2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium Review

Nissan has unveiled the all-new 2nd generation 2025 Kicks, a bold and modern take on its popular compact SUV. With a complete redesign, the latest Kicks features a more rugged exterior, a more spacious and tech-filled cabin, and an upgraded powertrain aimed at improving performance and efficiency. As the smallest SUV in Nissan’s lineup, the Qashqai is no more, its now available with all-wheel drive for the first time, making it a more versatile option for urban drivers and weekend adventurers alike. But does the 2025 Nissan Kicks deliver on its promises? Let’s take a closer look at its features, performance, and overall value.

Not to be confused with the Nissan Kicks Play, which is basically the same car from the last generation (check out our review here), but with a new name.

Pricing and Trims

In Canada, the base 2025 Nissan Kicks has a starting price of $27,199, making it a strong value in the compact SUV class. The SR Premium trim starts at $34,899 packs leather seats, a Bose audio system, and advanced safety tech that puts it ahead of base models. Below is a list of prices for all trims:

These prices do not include the small number of available options, Freight & PDI ($2,030), other fees and levies, and sales tax.

Features of the SR Premium Trim

Stepping beyond basic pricing, the SR Premium trim catches attention with upscale extras. This top-grade package comes with a sleek panoramic moonroof that fills the interior with sunlight.

During my test drive, this feature truly opened up the compact SUV’s feel, adding an airy sense of roominess.

Comfort takes center stage in the Premium trim. Heated front seats and a warm steering wheel ease chilly drives, turning cold mornings into cozy rides. Remote engine start with intelligent climate control allows me to adjust the car temperature from a distance, ensuring it’s comfortable before I step inside.

Rain-detecting wipers switch on automatically in wet conditions—especially handy if unexpected showers hit. Premium details like these move the Kicks beyond basic transport into enjoyable daily comfort.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 Kicks SR Premium packs a peppy 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 141 horsepower through a smooth CVT transmission, making city driving fun while still giving you decent passing power on highways – I’ll tell you how it handles in real-world conditions next.

Engine Specifications

I really like what Nissan did with the 2025 Kicks SR Premium. It now has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, pushing out 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. That’s plenty of pep for city runs or cruising easily onto highways.

Nissan combined this engine with a better Xtronic CVT—it feels smoother and more responsive than older models.

For the first time, you can get the Kicks with all-wheel drive—great news if you live in snowy areas. It adds versatility, giving extra grip on slippery roads. Still, standard front-wheel drive does fine for most folks, providing good traction without bumping the price up too high.

You’ll get improved grip and better control, especially on slippery or uneven roads. One highlight is the variety of drive modes available: Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. You can easily choose how the car responds, matching your driving habits or even today’s weather.

Transmission Options

I spent plenty of time driving the 2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium, paying close attention to its transmission system. Here are some main highlights from the test drive:

1. Nissan upgraded the Xtronic CVT with a new control-valve setup, giving much smoother acceleration right from standstill.
2. Engineers also improved the variator systems, cutting down that dreaded “rubber band” sensation—something older CVTs often had.
3. Every Kicks trim includes front-wheel drive as standard, which provides dependable traction around town and solid fuel efficiency.
4. For the first time ever, Nissan now offers all-wheel drive as an option on the Kicks, great for drivers in snowy or rainy climates.
5. This new AWD upgrade includes a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) to automatically shift power between wheels whenever necessary.
6. The power distribution adjusts itself while you drive, so there’s no need to change settings manually—even in tricky road conditions.
7. Overall, the transmission responds smoothly to different driving conditions, from cruising open highways to quick turns on crowded city roads.
8. The CVT keeps engine RPMs steady and at a comfortable level, offering solid fuel efficiency without compromising acceleration.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

The 2025 Kicks SR Premium sips fuel like a champion, boasting impressive fuel ratings that keep more money in your pocket. I’ve tracked real-world mileage during my test drives and found this little Nissan crossover delivers on its efficiency promises even in city traffic.

NRCAN Ratings

I took a look at the official NRCAN numbers for Nissan’s 2025 Kicks—and honestly, they’re pretty solid for a crossover. Front-wheel drive models consume 8.1/6.6/7.4 liters/100 kilometers in city/highway/combined driving.

If you pick all-wheel drive instead, the numbers slip just a bit: 8.4/6.9/7.7 L/100 km in city/highway/combined driving. These figures place Kicks right up there with some of the most fuel-efficient crossovers in its category.

Real-World MPG Performance

EPA/NRCAN ratings are useful, but real-life driving often tells a different story. My hands-on test of the 2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium showed how it really performed in fuel economy. On highway drives at around 100-110 km/h, the AWD version recorded 7.3 L/100 km—slightly higher than the claimed number but still quite respectable.

But through everyday city driving, my average dropped to 8.5 overall, slightly over the official city rating of 8.4 L/100 km.

Still, the Kicks’ driving range stood out—in highway conditions, it can easily cover over 600 kilometers without needing a refill. That kind of mileage makes this crossover a good pick for road trips, where fewer gas stops are always appreciated.

