First Drive: 2025 Nissan Kicks Grows Into Feature-Rich SUV

The second-gen model aims to kick above its weight class with AWD and upscale touches

Jeff S. Bartlett, Consumer Reports Managing Editor, Autos.

By Jeff S. Bartlett
Managing Editor, Autos

Updated June 20, 2025

The redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks is larger, more powerful, and for the first time, offered with all-wheel drive. Plus its suite of active safety and driver assistance features is quite robust. This versatile hatchback has grown up and is kicking higher.

Its length has increased by about 3 inches, its wheelbase is up about 2 inches, its height gained an inch, and its width grew almost two inches. These changes benefit passengers and cargo space, making the cabin a bit more hospitable than before. This evolution follows the size creep for the class, with most models increasing in proportions and ability with each generation.

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Nissan Kicks: CR's Take What We Like What We Don't Like What We'll Keep an Eye On Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

The Kicks essentially replaces both the previous Kicks and the subcompact Rogue Sport (discontinued since 2023), a role made possible by the tougher-looking visage, tall 8.4 inches of ground clearance, and AWD. It is based off a global platform shared with corporate-sister brands Dacia and Renault, with a focus on price, premium touches, and youthful buyers.

Many elements make it clear that this target audience was a design directive, rather than a marketing tagline, as is so often the case when trying to characterize a car. (Keep this in mind as we explore the car below, as it explains some facets.)

To that end, Nissan turned to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the Sentra small sedan to replace the 1.6-liter engine found in the previous generation, rather than a pricier turbocharged powerplant. The Kicks is EPA-rated at 31 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive model and 30 mpg combined for AWD versions.

Prices start at $21,830 for the S trim in front drive, climbing to $23,680 for the SV, and peaking at $27,680 for the SR with AWD.

Its competition is a growing legion of small hatchbacks and subcompact SUVs that include the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Venue, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla Cross.

We bought an SV AWD for our test program, but to experience the more premium configuration, we rented an SR AWD from Nissan. Our first drive below is based on weeks spent with both versions.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Nissan Kicks is available to you below. Once we complete 2,000 break-in miles on our SV, we’ll put the Kicks through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.

If you haven’t signed up to be a member yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test.

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What we bought: 2025 Nissan Kicks SV AWD
Powertrain: 141-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; continuously variable transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $25,330
Options: Splash guards ($250), floor mats ($190)
Destination fee: $1,390
Total cost: $27,160

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Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett