2025 Nissan Kicks Debuts with Available AWD, Sharp Looks
The Kicks will join the Infiniti QX80 at next week's New York Auto Show.
Nissan's Kicks is growing up for 2025. The Japanese brand's smallest SUV saw its second generation model debut on Friday, first as part of a sneaker-themed event to kick off the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Next week, we'll be poking around it at the New York International Auto Show.
Like practically every new generation of vehicle, the Kicks has had a growth spurt. Length is now up to 171.9 inches (4,365 millimeters), an increase of 2.8 inches (70 mm). The Kicks is now wider by an inch and a half (now 70.9 inches / 1,800 mm), very slightly taller, and rides on a longer wheelbase: 104.6 inches (2,655 mm) for the front-drive model, and 104.9 inches (2,665 mm) for all-wheel drive.
Yes, the Kicks is leaving the small segment of front-drive-only crossovers. AWD will be optional on all trims, in both Canada and the US. Both models feature what Nissan is calling class-leading ground clearance, which is a little over 8.4 inches (214 mm). A 2.0-liter engine is the only choice at launch, producing 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. Like every other four-cylinder vehicle Nissan produces, the Kicks will utilize a continuously-variable transmission. AWD models gain an additional Snow drive mode, to complement Normal, Eco, and Sport.
The design is an altogether more upright, mature look, with the Kicks adopting a look with hints of Rogue, Ariya, and even the Chill-Out concept of 2021 in its avant-garde taillight design. A contrasting roof provides some visual interest, as does the very cool set of (optional) 19-inch alloys. The standard wheels are 16s on the S, and 17s on the higher trims.
The cabin sees a big upgrade with a more modern look, mature textures, and a standard 12.3-inch central touchscreen. A same-size digital instrument cluster is also included on SR, while the lower S and SV use a 7.0-inch gauge setup. Just one USB-A port exists on the base trim; the SV swaps in a pair of USB-C ports, while SR adds another pair in the second row. Nissan has actually slightly reduced front-seat passenger space with exception to hip room, but a) we're talking fractions of an inch, and b) there are increases across the board for second-row passengers. Similarly, there is now more cargo storage, with up to 30 cubic feet (849.5 liters) of seats-up storage space in the base S FWD model. This shrinks slightly for higher front-drive trims, and further still for AWD models, which lose the adjustable storage floor.
Also: yay, the return of the headrest speakers!
The 205 Nissan Kicks will go on sale in summer of this year. Expect pricing closer to release.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
More by Kyle Patrick
Comments
Join the conversation