Honestly, its highway efficiency exceeded my expectations, especially given that AWD setups usually bring fuel economy down a notch in small crossovers like this.

Exterior Design

The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium boasts a fresh exterior design that turns heads on city streets. I love how Nissan blended sharp lines with a more muscular stance, making this compact SUV look more expensive than its price tag suggests.

Updated Styling and Dimensions

The new for 2025 Nissan Kicks’ exterior design immediately grabs your attention. Its refreshed exterior styling feels sharper and sportier, from the striking front end down to the reimagined rear details.

Nissan didn’t stop at just making the car look better; they also enhanced cabin space significantly. There’s now an extra 1.7 inches of shoulder room in front, providing a comfortable driving position with plenty of breathing room.

The new Kicks doesn’t just look bigger – it actually delivers meaningful space improvements where it counts.

Rear-seat passengers also benefit from the interior updates. Shoulder room in the back has grown by 1.9 inches, and knee room is bigger by 0.9 inches. These upgrades may sound minor at first glance, but in everyday use they noticeably improve comfort.

With these changes, the Kicks moves away from feeling tight and cramped—it instead becomes a convenient, comfortable option for daily commutes while remaining compact enough for easy parking.

Available Color Options

The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium stands out not just for its sleek design and practical dimensions, but also its wide and appealing range of exterior colors. I’ve checked them all out, and here’s what makes each color worth considering:

• Deep Blue Pearl offers a rich, refined appearance—glowing softly under bright sunlight.
• Super Black brings out a sleek, mysterious look, highlighting chrome details against its dark finish.
• Gun Metallic projects a modern, city-friendly style and does a great job hiding dirt between washes.
• Canyon Bronze Metallic easily earns my top pick, featuring warm coppery tones that subtly shift shades depending on the lighting.
• Scarlet Ember Tintcoat grabs attention quickly, with its vibrant red hue accentuating the SUV’s curves.
• Aspen White TriCoat‘s glossy pearl finish is well worth paying a bit more.
• And a few other fun colors.

The overall look of the 2025 Nissan Kicks makes it look like a premium product, rather than an entry level sub-compact crossover. I was pleasantly surprised by the way the Kicks looked, I especially like the rear bulged fenders, giving the car a muscular look from behind.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Kicks SR Premium’s cabin feels much more upscale than its price suggests, with soft-touch materials and piano black trim that catch the eye. I was struck by how roomy the interior feels despite the compact exterior dimensions, with plenty of smart storage spots and a surprisingly large cargo area.

Cabin Design and Materials

Nissan really raised the bar with the interior of their 2025 Kicks SR Premium. The Zero Gravity seats offer amazing comfort on long drives—front row and back both feel equally cushioned.

Premium upholstery and sleek matching stitching on the sporty flat-bottom steering wheel add a nice touch of luxury to this affordable SUV. I especially love the smooth feel of the standard haptic-touch climate controls on the SR model.

Modern, flat display screens take center stage on the dash without seeming cluttered or confusing.

Everything inside feels within easy reach, creating a truly effortless driving experience. High-quality materials throughout the cabin surprised me—especially at this price range.

Smart ambient lighting adds a stylish glow to my evening drives. Finding the ideal seating position takes seconds, thanks to handy adjustments. Despite the compact exterior, the interior space feels roomy with plenty of clever storage spots tucked around the cabin.

Seating Comfort and Space

Sitting inside the 2025 Kicks SR Premium, the cabin immediately feels roomier and more inviting. The seats truly stand out—Nissan added Zero Gravity seating to both the front and rear rows, offering solid back support for those longer trips.

Interior space also got a noticeable boost. Shoulder room in the front increased by 1.7 inches, while passengers in the back gained an extra 1.9 inches. In total, this gives 53 cubic feet of interior space up front and 41 cubic feet in the back.

Even my tallest buddies have stopped grumbling about tightness during our weekend outings. Now, the cabin feels open and comfortable—like a much larger crossover—but in a more compact size.

Cargo Capacity and Storage Solutions

I really enjoy the cargo setup in the 2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium. The front-wheel drive model gives you an impressive 29 cubic feet behind the back seats—fold them flat, and you get 59 cubic feet total.

With the all-wheel drive version, space shrinks slightly to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet overall. The trunk’s opening measures a wide 40.3 inches, making it simple to load bulky gear, like golf clubs or weekend luggage bags.

One of the neatest details is the hidden storage area under the cargo floor. You can store valuables securely out of sight, or toss in wet and muddy items—keeping everything else clean.

The cargo section offers smart little storage spaces, ideal for stashing and sorting smaller belongings. Inside, it feels thoughtfully arranged, perfect for quick grocery runs or even extended road adventures.

Compared with similar cars, the Kicks delivers practical cargo space without forcing you into a bigger, bulky SUV.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Kicks SR Premium packs a tech punch with its crisp 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay. I found the system quick to respond and easy to use while driving through city streets.

