Nissan Kicks 2025: 5 things we like and 5 things we don't
If you're shopping for a subcompact SUV, the Nissan Kicks is the big news for 2025 - literally. Not only has it been transformed from the ground up for its second generation, it has expanded to compensate for the departure of the Qashqai, and offers the largest cargo space in its class.
It's a vehicle that The Car Guide has had the opportunity to drive on several occasions since its arrival on our roads last summer. Should you choose the Kicks? To help you make up your mind, here are five things we like and don't like about it...
We love: the bold, athletic design
Admittedly, not everyone will agree with us, but the Kicks 2025 looks the part. If its predecessor lacked a little character visually, the designers were bold in their redesign, to the point where the new model is recognizable only by the badge on the tailgate. The contrast between the Kicks 2025 and other Nissan products is refreshing, particularly at the front, where the wide grille blends with the redesigned headlights. Elements such as the muscular rear fenders, the two-tone exterior and the SR version's eye-catching 19-inch wheels add to the appeal and set this model apart from the competition.
Dislikes: steel wheels
To keep prices reasonable, choices have to be made for entry-level versions. Nissan has preferred to focus on technology and safety, among other things, which means that the front-wheel-drive Kicks S and SV, as well as the all-wheel-drive Kicks S, have to make do with steel wheels (16 or 17 inches), which spoils some of the effort put into the exterior design. For alloy wheels, you'll need to opt for the all-wheel drive SV variant, which starts at $33,520.
We like: generous ground clearance
Built on a new CMF-B platform, the Nissan Kicks 2025 adopts a larger footprint and, above all, higher ground clearance. The latter measures 214.2 mm, which doesn't beat the popular Subaru Crosstrek (220 mm), but earns it a place on the podium in the sub-compact SUV category. It's a feature that's sure to please a good number of Quebec drivers, especially in the snow.
Dislikes: the equipment of the S version
Beyond the 16-inch steel rims, the least expensive of the Kicks makes compromises in terms of equipment. That's to be expected, but let's just say it could do a little better, given the price (more on that later). By the way, this S version is exclusive to the Canadian market, and Nissan expects it to account for 25% of sales. Yet it has no heated steering wheel. The interior is duller and the radio has only four speakers. In the Kicks' defence, most of its rivals find themselves in a similar situation.
We like: the trunk
As mentioned above, the Nissan Kicks 2025 has gained in volume. For example, front occupants have 43.1 mm more shoulder room. For those in the rear, it's a gain of 38.1 mm and 22.9 mm for the knees. Trunk space is even more impressive, having been increased from 716 to 850 liters - a class record and almost on a par with a compact SUV like the Mazda CX-5. We're talking total volume including underfloor storage, mind you, and that's in the front-wheel-drive Kicks (677 liters with all-wheel drive). The floor is adjustable on SV and SR versions. When the bench seat is folded, the available space is no longer 1,504 liters as before, but rather 1,700 liters, putting the Kicks in the middle of the pack.
Dislikes: the engine
Inheriting the 2.0-liter engine from the now-defunct Qashqai, the Kicks 2025 makes us forget all about its previous anemic 1.6-liter unit (122 hp, 114 lb-ft). However, the 141 hp and 140 lb-ft now at our disposal are nothing to get excited about either. The continuously variable transmission, even with its revisions and simulated gear changes, doesn't help much either. A more refined and/or more powerful engine would undoubtedly be preferable (think Mazda, Hyundai and Subaru); unfortunately, this is the only option under the hood, including the most luxurious version. What's more, an average fuel consumption of 7.4 or 7.7 L/100 km (depending on gearing) theoretically places the Kicks among the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs on the market, except that the reality is closer to 8 L/100 km.
We love: the integral gearing
Many criticized the Kicks for not offering the option of all-wheel drive, confining it to mainly urban use, so we're delighted that the 2025 model remedies the situation. Well, it's not the best system we know, but it does have its merits. Firstly, the distribution of part of the engine's torque to the rear wheels does not necessarily depend on front-wheel slippage, as is the case with other so-called reactive systems. The Kicks detects pressure on the accelerator pedal and adjusts its intervention accordingly. The all-wheel drive system is accompanied by a Snow mode, which provides greater control on slippery roads. Finally, Kicks equipped with all-wheel drive replace the rear torsion beam with an independent multi-link suspension for a smoother ride.
Dislikes: noise in general
The Kicks SR's large 19-inch wheels unsurprisingly translate into a drier, noisier ride, but that's not all. You see, despite Nissan's efforts to increase soundproofing 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 ranks below average in its segment. The little engine complains when it's pushed hard and has to run at high revs.
We love: technology
In the cabin, where comfort has been enhanced, technology is the focus of attention. A 12.3-inch touchscreen (facing the driver) and a 7- or 12.3-inch digital instrument panel - depending on the version - dominate the Nissan Kicks 2025's brilliantly redesigned cockpit. Displays are clear and attractive, the multimedia system does a good job, and then there's wireless access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 360-degree view around the vehicle (Kicks SR) is something no rival offers. Ditto for the excellent 10-speaker Bose audio system, four of which are once again integrated into the front headrests for an immersive sound experience. We really enjoyed listening to Pink Floyd's Money!
Dislikes: price
Inevitably, given the Kicks' transformation and new superior status, prices have risen dramatically. The base S version with front-wheel drive starts at $29,970 including freight and preparation, well above the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona that Nissan has in its sights, not to mention the Chevrolet Trax. Add $2,000 for all-wheel drive. The range-topping Kicks SR comes in at $37,670, and we remind you that it still has just 141 hp, nothing to do with the competition. For customers on a tight budget, Nissan had the idea of keeping the old model under the Kicks Play name for 2025, so let's see how sales evolve in the coming year.
