Kicks Takes Off to the City and Country

CHATHAM, Mass. – Nissan describes it’s all-new 2025 Kicks as a subcompact sport-utility (SUV)/crossover (CUV) sized and equipped to “take on the streets” of urban America yet equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) and 8.4 inches of ground clearance to “explore beyond the city limits.”

And it provides this duality in a small, technology-stuffed package at a sub-$40,000 price for the top-of-the-range Kicks SR AWD (all-wheel-drive) model like we recently spent time driving around the fall-into-winter streets of Cape Cod.

This was a surprisingly competent, enjoyable vehicle to drive on a daily basis. The advertising I have seen is aimed at a younger audience, emphasizing lifestyle activities, and does not do this vehicle justice for its capabilities, comfort, features and value.

Peppy powertrain

No one would confuse the 2025 Kicks with a performance vehicle, but I never felt it was underpowered. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder aluminum block and head, double-overhead camshaft, four-valves-per-cylinder, gasoline-fueled engine produces 141 horsepower and 140 pounds-feet of torque.

This power moves through a continuously variable transmission Nissan labels “Xtronic,” engineered to maximize performance in the engine’s low- and mid-torque ranges.

One of the major changes for 2025 in the new Kicks is the availability of AWD for the three trim levels. The system, which sends power/torque to the wheels which need it and includes a “Snow” driving mode. Nissan describes the Snow mode’s operation as adjusting “the logic of the all-wheel-drive and vehicle dynamic control systems with tuning specifically intended for slippery surfaces. Yaw control using targeted brake application helps further ensure Kicks stays on the driver’s intended line when cornering in snow or ice.”

In addition, the 8.4 inches of ground clearance can be a boon after a snowfall.

Not engineered for speed, but efficiency, the 2025 Kicks, according to Car and Driver estimates, can achieve sub-10-second times in the 0-to-60 run. When it comes to efficiency, the Kicks wavered between 33 and 34 miles per gallon during my driving, somewhat better than the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 30 mpg overall (27 urban, 34 highway).

And, as usual, I did nothing to enhance fuel economy, pushing the buzzy engine whenever I felt the need.

Simple, functional platform

Engineered for value, fun and safety, the 2025 Kicks features a straightforward and effective suspension system. Up front, an independent setup with struts and coil springs and a 27mm stabilizer bar work in unison with the rear’s multi-link setup with 21.3mm stabilizer bar.

Steering is power assisted, engine-speed variable, with a quick 2.57 turns lock-to-lock adding to the fun-to-drive quotient as the Kicks can be a gas to drive on twisting roads. Again, not a sports car, but not boring if the driver wants a little fun.

The four-wheel disc brake system features electronic-brake distribution (EBD), brake assist and anti-lock (ABS). The 11.6×1.02-inch front rotors are vented, while the 11.0×0.37-inch rear ones are solid.

The parking brake is electronic with auto hold feature.

Full suite of ADAS

The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR has a surprisingly (for a subcompact, value-priced SUV) long list of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features. These begin with the Nissan Safety Shield® 360 which brings automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection; rear automatic braking; lane-departure warning; blind-spot warning; rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam assist.

The ADAS roster continues with predictive forward-collision warning; rear sonar; land-departure prevention; emergency lane-keep assist; blind-spot intervention; front parking assist; traffic-sign recognition; intersection assist; ProPILOT Assist, and Intelligent Dynamic-control Module (active ride control, intelligent trace control and intelligent engine brake).

These systems make the driving experience even more rewarding and less worrisome. This is way longer a list of ADAS than I have experienced in a vehicle priced just over $30,000; it is more like that found on one priced at least $10,000 more.

Well integrated technology fills the interior

The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR AWD reflects its position as top-of-the range with the equipment and features found in the cabin.

A pair of 12.3-inch displays, housed in a single, panoramic screen across the left two thirds of the dashboard, presented the customizable, digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen.

The infotainment system incorporates the Bose system, SiriusXM satellite radio and driving services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming audio, steering-wheel controls, and Siri “Eyes Free” voice recognition system.

Automatic climate control, heated front seats, wireless mobile-device charging pad, leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB-C outlets front and rear and rear cupholders are all part of the SR-trim package.

Enhancing this on the review unit was the presence of the SR AWD Premium Package ($1,950 option) which includes a panoramic moonroof; 10-speaker Bose audio system with front-headrest speakers; heated mirrors; rear floor heater ducts; heated steering wheel (a major plus as temperatures plummeted during our time in the Kicks); remote engine start (ditto during the extreme cold), and rain sensing wipers.

A Kick to the subcompact SUV segment

Nissan has bolstered its entry in the highly competitive subcompact SUV market with the redesign of the 2025 Kicks. It is offered in three basic trims, each as either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Kick S FWD carries a base price of $21,830 while the SR AWD like I drove comes in for $27,680.

The review unit added the Premium Package ($1,950), splash guards ($250), carpeted floor mats ($190), two-tone paint ($250), and destination charge ($1,390) for an as tested price of $31,710.

This is a lot of subcompact SUV for the money, making it a vehicle worthy of putting on a shopping list if a five-passenger, small SUV is in your future.