2025 Nissan Kicks Expert Review: Drive, Performance & Specs Tested

The 2025 Nissan Kicks is back—like, a totally revamped contender in the crowded subcompact SUV game. This second-gen model steps up from the original, which hit the streets back in 2018. It’s basically taking over the spot left by the Rogue Sport (or Qashqai, if you prefer) since that one’s out of the picture now. The new Kicks manages to offer a more sophisticated and capable ride while still keeping that budget-friendly vibe.

Looking at the bigger picture, the Kicks is up against some tough competition. The Mazda CX-30, for example, is pretty much the king when it comes to driving experience and that upscale feel. Then there’s the Honda HR-V, known for its reliability and solid build quality. And if you’re into adventure, the Subaru Crosstrek has got standard all-wheel drive to keep you moving. Don’t forget about the Kia Seltos, which delivers great value and features. Plus, we’ve got the Chevrolet Trax and Toyota Corolla Cross also in the mix.

What really sets the 2025 Kicks apart? Well, it combines fresh looks, upgraded tech, and—finally—available all-wheel drive. It’s actually a bit bigger now, measuring 171.9 inches in length, 70.9 inches wide, and 64.0 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 104.9 inches. So yeah, it fits right into the subcompact SUV bracket while giving you more room inside compared to its predecessor.

Starting at $23,220, the Kicks is one of the more wallet-friendly options out there. And that’s saying something, especially when you consider that the average price for a new car is creeping close to $50,000 these days. There are three trim levels to choose from—S, SV, and SR—each one upping the ante with more features.

What’s kind of cool about the 2025 Kicks is how it’s transformed from just a basic way to get around to a more well-rounded vehicle. The addition of all-wheel drive opens it up for folks in colder areas, and the ground clearance is up to 8.4 inches now, which is a nice boost in capability. This change tackles many of the complaints people had about the last generation, all while keeping the value that made it a hit.

When you think about where the Kicks fits in the market, it’s been strategically placed. Sure, it might not have the fancy feel of the Mazda CX-30 or the rock-solid reliability of the Honda HR-V, but it does pack a pretty appealing mix of features, style, and value. It’s likely to catch the eye of first-time buyers and those looking for a practical city car. Plus, Nissan has thrown in some of their latest safety and tech features even on the base models, which shows they’re serious about offering more than just a way to get from point A to point B.

So, the 2025 Nissan Kicks gets a big upgrade with a brand-new 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. This engine cranks out 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. That’s an increase of 20 horsepower and 26 lb-ft compared to the previous 1.6-liter engine. Definitely a step up, right? we mean, it tackles one of the biggest complaints about the older model – that it just didn’t have enough power.

This engine is paired with Nissan’s updated Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) for 2025. They’ve fine-tuned it a bit, and now it includes simulated gear changes. This is a smart move because it helps reduce that annoying “drone” sound that CVTs can make when you hit the gas hard. The driving experience feels a lot more natural with this setup, especially when you’re accelerating more aggressively.

When it comes to performance, the all-wheel-drive Kicks can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.0 seconds. Sure, it won’t win any races, but it’s a noticeable improvement from the past model and gives you enough power for everyday driving. The quarter-mile time is around 17.1 seconds at 82 mph, and it’s estimated to hit a top speed of 120 mph.

You really see the powertrain shine in city driving. The CVT is designed to focus on efficiency and smoothness, making it feel quite responsive when you take off from a stop. That tall simulated first gear helps quite a bit, too. It’s kind of funny how it feels nippier in the city than the numbers might suggest.

But, heads-up for highway driving—passing can take a bit of foresight. The engine’s power isn’t overwhelming at higher speeds; for instance, going from 30 to 50 mph takes about 4.8 seconds, and 50 to 70 mph requires around 6.5 seconds. So, yeah, if you’re planning to pass on a two-lane road or merge onto a highway, maybe be a little cautious.

