2025 Nissan Kicks Review: A Bigger, Bolder, but Noisier Subcompact SUV

 The 2025 Nissan Kicks stands as a noteworthy evolution of Nissan's subcompact SUV, focusing on a balance of size, power, and features. Despite the rising competition in the entry-level SUV segment, the Kicks retains a solid position with a comprehensive redesign that attempts to make it more substantial and appealing, especially with its new engine options and improved handling dynamics.

Exterior Design and Proportions

The 2025 redesign brings distinctive style and increases in overall proportions, helping the Kicks shed some of its previous compact feels. It's grown by 2.8 inches in length, 1.6 inches in width, and nearly an inch in height compared to its predecessor. The wider and taller stance translates into a more solid road presence, especially when combined with the 19-inch aluminum wheels on the top SR model, which add to the visual appeal. Lesser trims come with smaller wheels (16 or 17 inches), but all models retain the SUV’s chunky lines and tasteful brightwork.

The front end sports horizontal grille bars and LED running lights, with a clean, athletic appearance that avoids the bold quirkiness seen in older Nissan models like the Cube. The lower body cladding, designed to mimic the soles of athletic shoes, adds a slight sporty flair, though it’s not easily discernible unless you opt for a vibrant color such as Yuzu Yellow Metallic. Overall, the Kicks retains a clean, modern aesthetic that is easily identifiable on the road.

One of the most important changes for the 2025 model is the ground clearance. Now at 8.4 inches—an increase of 1.4 inches over the previous generation—the Kicks offers better clearance for off-road use or navigating urban obstacles like curbs and speed bumps. This increase in size also extends to the wheelbase, which now measures between 104.6 and 104.9 inches, depending on whether the model is front- or all-wheel drive.

Engine Performance and Driving Experience

While the 2025 Nissan Kicks is not a performance-focused SUV, its updated powertrain provides a 141-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 1.6-liter unit with just 125 horsepower. The bump in power is significant, as it not only offers better acceleration and towing capacity, but it also improves the overall driving experience, especially when coupled with an improved CVT (continuously variable transmission). Torque now peaks at 140 lb-ft, a healthy increase over the previous 114 lb-ft.

Despite these improvements, the Kicks’ acceleration is still modest. Testing reveals a 9.0-second sprint to 60 mph, which is more leisurely than its competitors like the Mazda CX-30 Turbo, which hits 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. But this is not to say the Kicks is out of the running in its class. Competitors like the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Crossare similarly slower, and the Kicks’ performance is not considered underwhelming by subcompact SUV standards. However, during full-throttle acceleration, the engine can become quite noisy, with a gravelly sound that adds to the perceived harshness of the drive.

The Kicks shines in its overall handling. Thanks to sporty steering dynamics, it’s quick off-center, which lends a sense of nimbleness. The suspension setup prioritizes ride comfort while providing sufficient wheel travel to ensure that larger bumps are dealt with comfortably. The skidpad grip of 0.84 g is decent for a small SUV, and the 176-foot stopping distance from 70 mph is a noticeable improvement over earlier versions. However, as the ride is designed for comfort, it can be a bit firm over larger bumps, especially in the SR trim with the larger wheels.

For those looking for better grip in slippery conditions, the 2025 Kicks is now available with an all-wheel-drive option, which costs an extra $1,500-$1,650 depending on the model. The introduction of AWD is a welcome addition for those living in regions with harsh weather or rougher roads. However, it does come at a cost—reducing the cargo space from 30 cubic feet to 24 cubic feet, which, though still spacious for the class, is a consideration when comparing to the front-wheel-drive versions.

Interior Space, Features, and Comfort

Despite the increase in exterior dimensions, the interior volume of the 2025 Kicks remains largely unchanged at 94 cubic feet for passenger space. Front legroom has shrunk slightly by an inch, but rear legroom has increased marginally. In practice, the cabin remains comfortable and spacious, with the front seats offering plenty of space for taller drivers. The Zero Gravity seating in both front and rear positions ensures a high level of comfort for long drives, though lacks power adjustments or lumbar support in the front, which could be a turnoff for some buyers.

The cabin's materials have been upgraded, with the SR trim featuring orange accents and faux carbon-fiber trim. While the interior quality is generally good for the price point, some of the plastic components still feel low-grade. The infotainment system is another highlight, especially with the dual 12.3-inch displays (in the SR trim), which house both the digital instrument cluster and center touchscreen. These displays are clear and easy to navigate, making for an enjoyable tech experience. The mid-level SV trim also comes with the large touchscreen, though its gauge display is reduced to a smaller 7.0-inch unit shared with the base S trim.

When it comes to amenities, the Kicks offers a range of options, though many of the more premium features, like the Bose audio system (with speakers in the headrests) and ProPilot Assist (a suite of active safety features), are exclusive to the SR trim. Other available features, such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless phone mirroring, make the Kicks a comfortable and feature-rich choice at the upper trim levels.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Nissan has included a comprehensive set of standard active safety features across the Kicks lineup, including automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The ProPilot Assist system, exclusive to the SR trim, provides additional lane-keeping assistance, although it lacks the polish and refinement of some competitors’ lane-assist systems. On highways, ProPilot Assist tends to lack discipline, frequently nudging the driver to put their hands back on the wheel even when the system is in control.

Noise, Ride Quality, and Comparisons

One of the most significant criticisms of the 2025 Nissan Kicks is its cabin noise. Compared to its rivals, the Kicks is relatively loud, with the engine producing a gritty roar, especially under hard acceleration. The suspension, although comfortable on smooth roads, transmits sharp impacts into the cabin, making it noticeable on rough or broken pavement. When tested for road noise levels, the Kicks was consistently louder than competitors like the Chevrolet Trax, which proved significantly quieter in similar conditions.

This issue becomes more pronounced at higher speeds, where the noise from both the engine and the road can become fatiguing over time. While the Kicks offers a Bose audio system in the SR trim, it cannot entirely mask the sounds of the road or the engine, and the overall ride quality can suffer from the larger wheels and more aggressive tires found on higher trims.

Pricing and Value

The 2025 Nissan Kicks starts at a competitive base price of $23,220, with higher trims reaching upwards of $31,875 for the fully-loaded SR model. This is fairly affordable compared to some competitors in the segment, but when considering higher trims, it starts to feel less like a budget option. The Chevrolet Trax, for example, has a lower starting price of $21,495 and offers better refinement for a similar level of practicality.

Despite this, the Kicks remains an appealing choice for those looking for an affordable entry-level SUV, especially considering the availability of features like AWD, a larger infotainment screen, and higher-tech safety features. The Kicks’ larger footprint and more powerful engine make it a more substantial vehicle than previous models, appealing to those looking for a little more space and power in the compact SUV segment.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2025 Nissan Kicks represents a solid improvement over its predecessor, with significant upgrades in both interior space and performance. Its new engine, larger proportions, and increased focus on comfort make it a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment, although it still faces challenges in ride quality and cabin noise. For those who prioritize affordability and value, the Kicks is a compelling option, but the competition is fierce, and rivals like the Chevrolet Trax and Mazda CX-30 offer more refined alternatives at similar price points.