As fans, we love the automobiles that basically get your coronary heart pumping. Sadly for us, that sort of stuff prices cash. Some huge cash. The overwhelming majority of automobile patrons, alternatively, 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 automobiles out there for lower than $20,000, however with an MSRP of $21,980, the 2025 Nissan Kicks appears temptingly reasonably priced by new automobile requirements. And the excellent news is that whereas it is probably not the sportiest subcompact crossover that you may purchase, Nissan did a very good job of specializing in what’s going to matter probably the most to patrons. This time round, which means lastly including all-wheel drive as an choice.
Now, don’t get me flawed. 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 folks 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 increase gross sales. What about the remainder of the automobile, although? Is it actually a discount, or did Nissan low-cost out and minimize corners? After a number of hours behind the wheel, I’d argue the 2025 Nissan Kicks actually is a superb 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 elaborate lodge, purchased my drinks and fed me.)
On the surface, the brand new Kicks appears boxier and extra rugged than the automobile it replaces, and total, it’s a very good design. I particularly like what Nissan has completed with the taillights, which actually assist the Kicks stand out. As somebody who simply needs a sizzling hatch on the finish of the day, I favor the Mazda CX-30’s extra athletic look, however most people likes extra squared-off styling, so it was most likely a good move on Nissan’s half. And maybe most significantly, it doesn’t appear to be a automobile that was constructed to a particularly low value 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 number of different bodily controls together with a quantity knob. In a world the place features 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 middle display, and the highest trim that we drove provides a 12.3-inch driver show as nicely. The Kicks additionally contains 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 all the time nice to see, though it could be good in the event that they had been customary throughout the board. Toyota found out a technique to make all of the driver-assist tech customary on each Corolla and Corolla Cross, in spite of everything. Nonetheless, Nissan’s removed from the one offender in that regard, and the programs do work rather 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 will 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 costlier 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 big step up by way of high quality. That’s much more necessary 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 may be a complete lot of cash to spend on a automobile full of low-cost plastics.
Nissan typically does nicely with seats, and those within the new Kicks are not any exception. It’s onerous to understand how rather more drained I might 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 assessment 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 positively admire. The final Kicks wasn’t precisely recognized for its spacious again seat.
Below 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 a complete lot to say concerning the engine. It will get the job completed. It’s sort of loud, although, and doesn’t sound the most effective. Wind and street noise are additionally noticeable, however it’s not distractingly unhealthy, and it’s nonetheless quieter than I anticipated. The repeatedly variable transmission can also be advantageous, 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 obtained twisty. It’s additionally fairly good on gasoline, coming in at 28/35/31 mpg (metropolis/freeway/mixed) in response to the EPA.
And whilst you’ll most likely principally see white and black paint on the brand new Kicks, I wish to commend Nissan for providing Yuzu Yellow Metallic as an choice. A whole lot of automakers are afraid to make their automobiles out there in Good Colours as a result of folks don’t purchase them, however not Nissan. If you would like a yellow Kicks, you will 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 will 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 automobiles must be. As a sensible each day driver at an reasonably priced value, Nissan has mainly 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 automobiles you should buy proper now.