On the fuel efficiency front, the Kicks does pretty well, boasting EPA ratings of 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive versions. The all-wheel-drive models do take a slight hit, with figures of 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. In real-world tests, the all-wheel-drive version managed to hit 33 mpg on the highway at a steady 75 mph, so those numbers are definitely within reach during normal driving.

Adding all-wheel drive for 2025 boosts the Kicks’ capabilities. The system mostly runs in front-wheel drive to save on gas, only sending power to the rear wheels when it senses slip. It’s not as advanced as Subaru’s full-time symmetrical system, but it still gives you a bit more confidence when the weather gets rough or if you decide to venture off the beaten path a little.

As for the engine’s smoothness—it’s decent for this class. You might notice a bit of vibration creeping into the cabin when you accelerate hard, but once you settle into cruising, the powertrain quiets down nicely. Honestly, for a car in this price range, it offers surprisingly good refinement on the highway.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks comes with a standard, yet effective braking system featuring 11.6-inch ventilated discs in the front and 11.0-inch solid discs in the back. This setup delivers a reliable, predictable stopping power that gives you confidence when you’re out driving every day. When we tested it, the Kicks managed a 70-0 mph stopping distance of 176 feet—definitely competitive for its class.

The brake pedal feels great. It’s got a nice progressive touch that helps you make smooth stops without much hassle. At first, the bite isn’t super aggressive, but it builds up nicely as you press down harder, which is perfect for navigating stop-and-go traffic. You notice this in city driving where those smooth stops are a must.

Every version of the 2025 Kicks comes with some solid tech—like four-channel ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist—all standard. These systems work together to boost stability and control when you need to slam on the brakes. They kick in when they need to, but never feel like they’re getting in the way during everyday driving.

Another cool update? The electronic parking brake with auto-hold is standard on all trims now, ditching that old hand lever from the last generation. This not only opens up some space in the center console but also makes life easier in stop-and-go situations. The auto-hold feature is a blessing—you can just sit there without having to keep your foot on the brake pedal, which is super handy in the city.

The braking system is designed with fade resistance in mind, keeping performance consistent even under tough conditions. When they did repeated high-speed stops, the system barely showed any fade, maintaining a steady pedal feel and stopping distances. It gives you that extra bit of confidence, especially when you’re taking on some spirited driving or going downhill.

Last but not least, the Kicks’ braking system is nicely integrated with its driver assistance features. The autonomous emergency braking system is standard on all trims, and it’s a game-changer. It steps in when necessary without throwing false alarms at you while you’re driving. Plus, it’s smart enough to spot both cars and pedestrians, adding that extra layer of safety we all want.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks comes equipped with an electric power steering system that’s been tweaked for this new generation. Honestly, it does a good job of keeping things stable—you won’t be making constant adjustments just to stay in your lane on the highway. When you first turn the wheel, the response is quick, which is great for city driving where you need to weave in and out of traffic.

About the steering weight, it’s well done. It’s light enough to make low-speed maneuvers a breeze, but it still gives you enough resistance when you hit those higher speeds. Plus, there’s a drive mode selector that lets you pick from three different levels of assistance, so you can tailor the steering feel to what you like. If you go with Sport mode, it does add some weight to the steering but don’t expect it to give you a ton of feedback.

Moving on to the suspension, for 2025, you’ll find independent MacPherson struts in the front and a new multi-link setup for the all-wheel-drive models. They ditched the old torsion beam design, and honestly, this upgrade helps with ride quality and handling—especially on bumpy roads where the wheels can move around more.

The ground clearance is now at 8.4 inches, which, sure, means you might notice a bit more body roll in corners compared to some rivals. But don’t worry; the way the suspension is tuned keeps things in check, so you won’t feel like you’re floating or losing stability. The vehicle scored a solid 0.84g on the skidpad, which is more than respectable for its class.

As for ride quality overall, it generally feels good. The suspension does a nice job of soaking up those bigger potholes and keeping things steady on rough pavement. Thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider track, you’ll feel a boost in stability, especially when cruising on the highway. Sure, there’s a bit of room for improvement when it comes to handling smaller bumps, but it’s still competitive in its segment.

One more thing—structural rigidity has seen a nice bump for 2025, which means you’ll notice less road noise and vibration inside the cabin. The suspension mounting points feel solid, making for a more refined driving experience than what you’d get with the last generation. You’ll definitely appreciate this upgrade when you’re driving over those rough patches or crossing railroad tracks.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks comes with three different wheel and tire setups depending on the trim level you choose. Starting with the base S model, it rolls on 16-inch steel wheels paired with 205/60R16 all-season tires. If you step up to the mid-level SV, you get a nice upgrade to 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 205/55R17 tires. And for those who want the top-of-the-line experience, the SR trim offers an option for snazzy 19-inch wheels, complete with 225/45R19 Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S tires.

Now, those 19-inch wheels look great, but there’s a bit of a trade-off when it comes to ride comfort. The shorter sidewalls mean you’ll feel more bumps in the road inside the cabin, and those sharp jolts? Yeah, they can be pretty noticeable. That’s why many folks might find that the 17-inch setup strikes the best balance between style and a smoother ride.

As for tire noise, it’s actually well-managed across all the trims. However, if you’re cruising down the highway with those 19-inch tires, you might notice a bit more road noise. The Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S tires on the SR trim hold up nicely, providing dependable performance whether it’s sunny or rainy. Plus, with their M+S rating, they’re decent enough for light snow.

Nissan clearly knows who they’re targeting with the Kicks. The all-season tires are perfect for everyday driving, offering a solid mix of durability, comfort, and ability to handle various weather conditions. And those wider tires on the higher trims? They do give a boost in grip without hurting your fuel efficiency.

One thing to note is that the space-saver spare tire is now just an optional extra for all trims. Instead, you get a tire repair kit as standard. This move can help lighten the load and free up some cargo space, but, hey, some buyers—especially those who live far from service stations—might feel a bit uneasy without a spare tire on hand.

Every Kicks model comes with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which shows the pressure for each tire. This feature makes it super easy to keep everything in check for optimal performance and efficiency. Plus, there’s this handy Easy Fill Tire Alert that honks the horn when your tires hit the right pressure during inflation, so you can fill them up without worrying too much.

The interior of the 2025 Kicks is a big leap forward when it comes to design and the quality of materials. You’ve got this cool horizontal dashboard that stands out, especially with the modern dual-screen setup taking the spotlight at the top. If you go for the higher trims, specifically the SV and SR, you’re looking at two 12.3-inch displays—one for the driver’s digital instrument cluster and the other for the center infotainment—both tucked under a single piece of glass. It definitely gives off a premium, contemporary vibe.

When we talk about materials, there’s a noticeable upgrade from the last generation, especially in spots you touch often. For instance, the SR trim combines leatherette and cloth upholstery, featuring some eye-catching red accents and contrast stitching. Soft-touch materials line the dashboard and the upper door panels, while tougher plastics are used in areas that aren’t as visible. They’ve even given those harder plastics a textured finish to keep everything looking sharp.

Moving on to the center console, it’s got a clean, tidy design featuring a traditional gear selector—much more upscale than before. On the SR models, the climate control panel switches to a sleek capacitive touch interface with haptic feedback. But don’t worry, if you’re looking at lower trims, you still get those trusty physical controls. And hey, the brushed aluminum-look trim and the contrast stitching scattered around the cabin add a nice touch, making it feel a bit more refined.

Nissan clearly paid attention to the details here. You’ve got consistent orange stitching throughout and Bose speakers integrated into the headrests for those who opt for the premium audio system. The flat-bottom steering wheel that comes standard on SR trims? It gives a sporty feel while still being practical.

When it comes to color schemes, they’ve done a nice job. The black interior is broken up with metallic and chrome accents to keep it from feeling too dark. And the red accents on the SR trim? Perfectly balanced—adding just the right pops of color without being over the top. Overall, it’s modern and cohesive, steering clear of that budget look you sometimes see in vehicles at this price point.

At night, the ambiance is enhanced by well-placed LED interior lighting, which includes illuminated USB ports and footwell lighting on the higher trims. Those digital displays are easy to read in different lighting conditions, with sharp graphics and customizable layouts that boost that modern feel.

Functionality is key here, too. The interior design doesn’t just look good; it’s practical. The instrumentation is clear, and the controls are where you’d expect them to be. The infotainment screen is high-mounted, making it easy to reach, and the physical buttons for the things you use most often are right there. Plus, the storage solutions are well-thought-out, keeping the overall design tidy and organized.

The 2025 Kicks shows off what Nissan’s all about with a fresh, bold design that sets it apart from the previous model. Up front, you’ve got the signature V-motion grille, which is now wider and stands out, paired with some cool LED headlights that have this unique three-bar lighting pattern. And get this—the texture on the grille actually takes cues from athletic shoes, which is pretty neat considering the car’s name!

When you look at it from the side, the new Kicks has a more commanding presence. It’s 2.8 inches longer and 1.6 inches wider than the last version! The floating roof design is super trendy and it looks great on the Kicks, especially with the two-tone color options available. The character lines—man, they’re sharp and really pop without looking cluttered.

Around the back, the modern vibe continues with horizontal LED taillights that make the car look wide. There’s a roof spoiler and a sculpted bumper that give it a sporty feel, plus the ride height is higher, and the black cladding nails that crossover look. If you go for the SR trim, you get some cool extras like unique 19-inch wheels and special accents on the exterior.

You’ll notice lots of thoughtful touches, like the “Kicks” branding on the C-pillar and side mirror supports. The LED lighting is consistent all around, making for a premium look that you usually don’t find in this price range. And those two-tone paint options? They let you personalize things—choose from red, gray, or a black roof!

The ground clearance is now 8.4 inches, which gives the Kicks a more capable stance while still looking sleek. The wheel choices are great too, from 16-inch steel wheels on the base models to those standout 19-inch alloys on the SR trim. Plus, there are black-out packages you can opt for if you want to make it your own.

In terms of size, it strikes a nice balance for city driving while still having a strong presence. The short overhangs and well-proportioned greenhouse give it that modern crossover look without feeling too tall or squeezed, something a lot of cars in this segment struggle with. And the wider track and longer wheelbase? They really help with stability.

You can see they’ve put thought into aerodynamics too, with features like the integrated roof spoiler and a smart A-pillar design that cut down on wind noise while keeping everything looking good. And let’s not forget the active grille shutters that come on all models—they’re great for efficiency and keep the front end looking neat.

The 2025 Kicks definitely puts comfort first, and it shines through some key features—like those Nissan Zero Gravity seats. They’re standard in both the front and back, and they’ve got 14 pressure points working to keep you comfy. Long drives? No problem! These seats do a solid job of reducing fatigue, especially with the lumbar and thigh support in the front.

When it comes to climate control, it varies a bit depending on the trim level. For instance, the SR comes with a single-zone automatic system that’s got this cool haptic touch interface. The lower trims stick with the more traditional manual controls, but honestly, all of them do a decent job of keeping things nice and comfortable. Now, it’s worth mentioning that there are no rear HVAC vents, but given the compact size of the cabin, it’s not really a deal-breaker for most people.

Storage-wise, the Kicks has thought of everything. The center console might be a bit small, but it’s designed smartly, with options like a wireless charging pad on the SV and SR trims. The door pockets are big enough to hold those 32-ounce water bottles, and the center armrest storage is perfect for smaller items, like your phone and wallet.

When it comes to tech, convenience is the name of the game. If you’re in the SV or SR trims, you’ll find wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The base S model needs a wired connection, but it still lets you integrate your smartphone. And if you’re in the higher trims, you’ll find USB-C ports in the front and back, making it easy to charge up modern devices.

