Nissan has a brand-new subcompact crossover in its lineup on this side of the world: the 2025 Kicks. The model was unveiled last week and brings enhancements inside and out. It is more spacious and adds an all-wheel drive system in a premiere.
It features a more rugged design inspired by other brand-new Nissans, including Pathfinder, which the company sells in China. The model features horizontal LED DRLs, mirroring the looks of the wide grille with horizontal slats, a more muscular hood design, broad shoulders, a sloping roofline, and taillights resembling the front daytime running lights.
According to the spec sheet, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor. Thus, it offers superior room inside and more space in the trunk. Choosing a higher-spec trim will get users dual 12.3-inch displays, whereas the base models come with 7-inch screens. Stuff such as wireless smartphone integration, an inductive charging pad, USB-C ports, a panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, and many safety systems are on deck.
Power comes from a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine. The four-cylinder unit produces 139 hp (141 ps/104 kW) and 140 pound-foot (190 Nm) of torque. This makes it a bit punchier than the old 1.6-liter mill, which was good for 122 hp (124 ps/91 kW) and 114 lb-ft (155 Nm). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is still included. Instead of channeling the thrust exclusively to the front wheels, an optional all-wheel drive system is now available for the first time on this model.
Photo: Instagram | kdesignag
Mind you, it's not an off-roader disguised as a subcompact crossover that's capable of taking on models like the Suzuki Jimny, as it lacks the proper construction and peripherals. Still, it can venture farther off the beaten path than its predecessor. Nissan also mentions an 8.4-inch (213 mm) ground clearance and a 'Snow' driving mode that will come in handy in cold climates.
We think Nissan's new Kicks looks much better than its predecessor. However, not everyone agrees, so the crossover has entered the rendering blender, getting a first unofficial facelift. The pixel manipulator behind these digital illustrations is known as kdesignag on Instagram, and they set out to give the model new front and rear ends that the larger Rogue inspired.
Thus, it features a similar face with the old V-motion grille flanked by the different headlamps, a less muscular hood, and a pointier nose. With the larger taillights, it looks kind of outdated. It also has a different tailgate and rear bumper, and the shoulders are less pronounced. It's safe to say the real thing is a more appealing product than the one depicted in these renderings, and if you're interested in it, you'll have to wait for late summer to buy one.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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