2025 Nissan Kicks: Pros And Cons
Nissan has introduced the second-generation Kicks for the 2025 model year. Not often does a vehicle change this much from generation to generation, but nearly everything about the Kicks is all-new. After spending some time driving the new SUV, we’ve come up with a few of the Kicks’ biggest pros and cons.
Pro: Size
The new generation Nissan Kicks has grown, now measuring 171.9 inches in length. Besides the additional 2.3 inches of length, the Kicks is also 1.6 inches wider and almost an inch taller. This translates directly to passenger and cargo space.
Up front, the subcompact SUV offers plenty of room, while the rear seats should be able to fit most adults. Cargo capacity is also impressive for the class, measuring in at 30 cubic feet for front-wheel drive models, or 23.9 cubic feet in all-wheel drive models.
Con: Engine Power
The larger 2025 Nissan Kicks is heavier than the previous generation by roughly 300 pounds. To compensate for the increased heft, the vehicle ditches the old 1.6-liter four-cylinder in favor of a larger 2.0-liter unit.
Power is listed at 141 horsepower and 141 pound of torque, which are healthy increases over the previous Kicks. Despite the gains though, power is still tepid, and accelerating up to highway speeds can best be described as leisurely. Around town, the response is better, but the Kicks never feels all that swift.
Pro: Driveability
Built on an all-new platform, the 2025 Nissan Kicks’ chassis is ready for a little fun. With well controlled body roll, the Kicks eagerly transitions form one direction to another when attacking a twisty road. The steering wheel is thin and small in radius, exaggerating the SUV’s responses. Steering feel is also better than expected in the Kicks.
Don’t get us wrong, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is far from a performance SUV. But it’s not a snore to drive and can be somewhat entertaining on the right roads.
Con: Outside Noise
Although improvements have been made in relation to Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH) for the 2025 Nissan Kicks, a good deal of sound still makes its way into the cabin. The suspension can be heard at times clunking over bumps, while the engine can get quite loud under hard acceleration. Road noise is also present, but liveable.
Pro: Ride Comfort
In contrast to the noise the suspension can sometimes make when hitting bumps, none of the impact is felt in the cabin. For a small SUV with a short wheelbase, Nissan has done a good job smoothing out road imperfections and controlling the suspension’s rebound. It’s one of the more pleasant riding experiences in the class.
Pro: Available All-Wheel Drive
Of course, we cannot discuss the 2025 Nissan Kicks without bringing up the available all-wheel drive. Previously unavailable on the Kicks, the addition of AWD opens an entirely new customer base for Nissan. Best of all, front-wheel or all-wheel drive can be equipped to any of the three Kicks’ trim levels, offering plenty of choice for shoppers.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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