If you’re an audio lover, there’s an available Bose Personal Plus audio system that comes with headrest-mounted speakers. It’s impressive for a car in this class! You’ll hear those clear highs and decent bass responses. The standard system isn’t as fancy, but it’s still good enough for casual listening.

If you opt for the panoramic sunroof on the SV and SR trims, it opens up the cabin and gives it a nice airy vibe. Sure, it might slightly cut into headroom, but honestly, the standard height is generous enough that most people probably won’t even notice. The power shade works like a charm too, blocking out sunlight when you need it.

When you’re behind the wheel, everything is laid out nicely. The controls are easy to use, with buttons on the steering wheel for audio, cruise control, and vehicle info. Plus, there’s an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function, which is a lifesaver in stop-and-go traffic.

The NissanConnect infotainment system? Major upgrade! It’s fast, the menu makes sense, and connecting your smartphone is a breeze. And don’t worry about it getting outdated—over-the-air updates mean it can improve and add new features over time.

Now, about those advanced driver assistance features. The intelligent cruise control on SR models can handle full-speed ranges, making it smooth for those stop-and-go situations while keeping a safe distance. Lane centering works like a charm on nicely marked highways, too.

For navigation, you’ve got this door-to-door function that works through smartphone integration, giving you walking directions when needed. No built-in navigation? No biggie, because most people won’t mind with the wireless smartphone integration available.

As for connected services, you can monitor your vehicle remotely, make emergency calls, and get health reports. The NissanConnect mobile app is handy for locking/unlocking, starting the engine, and finding out where your car is. If you need to stay connected, there’s even a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot option.

The intelligent key system now features remote engine start along with automatic climate control activation, so you can have the cabin nice and cozy before you even step inside. And if you’ve got multiple drivers, the customizable profiles save your preferred settings for seating, audio, and climate control.

The voice control capabilities go beyond just the basics. It can understand natural language for various functions. So, if you say something like “I’m cold,” it’ll adjust the climate for you. Or if you need to find the nearest coffee shop, just ask away! It’s quite impressive.

The safety features in the 2025 Kicks are impressive, kicking off with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360. This suite of driver assistance tools is standard on all models, which is great! It includes stuff like automatic emergency braking that even detects pedestrians, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

If you go for the SR trim, you get the ProPILOT Assist system. This handy feature gives you some semi-autonomous driving capabilities, blending adaptive cruise control with lane centering. Honestly, for the price, it does a fantastic job. You can cruise down the highway, and it keeps you centered in your lane while adjusting speed smoothly.

For 2025, Nissan has upped the ante on structural safety too. They’ve reinforced the passenger safety cell and used high-strength steel in all the right places. Sure, the official crash test ratings weren’t out yet when they launched, but the engineers were aiming high, hoping to snag top scores from both NHTSA and IIHS.

Visibility is solid overall, thanks to a higher seating position and those nice big windows. The SR trim’s 360-degree camera system is a lifesaver for low-speed maneuvers. Plus, every model comes with a backup camera featuring dynamic guidelines—super handy! And let’s not forget about the LED lighting system that really shines at night.

The active safety systems? They’re well-tuned! They step in when needed but don’t feel overbearing during regular driving. The forward collision warning system is particularly good in busy city streets, offering smart alerts, while the blind spot monitoring is reliable without bombarding you with false alarms.

On the security side of things, there’s an engine immobilizer, a vehicle security system, and a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy Fill Tire Alert—pretty neat, right? If you opt for the higher trims, you even get a remote start, which lets you pre-heat or cool down the cabin when the weather’s extreme.

What stands out is how seamlessly these active safety features fit into the overall driving experience. Even if you’re a new driver, you’ll find that they’re easy to understand and helpful rather than confusing. The warnings are clear, and the gradual interventions promote safer driving without adding any stress. 

When you get behind the wheel of the 2025 Kicks, you feel its focus on city life, and it’s got some nice upgrades compared to the last model. First off, that higher seating position? It’s a game-changer for visibility— you can see everything around you, which boosts your confidence when navigating through busy streets. Plus, with its compact size and a turning radius of just 34.8 feet, zipping around town is a breeze.

The new 2.0-liter engine is pretty smooth—it delivers power in a way that feels nice and steady. You get a solid response when starting from a stop, thanks to the CVT’s “first gear” setup. Sure, the acceleration isn’t mind-blowing, but for everyday driving, it feels just right. Hitting 0-60 mph in about 9.0 seconds places it in the middle of the pack, but honestly? It never feels like you’re crawling along.

On the highway, you can feel the improvements from the previous model. The longer wheelbase and wider track make it more stable at higher speeds, and the sound insulation does a great job of keeping wind and road noise down to a manageable level. And those simulated gear changes from the CVT? They help avoid that annoying drone that can come with acceleration in cars like this.

When it comes to suspension, it’s a nice blend of comfort and control. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, you’ll find the multi-link rear suspension does a better job handling bumps than the torsion beam found in the front-wheel-drive models. Sure, there’s a bit of body roll when you’re cornering, but it’s kept in check, so you won’t feel like you’re going to tip over during sudden maneuvers.

As for the steering? It’s decent. It gives you good stability and enough feedback for what you need. It might not have that sports car sharpness, but it’s accurate enough for smooth lane changes and parking. And if you like options, the three-mode drive selector (Normal, Sport, Eco) lets you tweak the steering weight and throttle response, although the differences are pretty subtle.

Now, the all-wheel-drive system? It’s seamless. It directs power to the rear wheels only when necessary. While it’s not made for heavy off-roading, it definitely gives you that extra sense of security during rough weather. Plus, with 8.4 inches of ground clearance, it can handle urban bumps and light trails without breaking a sweat.

In day-to-day driving, the Kicks really shines. The controls are light, the visibility is great, and the overall dynamics are super predictable, which makes it a breeze to drive. The refined powertrain and better sound insulation offer a surprisingly mature experience for a vehicle in this price range. Honestly, it feels more upscale than you might expect.

The rear seat space in the 2025 Kicks has definitely improved thanks to its larger size. So, let’s talk numbers: you’re looking at 34.5 inches of legroom. Not the absolute best out there, but hey, it’s better than what came before. And headroom? Well, that’s generous at 38 inches, but if you opt for that panoramic sunroof, you might lose a little bit of that height.

Now, the rear seat bottom sits at a comfy height, which is nice—it gives good thigh support for adults during those longer rides. The angle of the seatback? It’s fixed, but honestly, it’s at a spot where most people will find it cozy enough. If you’re thinking about using the center seat, it works for quick trips, but it’s more suited for kids. The raised center tunnel and firmer cushioning make it a bit less comfy for adults over time.

For those riding in the back, there are some decent perks too. You get two USB-C ports on the SV and SR trims, which is super handy for keeping your devices charged while on the go. Plus, there’s a fold-down center armrest with two cupholders, and the door panels have bottle holders and little storage spots. One downside? There aren’t any rear air vents, but the size of the cabin helps keep things comfy, thanks to the front vents.

When it comes to the materials in the rear, they’re generally solid. You might spot a few hard plastics here and there, more so than in the front seats. But the cloth upholstery looks good and feels durable. If you go for the SR models, you’ll get that nice leather/cloth mix in the back too, which ties everything together nicely.

Getting in and out of the Kicks is easy, thanks to wide-opening doors and a higher roofline. The rear doors swing open wide enough for most adults to hop in without a fuss, and the slightly elevated seating position helps avoid that awkward “knees-up” situation you find in some other cars.

And if you’re a parent, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to install a child seat. The LATCH anchors and tether points are easy to reach, and the rear doors open wide enough that it’s not a struggle to get those bulky car seats in. Just a heads up, though: if you’re putting a rear-facing infant seat behind a taller driver, you might need to adjust the front seat a bit. But overall, it’s not too complicated!

