Everything New About The 2025 Nissan Kicks

Nissan has boldly previewed the latest, and greatest, iteration of their sporty compact crossover SUV, the Kicks, with a bigger footprint, more interior space and tech, and class-leading cargo space. The unveiling came during the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Barclays Center. The unique interactive display was designed to appeal to the modern, trendy buyer who enjoys sporting as much as style, as the Kicks is definitely a modern, trendy vehicle.

The 2025 Kicks trumps its predecessor in many respects, but the most obvious would be the more SUV-esque design. The 2024 Kicks resembled more of a heavy hatch than a true crossover, though it did sport some sleek style cues throughout. The 2025 Kicks aims to cement its name in the annals of crossover SUV history with the integration of top-tier tech, safety and driver-assist functions, and performance ability packed into a tough, well-balanced package.

Another previewing of the 2025 Kicks is set to kick off at the 2024 New York International Auto Show and should shed more light on the release and price range of the new crossover. For now, Nissan has provided a nice array of media packages that give us a look into the future of their compact crossover, which includes significant upgrades both in quality-of-life and capability.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Nissan, Nissan News, JD Power, and Edmunds.

The 2025 Kicks Received A More Powerful Engine

Upgrading from the 2024 model year’s 1.6-liter mill, the 2025 packs a peppier 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that’s rated at 141 horses and 140 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its segment, Nissan claims the 2025 Kicks displays ample energy in the city and on the highway, with enough power to safely navigate and maneuver at higher speeds. This is a key upgrade from the previous model, as the 2025 Kicks also includes new additions that make the 2.0-liter feel meaningful in its power delivery and usage.

2025 Nissan Kicks Specs

(Source: Nissan)

The 2025 Nissan Kicks features an updated version of Nissan’s Xtronic transmission. The Xtronic transmission is an automatic CVT, which maximized the power delivery from the 2.0-liter I-4 and makes the most of its strong low- and mid-range torque, thus allowing the Kicks to accelerate with confidence and control. The latest Xtronic system from Nissan is more responsive, making for a quick and agile driving experience.

All-Wheel Drive Is Now An Option For The Kicks

All-new for the 2025 model year is Nissan’s intelligent all-wheel drive system. This optional upgrade pairs with the ProPILOT Assist, which adds advanced driver assist functions to the standard suite and enables an extra drive mode. The AWD feature was a no-brainer when considering 2025 model year upgrades for the Kicks, as the spunky crossover can now confidently tackle inclimate weather and slippery road conditions.

The Kicks Is Ready To Take On Tough Terrain With Best-In-Class Ground Clearance

Along with the available all-wheel drivetrain, the new Nissan Kicks enhances the ground clearance from the previous model year. So much so that the 2025 Kicks was named best-in-class in this regard. The 2025 Kicks boasts 8.4-inches, compared to the 2024 model year’s 7-inches. This is another significant upgrade, as the AWD and added driving modes instill the confidence to tackle tough terrain, and the added ground clearance makes sure you can.

The Kicks’ Exterior Design Gained Some Muscles

Upon viewing the 2025 Kicks, it’s easy to see the change in overall body design, with the newest compact crossover sporting some bold styling cues and a tough appearance. From the front to the back, the 2025 Kicks emboldens nearly every contour to project its new-found “Big Boy” attitude. The exterior styling enhancement compliments the upgraded capabilities and powerful engine of the 2025 model.

Brutish fender flares and a boxy design language encapsulates the lower half of the body, while sleek and stylish contours cap off the modern SUV.

A subtle roof spoiler adds to the sporty nature of the Kicks and hints at its enhanced performance. The design of the 2025 Kicks was meant to be expressive and bold while capturing the essence of modern design trends. Nissan excels at gauging public appeal and integrating it into original designs to deliver noteworthy models across their entire line-up, and the 2025 Kicks is a prime example of that.

Exterior Accents Border On The Futuristic

While the body design can be described in a few words: bold and expressive, other features, including the headlights, taillights, and grille, are more sleek and futuristic in their design. Take the grille, for example. The smooth appearance and integrated LED headlights project a classy, slightly up-scale appearance, which counters the tough body that surrounds it. This Yin and Yang appear throughout the entire vehicle, with Nissan balancing an array of personalities in the 2025 Kicks.

More Interior Tech And More Space Make The Kicks A Strong Competitor

When you enter the 2025 Nissan Kicks’ cabin, you’re greeted with a sleek, stylish layout, which includes large color screens for gauges and infotainment, sporty red accents, and comfortable seating for all occupants. A seven-inch screen is standard, though the 12.3-inch upgrade is a spicy addition that can instantly improve the quality of the cabin aesthetic, function, and entertainment. A premium Bose sound system is also available for music lovers and now includes speakers in the headrests of the front seats.

An improvement in interior space is one of the 2025 Kicks main upgrades from its predecessor, as now it actually competes with other small crossovers, including Hyundai Kona and
Mazda CX-30
. The improvement of interior cargo space has earned the 2025 Kicks best-in-class in this regard.

This is achieved by lowering the fold-down rear seats, which will grant you a total of 60 cubic-feet. A low liftover height means that it’s easier to load and unload heavy cargo without straining, allowing buyers to take full advantage of the best-in-class cargo space.

Another new addition to the interior layout, which is sure to improve passenger comfort, is Nissan’s Zero Gravity seat design. Both rows feature these ergonomic seats that Nissan claims help distribute weight across the occupant’s body for a more comfortable seating position and reduce fatigue. These seats are designed to be softer and more supportive, which improves comfort and reduces the tendency for backseat passengers to slide down uncomfortably on longer journeys.

Driver Assist And Safety Features Are Standard On The 2025 Kicks

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all 2025 Nissan Kicks models. This extensive suite includes both basic and advanced functions, like auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection as well as rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks S and SV also feature standard cruise control, though the top trim SR takes it a step further by adding ProPILOT Assist in the Kicks for the first time ever. ProPILOT Assist adds steering assistance to the cruise control function, making highway driving simpler.

Notable Driver Assist And Safety Features

• Rear Automatic Braking
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane Depart Warning
• ProPILOT Assist (SR Only)

A Unique Sunroof Reduces Wind Noise

A panoramic sunroof is optional and enhances natural lighting in the Kicks. The new design features distinct interior buttons to open the glass or power shade. New-generation, thinner glass doesn’t intrude on headroom, with a new slide design that reduces wind noise compared to competitors with a sunroof.

The New Nisssan Kicks Aims To Capture A Top Spot In Its Segment

The thoughtful upgrades from the previous model year hint at Nissan’s big plan for the compact crossover. It’s making a strong statement in its segment by capturing two best-in-class titles and will likely continue to pursue a higher standard moving forward. This is also a testament to Nissan’s ever-advancing automotive design and inclusion, as much of the standard tech in the 2025 Kicks is optional in many of its competitors.

The 2025 Kicks is set to hit dealerships in the late summer of 2024. Though no confirmed prices are available at this time, insiders speculate that Nissan will retain the low entry price that made the previous Kicks a compelling option.

Those buyers who are interested in compact crossovers, or crossovers in general, may want to keep an eye out for the 2025 Nissan Kicks, as it’s coming with a brand-new attitude and a plethora of popular features, both standard and optional, that are sure to entice.