If you think getting a new SUV means spending a fortune, the 2025 Nissan Kicks might just change your mind. It’s compact, feature-packed, and priced lower than most new cars on the road today. Starting at just $23,000, and with the top trim SR still under $30,000, it’s one of the most affordable options in the growing small SUV market.
But price isn’t the only thing that makes the new Kicks stand out. Nissan has given it a full redesign, better performance, and more tech than before. Let’s see what it offers.
Pricing and Competitors
The new Nissan Kicks starts around $23,000 for the base version, while the fully loaded SR trim comes in near $27,500. That’s very attractive when you consider that the average new car now costs nearly $50,000.
This puts the Kicks in competition with other small crossovers like the Mazda CX-30, Buick Envista, Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, and Ford EcoSport. Clearly, car buyers are moving away from hatchbacks and toward compact SUVs — and Nissan seems ready to take advantage.
Performance and Driving
The older Kicks was known for being underpowered. That changes this year. The 2025 model swaps out the old 1.6-liter engine for a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, bumping power by about 20 horsepower.
While that may not sound huge, in a vehicle this light, it makes daily driving much more pleasant. Acceleration is smoother, merging is easier, and overall, it feels less sluggish than before. Plus, all-wheel drive is finally available, offering more confidence in rough weather.
Ride height has also been raised by 1.5 inches, which helps for light off-road or snowy conditions.
Exterior Styling and Features
The Kicks now looks sharper and more modern from every angle. It carries a few quirky touches that help it stand out:
- Three-spoke wheels add a bold design twist.
- Two-tone paint with contrasting roof and mirror caps adds personality.
- Subtle Kicks branding on the mirror support and rear pillar feels fresh without being loud.
- LED tail lights and daytime running lights have a triple-bar design, matching front and rear.
These details give the Kicks its own character in a segment that can often feel bland.
Interior Quality and Features
Inside, the Kicks makes a strong impression — especially for this price. The cabin mixes leather and fabric seats with red and gray stitching, giving it a sportier vibe. Even the door panels use soft materials and brushed aluminum-style trim.
Other interior highlights include:
- Panoramic sunroof (SR trim) – rare in this class.
- Glossy black climate control panel with capacitive touch – feels upscale.
- Bose Personal Plus sound system with headrest speakers – delivers immersive audio.
- 8-speaker surround system – clear and rich sound.
- Adjustable lighting for the digital cluster is done with physical buttons, making it easier to use.
Even the seat design adds flair, with a red fade pattern in the center section — a nice detail that helps the Kicks feel less budget-focused.
Technology and Screens
Tech gets a big upgrade in the 2025 Kicks. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is sharp, quick to respond, and easy to navigate. A top-down camera view helps with parking — something often missing in this price range.
You also get:
- Fully digital gauge cluster, which shows music info, trip data, and more.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
- No built-in navigation, but phone-based maps fill the gap.
- Drive modes (Normal, Sport, Eco, Snow) can be selected using the quirky “D-Mode” button.
One surprising feature is missing — power seats. Adjustments are still manual, even on the top model. The steering wheel is also manually adjusted, which might feel dated to some. You also don’t get a built-in garage door opener.
Still, for the price, these trade-offs are understandable.
Back Seat and Comfort
Space in the rear is decent for a compact SUV. The seat material and trim quality match the front, which isn’t always the case in this segment. You also get USB-C ports for rear passengers.
However:
- No rear climate vents or controls
- Tight legroom if tall passengers are seated up front
- Low headroom may be an issue for adults in the back
That said, most buyers in this category won’t expect limo-like space. For kids or shorter passengers, it’ll be perfectly fine.
Cargo Space and Utility
The tailgate is manual, not power-operated. But once open, the cargo area is surprisingly roomy for a car this size.
- Wide, flat floor makes it easy to load and unload.
- Seats fold flat for larger items.
- Side compartments and under-floor storage give extra room for tools or valuables.
It’s practical, simple, and cleverly laid out.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is a strong pick for anyone looking for a budget-friendly SUV that doesn’t feel cheap. It brings more power, better looks, and a serious upgrade in features compared to the old version.
At a time when most new cars push past $40K, the Kicks proves you can still get a well-equipped SUV under $30K. It’s not perfect — but it delivers where it matters most: value, design, and everyday usability.
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