By: Uday Mohan
May 5, 2025
There are cars, and then there are cars. Some vehicles are like that tepid cup of coffee your friend offers, promising it’s “just the way you like it,” but it’s neither hot, nor strong, nor—quite frankly—coffee. And then there’s the 2025 Nissan Kicks. Oh, this one isn’t pretending to be coffee; it’s the double espresso of compact crossovers, packing enough punch to jolt you awake. Thanks to Nissan Canada Inc. for providing us with the vehicle for evaluation.
Let’s start with the basics. The Kicks is a unibody, perched on Nissan’s tried-and-tested V-platform. For the uninitiated, this means it’s as tightly glued together as a group of Maple Leafs fans during hockey season. It’s light, nimble, and effortlessly efficient. You could say it’s Nissan’s way of telling the competition: “Yes, we can make an economical car that doesn’t make you look like you’ve given up on life”—which one might say was essentially the outgoing styling of the Kicks.
Under the bonnet, there’s a plucky 1.6-litre inline-four engine. It’s not a beast that’ll set Nürburgring lap times. That, dear reader, is precisely the point. With 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft. of torque, it’s sprightly enough for city streets yet humble enough to assure you it won’t bite your wallet every time you fill the tank. What you’re looking at here is a gloriously sensible car that’s also—dare I say—fun. It’s targeted at the up-and-coming buyer, be it a new grad or someone finally in a position to buy something within reach that will offer long-term use, whether for a quick grocery run or a weekend trip with a mate.
The exterior, however, is where the magic happens. Nissan has dressed the Kicks in an outfit that practically screams, “I may be small, but I’ve got style!” The sci-fi inspired grille—if you know, you know—and the bold headlight arrangements ensure it looks less like a drab sensible shoe and more like the trendy sneakers your cool cousin wears. Add to that some snazzy two-tone paint options, like our Super Black with Yuzu Yellow Metallic, and voilà—you have a car that’ll make your neighbours think you’ve just returned from an urban design symposium.
Step inside and you’ll find a cabin that’s less compact crossover and more “urban lounge.” The 2025 Kicks proudly flaunts its NissanConnect infotainment system, complete with a colossal eight-inch touchscreen. It’s intuitive, responsive, and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—because, let’s face it, in 2025, if a car doesn’t have smartphone integration, is it even a car?
But wait, there’s more. The SR trim—the apex predator in the Kicks food chain—offers a leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux-leather upholstery, and a Bose Personal Plus sound system. Yes, you heard right—Bose, in a car that costs less than some designer handbags. If you close your eyes and crank the tunes, you might forget you’re in a car designed for practicality and convince yourself you’re in a mobile concert hall.
Let’s talk about driving. The Kicks doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s not the roaring lion of the savanna, pouncing at every green light. It’s more of a well-trained collie, expertly weaving through traffic with grace and poise. And if you’re thinking of tackling snowy roads or rugged trails, you no longer have to call its big brother, the Rogue. For 2025, the Kicks SR comes with its own all-wheel-drive system—which makes sense. Why should all the fun be reserved for the older brother? The youngster should get to have some fun too.
Then there’s safety. Nissan has thrown in its Safety Shield 360 suite of features, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s like having a co-pilot who’s not just cautious but positively paranoid—in the best way possible.
In the end, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is the epitome of modern motoring pragmatism. It’s efficient, stylish, and packed with tech. Sure, it won’t win any drag races or climb Everest (but it could now try), but that’s not its mission. Its job is to get you from point A to B with a splash of flair and a dollop of comfort while costing you as little as possible. And it does that brilliantly.
The Kicks is, quite simply, the little car that could—and does.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Subcompact Crossover SUV
Base Price: $27,199 CAD
Price as Tested: $35,694 CAD
Wheelbase (mm): 2,690
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,368 / 1,800 / 1,620
Curb Weight (kg): 1,440 (3,174 pounds)
Engine: 2.0-litre DOHC inline-four
Horsepower: 141 horsepower @ 6,000RPM
Torque: 140 lb-ft. @ 4,000RPM
Transmission: Xtronic CVT
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Efficiency (L/100km city/highway/combined): 8.7 / 6.9 / 7.9
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 8.2 (mixed driving)
