THIS REDESIGNED NISSAN SUV IS MORE THAN JUST FOR ‘KICKS’!
“Now, that’s an odd-looking vehicle!” could be a quite natural response by just an initial and hasty glance at the Nissan Kicks. But that is understandable. After all, the totally redesigned for 2025 and cheeky-styled SUV now teases the onlooker with a two-tone color scheme and a wraparound gloss-black grille with horizontal bars meeting up with LEDs and DRLs. Also, all new in the rear are three stacked LED bars in the full-width taillight setup.
This second-gen ride is a bigger and more impressive Kicks than its predecessor with length up by 2.8, wheelbase by 1.5, width by 1.6 and height 0.9 inches more than its predecessor. Under the hood of the front-wheel-drive-only (all-wheel drive is also available) subcompact SUV now sits a 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder engine putting out 141 horsepower (increase of 19) @ 6000 rpm and 140 pounds-feet (up by 26) of torque @ 4000 rpm with a continuously variable transmission. An independent strut front and twist-beam rear suspension works well to absorb rough road bumps while the electric power steering returns a direct response to the driver’s input. Drivers can switch between normal, eco and sport modes.
The cabin is well-lit and airy, allowing five to sit in comfort. The cargo area boasts 30 cubic feet for luggage while you get 60 cubic feet with the 60/40 second row down. The 7- and 8-inch screens for infotainment and driver info are history, replaced with two 12.3-inch screens in the SR trim, which we test drove. The same model also comes with an array of amenities such as a flat-bottomed leather tilt/telescopic steering column, auto a/c, six-way manual driver and four-way front-passenger leatherette seats, Bose sound system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, chrome door handles, push-button start and power windows/door locks.
Dual front and side airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with traction, vehicle dynamic control, blind spot, lane departure and forward-collision warnings, around-view monitor, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, auto emergency brakes with pedestrian detection, hill start assist, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system are standard. ProPilot Assist helps drivers to maintain their lane and set vehicle speed and distance to a car ahead.
Millennials, singles and couples without children, the tech reliant, exploratory and image-conscious folks should have a go at the economical subcompact SUV. The base trim starts at only $21,830 and peaks around $27,680 with attractive perks in the mix. Now that is cheap when you consider that the average new car price is over $48,000.
Sure, the Kicks appears quirky, but it is also nimble, fuel efficient (we averaged around 35 mpg in combined driving) and a sporty alternative to some bland SUVs on the road. Rest assured, if you are looking for attention while strolling the streets, you have earned it! The practical ride has a few ‘Kicks’ to it!
KICKS (SR)
Tires: 205/60R17
Wheelbase: 104.6 inches
Length: 171.9 inches
Width: 70.9 inches
Height: 64.2 inches
Weight: 3,065 pounds
Fuel capacity: 11.9 gallons
City/highway: 28/35 mpg
Base price: $26,180
Web site: www.nissanusa.com
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an
automotive editor/columnist for the
Tampa Tribune. Email him at
motoringflorida@gmail.com