So, when it comes to the cargo space in the 2025 Kicks, there’s quite a difference between the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. If you go for the front-drive version, you’re looking at about 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which is decent, and it jumps to 60 cubic feet if you fold those seats down. On the other hand, the AWD models offer a bit less: 24 cubic feet behind the seats, and 50 cubic feet with the seats down. This is mainly because of the extra drivetrain bits that take up some room.

One thing that stands out is the low load floor—makes loading and unloading a breeze compared to a lot of other vehicles out there. The rear hatch opens wide too, but some folks might be a bit bummed that there’s no power liftgate even on the top SR trim. The cargo area does have a flat floor when the seats are down, but there’s this little lip where the seats fold that could snag your stuff when you’re loading it up.

Now, if you’re looking for flexibility, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats are a nice touch. You can drop them down quickly with just a pull in the cargo area. Sure, it might take a little more muscle than those fancy power-folding systems, but hey, it gets the job done and it’s pretty straightforward. Those seats fold nearly flat, giving you a solid platform for your cargo.

You’ve also got some handy details, like cargo hooks to keep your items secure, side pockets for smaller stuff, and an underfloor compartment that can stash the cargo cover when you don’t need it. There’s even an optional adjustable cargo floor—great for hiding things or making a completely flat space when the rear seats are down.

As for space, the width between the wheel wells is designed to fit most standard items, although that sloping rear roofline does eat into the total volume a bit. The cargo area is about 31 inches long behind the rear seats and stretches to 65 inches when the seats are down, which is good for a vehicle in this class.

The interior storage—it’s been thought out pretty well. You’ve got several spots to stash smaller items, like side pockets that can fit water bottles and things you need to grab quickly. Plus, that adjustable cargo floor can help keep fragile items separate from the heavier stuff. All in all, it’s designed for practicality and ease of use!

When you look at the rising prices of new vehicles these days, the 2025 Kicks stands out. It kicks off at around $23,220 for the base S trim, and if you want a fully loaded SR model, you’re looking at about $27,570. And honestly, for that price, you get a bunch of modern safety features, decent fuel efficiency, and a fresh look that doesn’t break the bank.

Now, if you ask us, the mid-level SV trim, starting at $25,070, hits the sweet spot. This version comes with those larger 12.3-inch displays, you know, the ones that let you integrate your smartphone wirelessly, plus some added comfort features. And the best part? It still keeps things reasonably priced. Plus, you can get an all-wheel drive option across all trims, which is cool without costing an arm and a leg.

When you start looking at the total cost of ownership, the Kicks has some solid advantages. Its fuel efficiency is competitive in the segment, and the fact that it runs on regular unleaded gas helps keep those running costs down. Oh, and they’ve introduced a complimentary maintenance program that covers three oil changes within the first two years or 24,000 miles. That’s a nice touch that adds some value in the beginning.

As for resale value, projections show the Kicks is about average for the industry, with an estimated 50.5% retention after five years. Sure, it might not hold its value as well as some competitors like Honda or Toyota, but overall, it’s a decent amount of depreciation for this segment. And don’t forget about the warranty—3 years/36,000 miles for the basic coverage, and 5 years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. That’s pretty comprehensive.

So, if you’re looking for an urban car that can handle some weekend adventures, the 2025 Kicks makes a strong case for itself. It combines modern tech, improved handling, and practicality—all at a price that first-time buyers and those hunting for great value in a modern crossover will appreciate.

But hey, when it comes to deciding whether to buy a Kicks, it boils down to what you want. If you’re all about that luxury driving experience or need tons of cargo space, you might want to check out alternatives like the Mazda CX-30 or the Honda HR-V. But for those who value affordability, tech features, and easy maneuverability in the city, the Kicks is definitely a great pick in this crowded subcompact crossover market.