What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Nissan Kicks? What does it compare to?

The redesigned Nissan Kicks competes with a growing range of small crossovers priced from $20K to $32K, including the Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, Kia Soul, and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks a good SUV?

The redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks is a very competitive entry crossover, and it can claim more SUV cred because all-wheel drive is now optional. Its styling is chunky, the interior design and materials are good, and while it’s slow, it tops out around $31,000 for the best-equipped model. It’s a long way from entry-level cars of decades past, and we give it a TCC Rating of 5.4 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

What’s new for the 2025 Nissan Kicks?

Larger, more powerful, and now with optional all-wheel drive, the second generation of the Nissan Kicks has been redesigned to look more like a small SUV than a hatchback, with a tall, vertical front end and squared-off corners. The front now features a broad slotted grille extending from end to end, with stacked daytime running lights that bookend the sides under slender LED headlights. The high shoulder line and floating roof of the previous version carry over, as do base 16-inch wheels, though available 19-inch alloy wheels fill out its profile.

The interior of the Kicks is clearly a step up, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on top SR grades. The S and SV models have a 7.0-inch instrument cluster; the base S gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen, while the mid-level SV trim gets the larger touchscreen. Rectangular vents replace the previous circular vents to complement the long and low dash, similar to the grille. One throwback: while the console has bigger cupholders for ever-larger beverages, Nissan has kept the old-school mechanical shift lever. The door pockets grow in size, too, to slake America’s thirst.

Only a single powertrain is available: a 141-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 mated to a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive is a $1,500 extra on all trims, increasingly a market need in colder and snowier areas. EPA combined fuel-economy ratings are 31 mpg for the standard front-wheel-drive model, or 30 mpg if you opt for AWD.

The new Kicks has a bit more performance and is quieter and more refined than its predecessor. It’s hardly fast, but it keeps up with traffic when drivers use all the available power. Handling and roadholding are adequate, but the Kicks is tuned for comfort and the ride is good for a smallish vehicle. While safety ratings aren’t yet available, the Kicks comes with Nissan’s SafetyShield 360 suite of active safety software, and the 2025 model adds half a dozen new features not available on the previous generation.

How much does the 2025 Nissan Kicks cost?

The base S trim level with front-wheel drive starts at $23,220, and top-trim models just crest the $31,000 mark. Step up to the mid-level SV grade to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with conveniences like a smartphone charging pad, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and keyless entry. The SV starts at $25,070, and a $1,500 SV Premium package includes a full-length panoramic sunroof plus heated front seats and mirrors.

The top SR grade comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a surround-view camera system, a limited hands-free driving system, and red accent stitching on synthetic leather upholstery. Its Premium package adds a Bose audio system with headrest speakers for the driver and front passenger for $1,950. AWD adds $1,500 on all versions. All prices quoted include the mandatory $1,390 destination fee.

Where is the 2025 Nissan Kicks made?

All models of the Kicks are manufactured in Aguascalientes, Mexico.