2025 Nissan Kicks: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice

The all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks offers a lot of bang for the buck, and it’s far better than its predecessor - but perfection is still a step away.

KourtneyKardashian

Dec 11, 2024 - 11:27

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2025 Nissan Kicks: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice

If you ask me, the previous Nissan Kicks was a somewhat anemic, tall hatchback with good utility and economy. It was terribly slow, and the overall design was mellow at best. Despite Nissan insisting it was a crossover, it never offered anything other than front-wheel drive (FWD).

More power, more room, more tech, and optional all-wheel drive (AWD) make the new Nissan Kicks more desirable. It was designed to look like a modern hightop shoe mixed in with Nissan’s new family of blocky noses. The design works.

Still, there’s always room for improvement.

Reason to love it #1: The price is right

Starting at $21,830, the base Nissan Kicks S gives you a decent runabout for the money. No matter which model you get, the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Same continuously variable transmission (CVT) too.

It's also efficient. EPA ratings sit at 31 mpg combined. If you get the AWD model, you only lose one mpg. Not too shabby.

There is lots of standard tech, including intelligent cruise, Safety Shield 360, Bluetooth, and more. “Intelligent” AWD costs $1,500 more on the S and the SR while the mid-level SV charges $1,650 for AWD, as they have to upgrade the wheels for some reason.

Reason to love it #2: It’s a nice little driver

This is no sports car, but that extra power, beefier rubber, and AWD grip make the 2025 Nissan Kicks a much better car to drive. It corners flat, it’s extremely maneuverable and the new Kicks is better at higher speeds too. It’s no BMW, but the improvements make for a better all-around driver.

If you want a smoother, quieter ride, getting the S with the smaller wheel package should help. The 19-inch wheels on the higher trim models look cool, but leave little space for rubber. The thicker rubber on the Nissan Kicks S should make for an easier ride.

Reason to love it #3: The optional AWD system is not too shabby

The optional AWD system on the 2025 Nissan Kicks actually makes it a real crossover, in my eyes. The system is simple: an electric coupling kicks in when power is needed to go to the rear wheels. Otherwise, it’s a happy-go-lucky FWD driver. Up to 50 percent of the power can be pushed aft when needed.

Reason to love it #4: It’s all about the swagger

The designers spent a lot of time making this car kind of cool inside and out. It reminds me of what Toyota’s Scion tried to do many moons back. The appeal of the styling seems universal and the interior looks pretty cool as well. On top of that, all Nissan Kicks get the “zero gravity” seats, which is Nissan-speak for “comfy foam.” Your bottom half will thank you.

Reason to think twice #1: Transmission stigma

Yes, yes, the 2025 Nissan Kicks has only one transmission available. It’s a CVT, and older Nissan have had real problems with CVT reliability. Fortunately, over the past few years, many of those issues seem to be resolved. The CVT works well and has that pre-programmed rpm drop to make it feel like you’re changing gears. For this car, it works well.

Reason to think twice #2: A scarcity of options

One thing people like to do with fun little cars is add nifty accessories and this is something the new Kicks is sorely lacking. If it were me, I would make a ton of items you can 3D model yourself for the car on your own. While I was at it, I would pepper a few funky optional inserts, or audio/visual eye candy to sweeten the deal. At the very least you could give people more interior color choices.

I think Nissan built an outstanding little runabout this time around. It offers excellent ground clearance, and it’s one of the least expensive AWD crossovers on the market. A sweet car for first-time owners, or even small families.