NISSAN Kicks 2025

Nissan is renewing its smallest crossover for 2025 and it’s not doing it half-heartedly. Long story short, all that remains of the old Kicks is the body type and the name. Platform, dimensions, engine, dashboard, technological equipment: almost everything has changed, as the completely redesigned style suggests. Even all-wheel drive is making its way into the Kicks for the first time since it was introduced, seven years ago.

Under this avalanche of new features, the basic architecture of the Kicks remains very classic. No hybrid powertrain on the menu, much less a 100% electric variant. A four-cylinder engine powers the vehicle via a continuously variable automatic transmission, but these two components are now similar to those of the Sentra sedan rather than coming from the Versa subcompact.

Discontinued about a year ago, the Qashqai used the same 2.0-litre engine in a slightly larger body than the Kicks. Considering the latter’s increased size for 2025, it’s natural to deduce that it’s actually replacing the Qashqai in a segment dominated by the Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos, Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross. A glance at its price range, which now ranges from $29,850 to $38,345 (including transport, preparation and dealer fees) confirms this unequivocally.

This prodigious jump of nearly $5,000 compared to a 2024 model is partly justified by the Kicks’ revised positioning and its enhanced equipment – ​​including, in particular, a 12.3-inch central screen as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay interfaces. At this level of the market, such an increase is likely to startle those who are used to the model and its affordable monthly payments.

In order not to lose this clientele (and at the same time alienate a good number of dealers), Nissan Canada has decided to keep the old version of the Kicks in its catalogue for an indefinite period. The two trim level of the Kicks Play, as it must now be called, are priced at only $375 more than in 2024. They will therefore continue to compete with the Chevrolet Trax and the Hyundai Venue among the most accessible utility vehicles of the moment.

But what about the new version of the Kicks? We had the opportunity to preview it in the Capitale-Nationale region, in the company of journalists from across Canada. Check out our video first impressions in the Evaluation section!

The redesigned Kicks runs circles around its predecessor in terms of refinement, perceived quality and driving dynamics. Of course, it’s still far from the effortless performance and solid handling of a Subaru Crosstrek or a Mazda CX-30, when equipped with their powerful optional engines. Still, Nissan’s latest model handles much better than the old model – and even the Qashqai – on the highway. Thanks to the increased dimensions and revised suspensions, you can now consider covering long distances regularly without fear of crosswinds.

Urban agility also remains a strong point of the Kicks, courtesy of very light and quick steering. So much so, in fact, that it becomes almost imprecise when cornering on a secondary road. For many people, however, the comfort of the suspension will prevail: it really surprised us despite the 19-inch wheels of the SR Privilege versions that we tested. Small detail : winter tires of this size cost at least $250 to $300 each for a reputable brand.

The practical layout of the cabin could also satisfy small families who do not travel too heavy or who have gotten past the bulky stage 1 baby seats. However, reliability remains to be seen, since entry-level Nissan vehicles don't have a spotless history in this regard, particularly when it comes to automatic transmissions.

Wath our video first impressions (in French with English subtitles)