2024 Nissan Kicks 2.0L Xtronic AWD (143 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Nissan introduced the second generation of its compact SUV Kicks in the spring of 2024 for the 2025 model year, trying to convince customers with some of its best-in-class features.

The Japanese automaker introduced the Kicks nameplate in its lineup in 2015. However, it took Nissan almost three years before launching it on the North American market after it tested it on the South American one. It couldn’t afford to show up with a product that could affect the brand’s prestige. For the second generation, though, the Japanese brand was more confident and unveiled it directly on U.S. soil. The reason behind this boldness was the fact that the car shared its CMF-B platform with other Renault and Mitsubishi vehicles that had already proved their reliability and worthiness. The compact crossover promised to provide the best-in-class ground clearance and cargo space.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks tried to impress its audience with a shocking-looking front fascia that featured a broad grille dominated by three horizontal slats. On the upper side, the automaker placed the slim LED headlights underlined by daytime running lights. Below the grille, Nissan installed a wrapped-around plastic bumper that sported a center air intake on the lower side and a rock-sliding-shield-like trim.

From its profile, the tall front end of the 2025 Nissan Kicks looked more appropriate for a larger vehicle. However, the automaker perfectly matched it with a steep windshield that paved the way to the greenhouse, which sported a curved roofline. The car’s waistline was waved and slightly lowered, underlining the window line, and it ascended above the rear wheel arches. Finally, at the back, the automaker created a raked-forward rear windshield surrounded by plastic trims that enhanced aerodynamics and a roof spoiler on top. The boomerang-shaped taillights and the black trim that visually connected them created a powerful image for the Kicks’ rear end. At the same time, the broad metallic panel of the tailgate looked bland compared to the rest of the vehicle.

Inside, the driver-centered dashboard boasted a two-screen setup covered by the same glass panel. The three-spoke steering wheel framed the instrument panel, while a touchscreen for the infotainment system adorned the top of the center stack. These displays were seven inches for the lower grades, while the SR trim level boasted a set of 12.3-inch screens. The 2025 Nissan Kicks was fitted with Zero Gravity seats, which were a promise for comfortable rides on long journeys. However, their side-bolstered areas were not very convincing for those looking for high-speed cornering. In the back, the split-folding (60/40) bench seat could increase the trunk space from 30 cu-ft. (850 liters) to 60 cu-ft. (1700 liters).

At the time of its introduction, the 2025 Nissan Kicks was available with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine. Surprisingly, in an era where most automakers, including Nissan, were launching hybrids and plug-in hybrids, the Japanese automaker chose to go on the old-school way with no electrification. However, the transmission used a CVT gearbox known as the Xtronic. Customers could get the car with a front- or an all-wheel drive system. The latter variant boasted an 8.4-inch (21 cm) ground clearance.