Nissan Kicks

The redesigned 2025 Kicks is larger, more powerful, and for the first time, offered with all-wheel drive. Its length increased by 3 inches, and nearly every other dimension has expanded by 2 inches, to the benefit of passengers and cargo space. All versions pack a 141-hp, 2.0-liter inline-four engine with a continuously variable transmission. Each trim is available in front- or all-wheel drive. The trim walks from a rather basic S, to a nicely equipped SV, and on to the sporty-looking SR. Due to its evolution, the Kicks is now competing among subcompact SUVs. It stands tall there with a robust suite of active safety and driver assistance features as standard equipment. ProPilot Assist is available, adding steering assistance and lane centering to ease some driving stress on the highway and in traffic jams.

Nissan has replaced the funky-looking Juke with the Kicks, an all-new entry in the growing subcompact crossover segment. The Kicks is more of a budget car designed to appeal to customers who would normally buy a Nissan Sentra or Versa Note, but who are attracted to the better versatility and styling of an SUV. Unlike many crossovers, the Kicks doesn’t offer all-wheel drive. The Kicks comes with a modest 125-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to a CVT, producing leisurely acceleration but impressive fuel economy at 32 mpg overall. Interior room is generous for the class, and the controls are easy to use. Handling is mundane, and the ride is rather choppy. Automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning come standard. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning were made standard starting with the 2020 model. The 2021 model gets a freshening with various interior and exterior updates, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.