and passive safety systems for occupant protection in the event of an accident.
Reinforced CMF-B platform enhances crash protection.
- 10 standard airbags, including:
- Front and side-impact airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- Knee airbags for added driver and passenger protection
- Seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters to reduce impact forces during a crash.
Improved Visibility and Lighting
Nissan has also enhanced the 2025 Kicks’ visibility features to improve safety in low-light and poor weather conditions.
- LED headlights and daytime running lights (standard on all trims) for clearer nighttime visibility.
- LED fog lights (on higher trims) for better illumination in foggy or rainy conditions.
- Rear parking sensors to assist in reversing and avoid obstacles.
Trim Levels and Market Availability
Trim Level Breakdown
Nissan Kicks S (Base Model) – Affordable and Well-Equipped
- New 2.0L engine with CVT transmission
- Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 (Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, etc.)
- Dual 7-inch digital displays (infotainment and driver cluster)
- Cloth seating with basic interior materials
- Standard LED headlights and taillights
- 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps
- Manual climate control
- Rearview camera and rear parking sensors
Nissan Kicks SV (Mid-Level Trim) – Balanced Comfort and Technology
- Larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Remote engine start with keyless entry
- 17-inch alloy wheels (upgraded from steel wheels)
- Premium cloth seats with additional padding
- Automatic climate control
- More USB charging ports, including USB-C
Nissan Kicks SR (Top Trim) – Sportier, More Advanced, and Feature-Packed
- Sportier exterior design with blacked-out accents and unique SR badging
- Available 360-degree Around View Monitor (for easier parking and tight maneuvers)
- ProPILOT Assist (semi-autonomous driving feature)
- Bose premium 10-speaker sound system with headrest-integrated speakers
- Larger 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED fog lights for better visibility
- Leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Wireless phone charging pad
Market Availability and Pricing
Production and Assembly
- Nissan has confirmed that the 2025 Kicks will hit dealerships in August 2024.
- Pre-orders are expected to open a few months earlier, likely in mid-2024.
Estimated Pricing
- S Trim: $22,000 - $23,500
- SV Trim: $24,500 - $26,000
- SR Trim: $27,500 - $29,000
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