To me, a crossover can’t earn that name without all-wheel drive (AWD).
All-new from the ground up, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is now the least expensive vehicle available with AWD. The base model starts at $21,830 for the Kicks S (before fees), and it’s $1,500 more to get AWD. With that price you get the 141 horsepower, 2.0-liter engine that makes 140 lbs-feet of torque across the board. While it’s over 100 pounds heavier than before, it’s still a power-to-weight gain over the previous 114 hp powerplant.
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 comes standard, as does remote keyless entry and a 7-inch infotainment screen. You also get Bluetooth and a four-speaker audio system. Fairly basic by today’s standards, but you do at least get everything you need for a relatively low starting price.
If you get the $23,690 SV, you gain a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay. It gets 17-inch wheels (over the 17-inch with on the S). You also get “Intelligent Key” with unlock/lock approach and walk-away. Step up to the $26,180 SR and you get nuvo 19-inch wheels, several paint choices, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and leatherette seats. If you get the AWD package in the SV, you get dinged $1,650 because you get a nicer wheel package too. The SR brings the AWD option back to $1,500.
There’s a new body, but it still has a CVT.
Yes, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is still offered with a much-maligned continuously variable transmission (CVT), and that transmission has no manual “shifting” option. While Nissan’s Jatco-sourced transmissions have had a tumultuous history, current reliability issues have improved. In addition, Nissan had this CVT built heftier than in past years, with twin oil pumps covering high- and low-speed demands.
Depending on the model, you can average between 30 and 31 mpg combined. Adding AWD will drop you just 1 mpg. That’s mainly because the lightweight system is engaged by an electronic coupler that normally lets the front wheels roll free. Once engaged automatically, or by selecting the right mode, up to 50 percent of the power heads rearward.
The interior is larger in every dimension, including passenger space and cargo space. These were two things I had some issues with in the past. Also, it has excellent ground clearance at 8.4-inches. That’s competitive, and its helps the vehicle’s crossover image.
With these changes, unlike the past Nissan Kicks, I’m now okay calling this one a “crossover.” Check out more of my thoughts in the video below.
