As fans, we love the vehicles that actually get your coronary heart pumping. Sadly for us, that type of stuff prices cash. Some huge cash. The overwhelming majority of automobile consumers, then again, simply need one thing respectable to get them from level A to level B, and the cheaper it’s, the higher. Sadly, there are no new vehicles out there for lower than $20,000, however with an MSRP of $21,980, the 2025 Nissan Kicks seems temptingly inexpensive by new automobile requirements. And the excellent news is that whereas it is probably not the sportiest subcompact crossover that you would be able to purchase, Nissan did an excellent job of specializing in what’s going to matter essentially the most to consumers. This time round, which means lastly including all-wheel drive as an choice.
Now, don’t get me improper. Nissan didn’t flip the Kicks into some type of off-roader. You’re by no means going to see one on the Rubicon, however apparently individuals actually didn’t like not having 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 similar time, it ought to assist increase gross sales. What about the remainder of the automobile, although? Is it actually a discount, or did Nissan low-cost out and lower corners? After a number of hours behind the wheel, I’d argue the 2025 Nissan Kicks actually is a superb inexpensive automobile.
(Full Disclosure: Nissan needed 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 boxier and extra rugged than the automobile it replaces, and general, it’s an excellent design. I particularly like what Nissan has finished with the taillights, which actually assist the Kicks stand out. As somebody who simply desires a sizzling hatch on the finish of the day, I want the Mazda CX-30’s extra athletic look, however most 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 appear like a automobile that was constructed to an especially low worth level.
Inside, the cabin is comparatively easy, however it’s properly laid out. You get a standard 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 usually buried in menus on touchscreens, it was good to have the ability to hop into the Kicks and simply drive while not having 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. Increased-end fashions have a 12.3-inch heart display screen, and the highest trim that we drove provides a 12.3-inch driver show as effectively. 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 might be good in the event that they have been normal throughout the board. Toyota found out a approach to make all of the driver-assist tech normal on each Corolla and Corolla Cross, in spite of everything. Nonetheless, Nissan’s removed from the one offender in that regard, and the methods 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 strong job of lane centering as an alternative 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 really attempting that.
Now I do know I used to be driving a completely loaded Kicks, and people are naturally going to really feel nicer than the bottom mannequin. That’s the purpose of the dearer variations, in spite of everything. However I’ve to say, I used to be legitimately shocked 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 major step up by way of high quality. That’s much more vital if you notice 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 effectively with seats, and those within the new Kicks are not any exception. It’s arduous to understand how way more drained I’d have been by the top of my drive in one other automobile, however I used to be shocked how refreshed I felt after a few hours. Whenever you present as much as evaluate one of many least costly autos within the U.S., you count on there to be some compromises, however there actually weren’t. Rear passengers additionally get an additional inch of legroom, which they’ll undoubtedly recognize. 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 each day obligation and in addition 19 extra horsepower than the earlier Kicks. There actually isn’t an entire lot to say concerning the engine. It will get the job finished. It’s type of loud, although, and doesn’t sound the perfect. Wind and street noise are additionally noticeable, however it’s not distractingly dangerous, and it’s nonetheless quieter than I anticipated. The repeatedly variable transmission can be superb, and dealing with proved higher than anticipated. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s enjoyable to drive, however it additionally wasn’t disagreeable or fully misplaced when the roads received twisty. It’s additionally fairly good on fuel, coming in at 28/35/31 mpg (metropolis/freeway/mixed) in accordance with the EPA.
And when 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. Plenty of automakers are afraid to make their vehicles out there 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 undoubtedly isn’t an fanatic’s automobile, however not all vehicles must be. As a sensible each day driver at an inexpensive worth, Nissan has principally nailed it. It’s extra grown-up. It’s nicer inside. It has extra energy. It’s extra spacious. It gives all-wheel drive. And it’s nonetheless one of many least costly vehicles you should buy proper now.
