Motor1 Loves the New Kicks, and So Will You

The first Nissan subcompact SUV was the stylish, if idiosyncratic, Juke. With a 188 to 215-hp turbocharged engine and a tiny body, driving was an absolute hoot. The Juke was launched before there was a sub-compact SUV segment to speak of. However, as the category started to establish itself, it found a market in those looking for inexpensive but practical transportation. Nissan responded with the Kicks, which was much more sober than the Juke but delivered the space the market was looking for and was inexpensive to purchase, feed, and maintain. 

The second-generation Kicks departs so much from its predecessor; it represents the third Nissan take on subcompact crossovers, and this time, they aim for nothing less than having the most compelling model in the segment. Automotive enthusiast site Motor1 thinks they nailed it, and Dick Smith Nissan of St. Andrews gives you the details of what they said.  

The exterior is stunning, or as Motor1 says, “awesome.” The brand’s V-Motion grille is gone, except that the opening within the grille is still kind of V-shaped. In the flat front end, you notice the horizontal slats of the grille extending across the entire width of the car to become the vehicle’s LED daytime running lights. The LED headlights are high-mounted, low-profile, and wide, with a black band between them. The front-end elements echo that of the new Murano but in a unique way to the Kicks.  

The bold design flows along the vehicle’s side, featuring a muscular kick-up in the lower body over the rear wheels. A blacked-out pillar treatment encircles the entire greenhouse and works well with the optional two-tone exterior treatment, which includes a black or red roof.  

The blunt front end suggests that the Kicks may appear smaller than its predecessor, but it is actually two inches longer, an inch wider, and an inch taller. Additionally, the space underneath is taller, with ground clearance increasing from 7.0 to 8.4 inches, which is impressive for any crossover.  

Those larger outer dimensions are reflected in the cabin, particularly for the rear passenger, who will enjoy an inch more rear legroom (34.5 vs. 33.4) and an inch and a half more hip and shoulder room. Cargo volume increases significantly: 30.0 cubic feet with the seats up compared to 25.3 from the previous model and 60.0 square feet with the seats down compared to 53.1. 

What is more immediately noticeable about the cabin, however, is its surprisingly upscale design. The gauge cluster and center touchscreen reside on a textured shelf on the dash that is about the same height as the steering wheel spokes, with a padded upper dash section behind them so they don’t appear perched and vulnerable on top of the dash. The displays increase in logical progression depending on the trim level, with the entry-level S trim getting analog gauges and a 7-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen increases to 12.3 inches on the SV, and the SR replaces the gauges with a 12.3-inch digital display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the model line. Motor1 adds: “The screens here work wonderfully; the graphics are crystal clear, touch-responsiveness is quick, and everything is easy to access.” Just as important, Motor1 finds the new Kicks to be comfortable. “Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats are excellent. They offer the perfect amount of bolstering and plenty of butt and back support for long-distance cruising.” 

Additionally important, the Kicks is more enjoyable to drive. The previous model was powered by a 1.6-liter non-turbocharged engine producing 122 hp and 114 of torque with acceleration that could best be described as leisurely. The Kicks er…kicks things up to a 2.0-liter engine producing 144 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Says Motor1: “The uptick in output is immediately noticeable when you get on the throttle. There’s real, usable torque from the 2.0-liter engine, which gives the Kicks decent pep off the line.” 

The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission to optimize fuel economy, which, according to the EPA, is 28 city / 35 highway /31 combined for front-wheel-drive models. And here is where we come to the other big news about the new Kicks: It is now a full-fledged crossover with the poor weather traction optimization of available all-wheel drive (AWD). EPA figures for the AWD model drop one mpg across the board, with 27 city / 34 highway /30 combined. 

If you think all these improvements come at a price, you would be correct, but it’s a small one. The Kicks S FWD has a starting MSRP of $21,830, which is just $490 over the entry-level 2024 model. The range stretches to $27,680 for the SR AWD, which includes 19-inch wheels, an interior with leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, carbon-fiber appearing trim, orange accent stitching, and several other upgrades, plus the availability of two-tone exteriors, a Bose audio system and surprisingly, Nissan’s ProPilot Assist hands-free highway driving system.  

We couldn’t ask for a better summary from Motor1: “The 2025 Kicks is excellent. It ticks all the right boxes for buyers in this category, looks good doing it, and still costs less than $25,000 to start.” The Dick Smith Nissan of St. Andrews inventory is now full of 2025 Kicks models for you to sample. Check it out, and you will see, along with the impressive new 2025 Murano, both the future of Nissan and possibly a great new addition to your driveway.