by: Dhyan Sooch
First introduced in 2016, the Kicks quickly became a popular choice in the sub-compact market, appealing to a wide range of buyers. While the first generation had its charm, it was somewhat cramped inside. The second generation, however, has been completely redesigned to address these shortcomings.
Exterior: Talk about a glow-up! The 2025 Kicks looks significantly better from every angle compared to its predecessor. Our test model came in a stunning red color with a floating black roof, which looked fantastic. Personally, I would opt for the grey with a red roof combination. The high beltline adds a nice touch, providing some separation in the car’s design. The front end is flat, giving this little SUV a slightly bold look, while the rear view offers nice angles and sharp lines. The only downside was the wheels; although they may be more energy-efficient, they didn’t quite fit the car’s overall look.
Interior: The interior has undergone a complete transformation, and it’s all for the better. Cloth seats are standard, but our SR trim featured two-tone leatherette, which looked very upscale. One surprising omission was the lack of power-adjustable front seats, even in the top trim. However, the SR does come with a moonroof. The seats are incredibly comfortable, providing excellent support on long drives, such as our trip to Kelowna and back. The second row is surprisingly roomy for a vehicle of this size, outperforming most competitors. The new infotainment system is a significant upgrade, with a 12.3” screen that controls many aspects of the vehicle. Our test vehicle also had the upgraded Bose sound system, which sounded fantastic. The cargo area is impressively spacious, offering 30 cubic feet as is, or 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Engine and Drive: The second-generation Kicks now comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an upgrade from the previous 1.6-liter. With 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, the Kicks isn’t a speed demon, but it’s adequate for city and highway driving. It’s a great city vehicle, small enough for easy parking and maneuvering while providing enough space for five passengers. The CVT transmission, while not my favorite, has improved significantly and works well for daily driving. On our drive to Kelowna, the Kicks handled the hills well, though it did feel slightly pushed at times. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and the voice control feature is very convenient. Fuel economy is good, rated at 7.7 L/100 km, making it a practical choice for both city driving and occasional road trips.
Comparison with Competitors: When compared to its competitors, the 2025 Nissan Kicks holds its own quite well. The 2025 Hyundai Kona, for instance, offers a pair of 12.3-inch displays and a slightly more powerful engine, but it comes at a higher price point. The 2025 Kia Seltos has a more adult styling and a great infotainment system, but it is also priced higher. The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is the only competitor that offers a hybrid option, but it feels narrower and older in design. The 2025 Kia Soul, while a high-personality, low-price commuter, does not offer all-wheel drive. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax is an attractive, aggressively priced entry-level crossover, but it lacks all-wheel drive. All of these options may work for those in the market so it’s up to the buyer to make the right choice. That being said, overall, the Kicks remains one of the most budget-friendly options in the segment, offering standard safety technologies and a user-friendly infotainment system.
Areas for Improvement:
- Add power seats for the higher trims.
- While the CVT works well, I still prefer traditional gears.
- The Kicks has quite a bit of road noise, not just from the tires but overall. Improved noise insulation would be appreciated.
Final Thoughts: The second-generation Kicks is a significant upgrade over the outgoing model, offering a complete makeover. While it’s smaller than the Qashqai, it still has broad appeal. Our SR Premium model is priced at a very reasonable $36,929K, which is excellent value for what you get. Despite a few minor shortcomings, the 2025 Kicks is a fantastic option with sharp styling, very comfortable seats, and user-friendly features.
