The redesigned Nissan Kicks crossover adds power, space and features without sacrificing affordability
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is slight bigger and more powerful, with a 2.0-litre, 141 horsepower four-cylinder engine.
Nissan has finally given the Kicks what it always needed—more power, more space and more personality—without losing sight of its affordability.
The newest version of the Kicks is fully redesigned, and it shows. Bigger, better equipped and more capable than before, it now feels like a serious contender in the crowded subcompact crossover market—a segment made up of small SUVs designed for urban driving and light utility.
First introduced in North America in 2018, the Kicks started as a no-frills, entry-level option. This second-generation model keeps that value-driven spirit but adds more of what drivers expect today: upgraded power, useful tech, increased interior space and sharper styling.
A new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the hood delivers 141 horsepower, replacing the previous 1.6-litre engine that produced just 122. It’s still not built for speed, but the added power is noticeable and gives the Kicks more confidence during highway merges, passing and everyday city driving.
That added power comes at a small cost, however. Fuel economy takes a slight hit. The new Kicks is rated at 8.4 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway, compared to 7.7 and 6.6, respectively, in the earlier model. That’s the tradeoff for more usable power.
Also new: all-wheel drive is now available—a welcome feature for drivers dealing with winter roads. This was a key drawback in the previous generation, which only offered front-wheel drive.
The 2025 Kicks is slightly larger overall. It now rides on a 2,656 mm wheelbase (up 35 mm) and stretches 4,365 mm in length, an increase of 56 mm. The added space helps make the cabin feel more open and comfortable.
Styling is sharper, with bolder lines and a more modern look. My test vehicle came in optional Yuza Yellow Metallic, a $795 upgrade, which drew attention for all the right reasons.
Inside, the Kicks has undergone a complete transformation. What was once a basic cabin now looks and feels more premium. Red and grey stitching, red-and-black seat inserts, brushed aluminum trim and soft-touch materials all help elevate the feel. A bright red ring around the gear selector adds a playful touch.
That upscale impression carries through to the feature list, especially in the top-end SR Premium AWD, which starts at $37,673. That’s a jump from the base model’s starting price of $29,937—both prices before fees and taxes. Even base models include key safety features and touchscreen integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making the Kicks competitive across its lineup.
With light steering, good visibility and a clean, driver-friendly layout, the Kicks is easy to drive and live with. Unlike many new vehicles that bury key functions in digital menus, the Kicks keeps physical buttons for essentials like heated seats, defoggers and fan speed. It’s intuitive and safer for drivers who want to stay focused on the road. As I wrote about the first-generation model, “there’s nothing odd, peculiar, quirky or bizarre with the Kicks.” That still holds true.
The Kicks competes with a long list of rivals, including the Buick Envista, Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Venue, Kia Seltos and Soul, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross and Volkswagen Taos. That’s stiff competition in one of the fastest-growing and most competitive vehicle categories in Canada, but the Kicks holds its own, especially when you factor in pricing, features and ease of use.
It’s not perfect. A bit more power and a quieter ride would improve the experience. But in a market where affordability is fading fast, the Kicks shows you don’t have to overspend to get a practical, capable and well-equipped crossover. It has matured in the ways that matter but stayed true to what made it appealing from the start.
Our verdict
The redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks delivers more power, space and features without losing its reputation for value. It’s not the quietest or smoothest in its class, but it offers a well-balanced mix of practicality, style and affordability. For Canadian buyers looking for a subcompact crossover that doesn’t cut corners or even drain the wallet, the Kicks remains a smart, budget-conscious choice.
Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.
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