Nissan introduced the Kicks in 2018, and it made waves as an affordable, entry-level crossover. Fast forward to 2025, and this compact SUV is getting some big upgrades, including something many of us have been waiting for—available all-wheel drive.  Oh by the way, it starts around 22,000 dollars.

Let’s start with the basics: The Kicks is still Nissan’s entry point in their SUV lineup, but now it’s bigger, longer, and taller than the previous version. This growth brings more interior room, so it’s filling the gap left by the discontinued Rogue Sport. Think of it as the Kicks growing up. The updated design features sleek, horizontal lines, a bold V-Motion grille, and eye-catching LED running lights. The new, larger headlights and vertical taillights give it a more modern, aggressive look, while still keeping that compact, city-friendly vibe.

Now, what about the inside? Nissan says The new Kicks feels more upscale. It features a clean dashboard design, and upper trims come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. You’ll also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the higher trims, so you can connect your phone effortlessly. The front and rear seats use Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, which promises more comfort, especially on long drives. While the rear seats aren’t the most spacious in the class, they’re roomy enough for short trips, and the front seats offer excellent support.

Under the hood, Nissan has upgraded the engine to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, delivering 141 horsepower, a nice boost over the previous model’s 122 hp. It’s not a speed demon, but it gets the job done, especially with the new all-wheel-drive option, which adds extra traction in snowy or slippery conditions. The Kicks also comes with drive modes, including a snow mode for the AWD variants, making it more versatile in different driving environments.

One standout feature of the 2025 Kicks is its impressive cargo space. With up to 60 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded down, it outshines many of its competitors, including the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30. But keep in mind, if you go for the all-wheel-drive model, you’ll lose some of that space, dropping down to 50.1 cubic feet.

Tech-wise, the Kicks is keeping things modern. The SV and SR trims come with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, which is likely to be a crowd favorite. The top-level SR trim also brings the option for a Bose audio system with headrest speakers, perfect for music lovers.

When it comes to safety, Nissan equips all Kicks models with its Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The higher SR trim adds advanced features like ProPILOT Assist, which helps with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control.

So, what’s the verdict? The 2025 Nissan Kicks is definitely a step forward for the model. It’s bigger, more powerful, and now has the option for all-wheel drive, making it more competitive in the compact SUV market. While it’s still not the most powerful in its class, the improvements in size, features, and performance make it a strong contender against rivals like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Kia Seltos.

The Kicks is expected to hit showrooms later this summer, again, starting around 22,000.