Touchscreen and User Interface

I love how Nissan stepped up their game with the 2025 Kicks’ screens. The SR Premium model rocks a sweet 12.3-inch touchscreen that feels super responsive to my taps and swipes. This bigger display makes everything from maps to music menus pop with clarity.

Guys will appreciate the driver-oriented layout that puts all controls within easy reach without taking eyes off the road.

My favorite part might be the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that comes standard. No more fumbling with cables! The SR trim also includes wireless charging, so my phone stays juiced up during long drives.

The base S trim offers a smaller 7-inch screen, but upgrading to SV or SR brings that impressive 12.3-inch display that transforms how I interact with the car’s tech features.

Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)

The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium brings easy mobile integration, making my daily drives way more enjoyable. SV and SR trims offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—so I don’t even have to take out my phone to access apps.

Both higher trims even add two fast-charging USB-C ports, while the simpler S trim includes just a single USB-A port for standard charging. Compared to older models, the user interface feels quicker and smoother—icons look sharper, bigger, and are simpler to tap while driving.

My favorite improvement is how clearly the screen now displays important information. Directions, music controls, and incoming messages appear neatly, without distracting me from the road.

Voice commands feel snappy, letting me keep my hands comfortably on the steering wheel at all times.

Now, let’s move on to the engine specs—and see how this compact SUV handles out there on the streets.

Premium Audio Options

I spent some time with the optional 10-speaker Bose system in the SR Premium—and it totally beats regular audio setups. Bose calls it their Personal Plus Audio System, and it creates this neat little sound bubble around you.

It has two UltraNearfield speakers built right into the headrest, putting music practically beside your ears.

My favorite feature is the adjustable soundstage—it lets me choose a wide, open feel or a tighter, focused sound. Bass hits deep yet doesn’t shake panels or distort, and vocals stay clear and sharp—even while cruising at highway speeds.

For anyone serious about audio quality, this premium setup totally changes daily driving into something special. Those built-in headrest speakers really stand out, almost giving the feel of wearing top-quality headphones behind the wheel.

The audio stays crisp and clean across all genres, from hip-hop beats to rock guitar riffs. Plus, integration with the touchscreen controls is smooth; quick audio tweaks are simple, and I never have to look away from traffic.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 Kicks SR Premium comes packed with safety tech that puts your mind at ease. Nissan didn’t skimp on driver aids, making this compact SUV a smart choice for safety-conscious buyers.

Standard Safety Features

I’ve got to say, Nissan did a great job with the safety features on the 2025 Kicks SR Premium. It offers standard automatic emergency braking, which spots pedestrians and brings the car to a stop quickly to avoid accidents.

There’s also lane-departure warning, which alerts drivers who start drifting out of their lane without signaling. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert team up to help catch hidden hazards, especially during lane changes or when backing out of tight spaces.

All these safety features give you extra eyes around your vehicle, adding comfort and reducing stress during every ride. This collision avoidance system often responds even faster than people can, helping me feel confident on the commute each morning.

Even the entry-level 2025 Kicks includes these driver aids as standard, so you won’t need to spend more money for key safety technology.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Options

The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium comes loaded with advanced tech to help me drive safely and easily.

• ProPilot Assist has stop-and-go functions, keeping a safe space from the car ahead—even in heavy traffic.
• The lane-centering system holds the Kicks straight, reducing the need for constant steering input.
• Forward-collision alerts warn me visually and audibly if there’s danger of a crash.
• Standard Safety Shield 360 offers six essential safety technologies in one convenient package.
• Adaptive cruise control matches my speed to surrounding traffic, relieving stress on long highway trips.
• Lane-keeping assist includes three modes, fitting my preferred driving style and comfort.
• Automatic emergency braking engages on its own to avoid unavoidable collisions.
• Blind spot monitoring guards the areas difficult for me to see alongside and behind my vehicle.
• Traffic jam assist merges steering and braking controls, easing city driving stress.

Now let’s see how the Kicks compares against other top competitors in the subcompact SUV market.

Areas for Improvement

I spent a good amount of time driving the 2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium recently—and honestly, I noticed some real drawbacks. Road noise turns into a real headache at highway speeds, especially true with winter tires, drowning out conversations and causing fatigue on long drives.

Tall adults, those over six feet, will find the rear seats cramped, making extended rides uncomfortable. However, this is a small CUV, so rear passenger legroom is be on the lower side. If you would like more room, you might need to step up to the Nissan Rogue.

These issues stand out even more clearly next to rivals like the Mazda CX-30. Mazda’s competitor offers a quieter cabin and about the same leg room at roughly the same price. Let’s take a closer look at how the Kicks compares head-to-head with other key players in the subcompact crossover segment.

Final Thoughts on the 2nd Generation Nissan Kicks

The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR Premium shines bright in the busy compact SUV market. After a few test drives, it’s clear this car combines style, modern tech, and great fuel economy—all at a fair price.

The SR Premium trim adds a touch of luxury without breaking your budget. City commuters and families alike should appreciate the roomy cargo area and smooth parking options. If you want an affordable ride that’s fun, functional, and stylish—all for less than $25,000—the Kicks SR Premium is worth checking out.

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