2025 Nissan Kicks: Versions, Specs and Buyer Guide
Scope: Model year 2025; verified market: US. Other market versions may differ.
Why This 2025 Model Matters
A 2025 Nissan Kicks listing should prompt a generation check before any discussion of optional equipment. This second-generation U.S. small SUV received a larger naturally aspirated engine and, crucially, a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The earlier Kicks sold in other regions may still share its name but not its body, chassis or specification. This profile covers the U.S. second-generation vehicle for the 2025 model year; it is not an invitation to merge specifications with an Indian or Latin American Kicks of another lineage.
Verified Powertrains and Model-Year Changes
Nissan documents a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, paired with its Xtronic continuously variable transmission. The AWD option matters beyond winter traction: the manufacturer lists a multilink rear suspension for AWD rather than the twist-beam rear arrangement on FWD. All versions are designed for urban convenience rather than high towing outputs. S, SV and SR trims alter screens and comfort features, but the engine specification does not change simply because an example looks sportier.
Buying Considerations
For a commuter seeking easier parking and a taller seating position than a small hatchback, the Kicks can make sense. Its practical appeal increases where rough city streets and the option of AWD matter. A buyer who routinely carries four adults and motorway luggage should compare rear-seat headroom and cargo-floor usability against larger compact SUVs before committing. Nissan's CVT character also deserves a proper test drive; a buyer expecting the gear changes of a conventional automatic may prefer something different.
2026 Used-Vehicle Inspection
Inspect for physical wear from curb strikes, confirm all four tires match on AWD models and verify service documentation for the actual drivetrain. The infotainment and safety-assistance features should be checked on the individual trim, not inferred from press photos of a fully equipped SR. If buying an imported example, confirm parts and software support in the destination country. Never assign the U.S. engine rating or AWD availability to a locally different Kicks without a matching brochure.
Cross-Shopping and Market Boundaries
Competing urban crossovers include the Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V. The Kicks' best case is sensible everyday transport with straightforward U.S.-documented engine choices; it should not be treated as a substitute for a larger family SUV merely because both are categorized as crossovers.
Documented 2025 Market and Specification Variants
| Market / version | Powertrain, drive and transmission | Manufacturer figures |
|---|---|---|
| US — S / SV / SR FWD | 2.0 L naturally aspirated inline-four; FWD; Xtronic CVT | power: 141 hp; torque: 140 lb-ft |
| US — S / SV / SR AWD | 2.0 L naturally aspirated inline-four; AWD; Xtronic CVT | power: 141 hp; torque: 140 lb-ft |
Sources and Further Reading
- Nissan USA Newsroom — 2025 Nissan Kicks Press Kit (2024; market: US).