Here’s How the 2025 Nissan Kicks Crossover Is Bolder, Bigger, Better

• Nissan is completely revamping its subcompact Kicks crossover for 2025 with a bigger and bolder road presence.

• With a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder, more power and improved technology could make the Kicks a stronger competitor against more popular rivals.

• Following in the vein of its name, the 2025 Nissan Kicks was revealed at Brooklyn's Barclays Center earlier today, ahead of the New York International Auto Show.

It wasn't originally related to sneakers at all, a product planner at Nissan tells me standing beside the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks, but the Japanese manufacturer is happy to play into it now. Launched back in 2016, the subcompact crossover known as the Kicks was initially born out of a shared platform with the Versa and other Nissan models overseas.

In an ever-competitive segment, however, launching a model out of platform convenience can only go so far. In 2023, Nissan sold 66,823 units of the current-generation Kicks, trailing more popular small crossover rivals such as the Subaru Crosstrek (159,193 sales), Ford Bronco Sport (127,476), Honda HR-V (122,206), Chevy Trax (109,382), and Jeep Compass (96,173), according to Wards Intelligence data.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks shows a serious attempt to make up ground, as the genuinely all-new model builds on its playful name while ridding the title of just-another-affordable-crossover.

For starters, the 2025 Kicks is built on an all-new platform and one that is slightly larger, too. Nissan has yet to provide specific details on just how much the Kicks has grown, but its enhanced dimensions are even apparent in photos. Ground clearance is up significantly (from 7.0 inches), with Nissan quoting 8.4 inches of safe travel.

Notably, that's nearly as much ground clearance as available on a Subaru Crosstrek (8.7 inches). Overall, Nissan is increasing just about every metric on the Kicks, including its powertrain displacement and power figures.

Under the hood, Nissan has fitted a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, mated to Nissan's latest Xtronic CVT transmission. Compared to the previous 122-hp 1.6-liter I4, this new 2.0-liter powerplant should represent an upgrade.

Similarly, Nissan is bringing another big feature to the 2025 Kicks by making all-wheel drive available for the first time. Borrowing the Intelligent AWD system from its larger Rogue sibling, every trim level of the Kicks will be offered with four driven wheels (in certain circumstances).

Offered in three different trim levels (S, SV, and SR), LED lighting front and rear as well as an intricate, three-dimensional pattern are standard across the Kicks lineup. Wheel size will be determined by trim level with the S starting on 16-inch rims while the SV comes standard with 17-inchers. SR versions get 19-inch wheels from the factory.

The official color codes have yet to be released, but a representative from Nissan told Autoweek there will be seven two-tone paint options and seven monotone paint configurations. Notably, the two-tone paint schemes diverge at the roof and the side-view mirrors.

Moving inside the Kicks, prospective buyers will notice a dual-screen setup, akin to those seen in modern BMWs. S and SV models will make use of 7-inch displays while SR models will boast 12.3-inch screens. Additionally, both rows of seats use Nissan’s Zero Gravity technology, helping better distribute weight across the body on long drives.

Other premium features include a panoramic sunroof and Bose Personal Plus 10-speaker audio system, with speakers fitted into the headrest of the two front seats.

The Kicks' growth is best displayed through its interior. "Front shoulder room has increased by a generous 1.7 inches, while rear-seat passengers enjoy an additional 0.9 inches of knee room and 1.5 inches more shoulder room," the press release reads. Building on these increases is a cargo capacity of 30 cubic feet, a trunk opening of 40.3 inches, and a 28-inch liftover height.

Pricing and specific production plans have yet to be announced, though Nissan said units will begin to show up at US dealers this summer. Up against a raft of models selling at significantly higher volumes, competition is sure to be stiff, but Nissan's clean-sheet efforts at least look pleasant.

What do you think about the design of the new Nissan Kicks? Please share your thoughts below.