Japanese automaker Nissan recently took to social media to tease an upcoming model. Official details are scarce, as besides partially revealing its front and rear lighting units and other features, the automaker claims it is "bigger, bolder, and better than ever." Strong words, right?
But what are we actually looking at? The most plausible scenario speaks about the next-gen Nissan Kicks. This mysterious new Nissan product appears to be the auto marque’s subcompact crossover, which we spotted testing last fall, featuring a more traditional grille with what appeared to be horizontal slats beneath the camouflage.
New LED headlamps flank the grille, and they feature a segmented design, as per the latest teaser. The same applies to the rear lighting units, too. The vehicle has a flatter nose compared to the outgoing Kicks. We should also note that the profile and greenhouse seem to be an evolution of its predecessor, so Nissan played it safe in this aspect.
We couldn't tell you anything about the interior at the moment. However, previous spy shots have revealed that the dashboard panel was under wraps. This suggests significant updates, and that's good news, considering that the brand's subcompact crossover has started showing its age. It is possible that the model features a new and more responsive infotainment system alongside a digital instrument cluster. The HVAC controls, seats, steering wheel, center console, door cards, and so on will also be new.
Nissan has done a great job keeping most aspects of the upcoming 2025 Kicks a secret. We have no idea what lies beneath the skin, and we don't even know what powers it. The current one uses a 1.6-liter engine with four cylinders, which churns out a decent (for such a ride) 122 horsepower (124 ps/91 kW) at 6,300 rpm. The thrust is rated at 114 pound-foot (155 Nm), and it is available at 4,000 rpm. All versions feature front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and there is no all-wheel drive available, not even as an option.
Photo: Instagram | NissanUSA
As a result, we are willing to bet that the all-new Nissan Kicks will stay true to the front-wheel drive recipe of its predecessor. Rumors speak of a partially electrified power unit for North America, yet they remain unconfirmed. Nonetheless, that would make sense, as the outgoing Kicks, which is eight years old, is offered with hybrid power overseas. Chances are the next one will continue to be offered with an electrified lump (or perhaps more) in markets outside North America, where the competition in this class is stiffer.
In the United States of America, the Nissan Kicks will face the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envista. The former is a very appealing proposal in the subcompact crossover segment due to its generous size and sticker price, which we will mention in just a few moments. The latter is certainly not bad either, as it offers a slightly more premium interior and features crossover coupe looks, something that certain buyers need to have, regardless of the car's size.
Besides the shadowy clip, which is embedded below, accompanied by a short caption, Nissan has also revealed when the new model is due, and that is sooner than we anticipated. In fact, the all-new Kicks will be officially presented in just a few hours, as the unveiling has been scheduled for later today, March 22, 2024. After the official debut, the first copies of the subcompact crossover will arrive at dealers across the nation, probably in a few weeks or months, for the 2025 model year.
In production since 2016, with a mid-cycle refresh introduced four years later, the Nissan Kicks is currently in the 2024 model year in our market. It is the brand's smallest and most affordable high-rider, and it is offered in three trim levels. The lineup kicks off (pun intended) from $21,050 with the S grade. From $22,910, the mid-spec SV becomes available, and the range-topping SR will set interested parties back a minimum of $23,610.
By comparison, one of its biggest rivals in the segment in the United States, the Chevrolet Trax, has a starting price of $20,400. The similarly-sized Buick Envista has an MSRP of $22,400. It is worth noting that all prices exclude the destination charge and dealer fees.
We will find out everything about the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks in just a few hours during the grand unveiling. However, chances are the Japanese automaker will keep the pricing details close to its chest for now, announcing the MSRP and specification closer to its launch. It seems logical for Nissan to bump the price a bit, and we wouldn't be surprised if the new Kicks starts at over $22,000 in the base flavor before destination.
The autoevolution team will cover the unveiling of the new crossover, so stay tuned for additional details and images.
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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