As fanatics, we love the vehicles that actually get your coronary heart pumping. Sadly for us, that sort of stuff prices cash. Some huge cash. The overwhelming majority of automobile consumers, however, simply need one thing first rate to get them from level A to level B, and the cheaper it’s, the higher. Sadly, there are no new vehicles accessible for lower than $20,000, however with an MSRP of $21,980, the 2025 Nissan Kicks seems to be temptingly reasonably priced by new automobile requirements. And the excellent news is that whereas it will not be the sportiest subcompact crossover you could purchase, Nissan did a very good job of specializing in what’s going to matter probably the most to consumers. This time round, which means lastly including all-wheel drive as an choice.
Now, don’t get me mistaken. Nissan didn’t flip the Kicks into some kind of off-roader. You’re by no means going to see one on the Rubicon, however apparently individuals actually didn’t like not with the ability to get all-wheel drive on the first-generation Kicks, so Nissan determined to present them the choice. It’s not precisely a groundbreaking addition, however on the identical time, it ought to assist enhance gross sales. What about the remainder of the automobile, although? Is it actually a discount, or did Nissan low-cost out and reduce corners? After a number of hours behind the wheel, I’d argue the 2025 Nissan Kicks actually is a good reasonably priced automobile.
(Full Disclosure: Nissan wished me to drive the 2025 Nissan Kicks so badly, it purchased me a flight to Santa Barbara, California, put me up in a flowery lodge, purchased my drinks and fed me.)
On the surface, the brand new Kicks seems to be boxier and extra rugged than the automobile it replaces, and total, it’s a very good design. I particularly like what Nissan has achieved with the taillights, which actually assist the Kicks stand out. As somebody who simply desires a scorching hatch on the finish of the day, I favor the Mazda CX-30’s extra athletic look, however most of the people likes extra squared-off styling, so it was most likely a smart move on Nissan’s half. And maybe most significantly, it doesn’t seem like a automobile that was constructed to a particularly low worth level.
Inside, the cabin is comparatively easy, but it surely’s properly laid out. You get a conventional PRNDL shift lever, in addition to fairly a couple of different bodily controls together with a quantity knob. In a world the place capabilities are recurrently buried in menus on touchscreens, it was good to have the ability to hop into the Kicks and simply drive with no need a tutorial first. As for the screens the Kicks does have, the bottom mannequin comes with a 7.0-inch driver show and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Greater-end fashions have a 12.3-inch middle display, and the highest trim that we drove provides a 12.3-inch driver show as nicely. The Kicks additionally consists of assist for wi-fi Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on the SR and SV variations and has wi-fi charging.
The SR additionally comes with Nissan’s newest superior driver-assistance options, which is at all times nice to see, though it will be good in the event that they had been customary throughout the board. Toyota discovered a technique to make all of the driver-assist tech customary on each Corolla and Corolla Cross, in any case. Nonetheless, Nissan’s removed from the one offender in that regard, and the programs do work very well. You’ll be able to’t drive hands-free, however so long as you retain your hand on the wheel, the Kicks does a stable job of lane centering as a substitute of ping-ponging between the traces. There are limits to how far it might probably flip the wheel by itself, so that you’ll need to deal with the steering within the canyons, however you shouldn’t be canyon carving with adaptive cruise management on within the first place, and I’ve a tough time seeing anybody truly making an attempt that.
Now I do know I used to be driving a totally loaded Kicks, and people are naturally going to really feel nicer than the bottom mannequin. That’s the purpose of the dearer variations, in any case. However I’ve to say, I used to be legitimately stunned by how good the cabin supplies felt. You’re not going to confuse a Kicks for an Infiniti any time quickly, however the previous Kicks had a reasonably cheap-feeling inside, and the brand new one is a big step up when it comes to high quality. That’s much more essential if you understand a Kicks SR with all-wheel drive is almost $30,000 with vacation spot, and that’s earlier than you begin including choices. That will be an entire lot of cash to spend on a automobile crammed with low-cost plastics.
Nissan typically does nicely with seats, and those within the new Kicks are not any exception. It’s exhausting to know the way way more drained I might have been by the tip of my drive in one other automobile, however I used to be stunned how refreshed I felt after a few hours. While you present as much as overview one of many least costly autos within the U.S., you anticipate there to be some compromises, however there actually weren’t. Rear passengers additionally get an additional inch of legroom, which they’ll positively respect. The final Kicks wasn’t precisely identified for its spacious again seat.
Underneath the hood, there’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. That’s sufficient for every day obligation and in addition 19 extra horsepower than the earlier Kicks. There actually isn’t an entire lot to say in regards to the engine. It will get the job achieved. It’s sort of loud, although, and doesn’t sound the very best. Wind and highway noise are additionally noticeable, but it surely’s not distractingly dangerous, and it’s nonetheless quieter than I anticipated. The repeatedly variable transmission can also be superb, and dealing with proved higher than anticipated. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s enjoyable to drive, but it surely additionally wasn’t disagreeable or utterly misplaced when the roads received twisty. It’s additionally fairly good on fuel, coming in at 28/35/31 mpg (metropolis/freeway/mixed) in line with the EPA.
And whilst you’ll most likely principally see white and black paint on the brand new Kicks, I need to commend Nissan for providing Yuzu Yellow Metallic as an choice. A variety of automakers are afraid to make their vehicles accessible in Good Colours as a result of individuals don’t purchase them, however not Nissan. If you would like a yellow Kicks, you may get a yellow Kicks. You’ll need to get the SR to take action, however the SV is available in Monarch Orange Metallic, and even the S could be ordered in an excellent Electrical Blue Metallic. Come on, different automakers, give us extra enjoyable colours!
The brand new Nissan Kicks positively isn’t an fanatic’s automobile, however not all vehicles should be. As a sensible every day driver at an reasonably priced worth, Nissan has principally nailed it. It’s extra grown-up. It’s nicer inside. It has extra energy. It’s extra spacious. It provides all-wheel drive. And it’s nonetheless one of many least costly vehicles you should buy proper now.
