🎨 Exterior & Dimensions
- The new generation is noticeably larger: length up by ~2.3–2.8 in, width ~1.6 in, and height ~1 in.
- The look is sharper, more mature. LED lighting elements are sleeker, with a more refined front fascia and grille.
- For the first time (in U.S. market), available all-wheel drive!
- Wheel options include up to 19-inch alloys.
🧠 Inside & Tech Upgrades
- Dual display setup: a driver cluster + infotainment. Base screens are smaller, but there’s an upgrade path to 12.3” units.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto now standard (or available).
- New “Zero Gravity” seats (Nissan’s design intended to reduce fatigue) introduced.
- Bose audio option, ambient lighting, more refined materials.
⚙️ Performance & Efficiency
- The old 1.6-L engine is retired. Now powered by a 2.0-L four-cylinder making ~141 hp / 140 lb-ft torque.
- transmission: still an Xtronic CVT (with revised programming)
- Fuel economy is solid: ~28 city / 35 highway mpg for FWD; AWD trims slightly less efficient.
- Ground clearance is competitive (~8.4 in) — makes it more capable in varied road conditions (though not rugged off-roading)
🛡 Safety & Assistance Features
- Standard across all trims: Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite — includes things like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert.
- On higher trims, ProPILOT Assist (steering assist on highways) becomes available.
- New features like a 360° “Around View” monitor, advanced driver assistance, and upgraded lighting also join the package.
💵 Pricing & Trim Options
- Base MSRP starts at $21,830 (plus freight) for the FWD S trim.
- Top trims, especially with AWD and extra features, push the price up (e.g. SR AWD version).
- Trim levels: S, SV, SR (each with increasing tech and luxury).
✅ What’s Impressive & What to Watch
What’s awesome:
- The Kicks no longer feels like a small, “lite” crossover — it’s grown in presence and ambition.
- The introduction of AWD is a gamechanger in its segment.
- Interior tech and comfort have been significantly upgraded — better screens, better seats, smarter integration.
- Safety features are strong and meaningful, even in base trims.
What to watch / possible trade-offs:
- The CVT, while updated, may still not satisfy drivers who prefer traditional automatics or manuals.
- More features (AWD + tech) equal higher cost — so value in base trims will matter.
- With the size increase, it might lose a bit of the nimbleness and “cute small crossover” feel it had before.
If you like, I can pull up comparison data of the 2025 Kicks vs its rivals (Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, etc.) or even build you a spec sheet. Do you want me to do that?