As fans, we love the automobiles that basically get your coronary heart pumping. Sadly for us, that form of stuff prices cash. Some huge cash. The overwhelming majority of automotive patrons, then again, 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 obtainable for lower than $20,000, however with an MSRP of $21,980, the 2025 Nissan Kicks appears to be like temptingly reasonably priced by new automotive requirements. And the excellent news is that whereas it might not be the sportiest subcompact crossover that you could purchase, Nissan did 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 possibility.
Now, don’t get me mistaken. 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 provide them the choice. It’s not precisely a groundbreaking addition, however on the similar time, it ought to assist increase gross sales. What about the remainder of the automotive, 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 automotive.
(Full Disclosure: Nissan needed 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 skin, the brand new Kicks appears to be like boxier and extra rugged than the automotive it replaces, and general, it’s design. I particularly like what Nissan has accomplished 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 want the Mazda CX-30’s extra athletic look, however most of the people likes extra squared-off styling, so it was in all probability a good move on Nissan’s half. And maybe most significantly, it doesn’t appear to be a automotive that was constructed to an especially 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 frequently buried in menus on touchscreens, it was good to have the ability to hop into the Kicks and simply drive without 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. Greater-end fashions have a 12.3-inch middle display, and the highest trim that we drove provides a 12.3-inch driver show as effectively. 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 will be good in the event that they had been normal throughout the board. Toyota found out a strategy to make all of the driver-assist tech normal on each Corolla and Corolla Cross, in any case. 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 strains. There are limits to how far it might 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 really attempting that.
Now I do know I used to be driving a completely loaded Kicks, and people are naturally going to really feel nicer than the bottom mannequin. That’s the purpose of the dearer variations, in any case. However I’ve to say, I used to be legitimately stunned 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 essential if you notice a Kicks SR with all-wheel drive is sort of $30,000 with vacation spot, and that’s earlier than you begin including choices. That might be an entire lot of cash to spend on a automotive crammed with low cost plastics.
Nissan typically does effectively with seats, and those within the new Kicks are not any exception. It’s exhausting to know the way far more drained I might have been by the top of my drive in one other automotive, however I used to be stunned how refreshed I felt after a few hours. If you present as much as overview one of many least costly automobiles within the U.S., you anticipate there to be some compromises, however there actually weren’t. Rear passengers additionally get an additional inch of legroom, which they’ll undoubtedly respect. The final Kicks wasn’t precisely recognized for its spacious again seat.
Underneath the hood, there’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. That’s sufficient for every day obligation and likewise 19 extra horsepower than the earlier Kicks. There actually isn’t an entire lot to say concerning the engine. It will get the job accomplished. It’s form of loud, although, and doesn’t sound the most effective. Wind and street noise are additionally noticeable, however it’s not distractingly dangerous, and it’s nonetheless quieter than I anticipated. The repeatedly variable transmission can be superb, 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 utterly misplaced when the roads obtained twisty. It’s additionally fairly good on gasoline, coming in at 28/35/31 mpg (metropolis/freeway/mixed) based on the EPA.
And whilst you’ll in all probability principally see white and black paint on the brand new Kicks, I wish to commend Nissan for providing Yuzu Yellow Metallic as an possibility. Numerous automakers are afraid to make their automobiles obtainable in Good Colours as a result of folks don’t purchase them, however not Nissan. In order for you 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 might be ordered in an excellent Electrical Blue Metallic. Come on, different automakers, give us extra enjoyable colours!
The brand new Nissan Kicks undoubtedly isn’t an fanatic’s automotive, however not all automobiles should be. As a sensible every day driver at an reasonably priced value, Nissan has principally nailed it. It’s extra grown-up. It’s nicer inside. It has extra energy. It’s extra spacious. It affords all-wheel drive. And it’s nonetheless one of many least costly automobiles you should buy proper now.
