I Decided To Challenge My 2025 Nissan Kicks After a Heavy Rain, And Then This Beautiful Rainbow Appeared In Front of Me

Stepping into the 2025 Nissan Kicks SR with AWD CVT, I was met not with a sense of compromise, but of thoughtful evolution. This isn’t just a facelift - it’s a small SUV that’s learned how to grow up while keeping its fun-size roots. So buckle in, because this ride has more substance than you'd expect from its price tag, and just enough surprises to keep you steering toward your next comment at the bottom of the article.

I test-drove it for this review for seven days. During one of the days, we had a thunderstorm and heavy rains. As the rain almost stopped, I decided to take the Kicks out and test drive it on the wet roads. While it handled it greatly, I was greeted with this stunningly-beautiful rainbow, which again reminded me about the Lord's covenant with humanity and the need to live by the commandments of the Lord. And before I move forward with this review of the 2025 Nissan Kicks, I want to share that beautiful image with you.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Has A Bold New Look with Functional Inches 

You've heard it before—new model, sleeker design. But the Kicks? It didn’t just get a nose job. This subcompact crossover has matured, not abandoned, its playful personality. It wears a bolder front fascia and cleaner rear look, and it's about two inches larger in every direction. That may not sound like much, but it translates to 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, 1.9 inches more rear shoulder room, and nearly an extra inch of rear knee space.

Put simply, you’re no longer crouching in the back seat. Look at the space you get in the back seat of the 2025 Nissan Kicks.

Even the straightest of tall backbones gets proper room to stretch out. That’s a big deal in the compact crossover fray, where passengers often get the short end of the tape measure. And for city dwellers who still need a grocery-getter that doesn’t feel cramped, size does matter.

Powertrain: Modest Boost, Meaningful Change 

Let’s cut to the chase - under the hood is not a performance bombshell. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder makes 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. It’s 20 hp and 26 pound-feet ahead of the old 1.6, and while it won’t light the tires at the drag strip, it moves this slightly larger crossover more confidently in everyday scenarios.

All models use a CVT, which now feeds an available AWD system for the first time in Kicks history. That’s right—not just FWD anymore. The AWD-equipped SR pack tacks on a “Snow” mode to the Normal, Eco, and Sport trio, ready for those occasional rough weather days or loose gravel roads.

During the test drive, it became pretty clear - even if you’re not planning off-road adventures - the AWD adds a layer of composure on winding roads and slick conditions. Just be wary of those optional 19-inch wheels—they look sharp but bouncy doesn’t always translate to comfort.

AWD MPG Doesn’t Devastate Efficiency 

What we all ask: how does it affect gas mileage? FWD Kicks offer a stellar 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. Adding AWD drops that to about 27 city, 34 highway, and 30 combined. So yes, there’s a hit, but it’s only a one-mile-per-gallon hit—not exactly a showstopper for families needing AWD and highway peace of mind.

Here are my MPG numbers when driving in the city.

Interior Comfort: Zero Gravity and Quiet Refinement 

Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” seats are now standard in both rows - no longer just a front-row perk. The concept, borrowed from astronauts, uses specific padding and back support to reduce fatigue, which you feel after a 90-minute drive, not in the showroom. The cabin embraces simplicity with software-like horizontal display zones all facing the driver, and a flat-bottom steering wheel that feels fun, not forced.

The SR trim swaps traditional physical climate knobs for a haptic touch panel. It looks sleek, is responsive, and doesn’t steal attention. Just make sure you learn where the functions are before you’re adjusting airflow on the highway. Lower trims stick with knobs, preferring tactile over trendy smooth surfaces.

What’s truly unexpected is how the Kicks interior is now getting recognition in places you'd least expect. In fact, it recently earned a spot on Wards’ 10 Best Interiors list, beating out some unlikely competitors including the larger and more expensive Subaru Ascent. That says something about how far Nissan has come with the design, materials, and usability of the Kicks' cabin. If you’re curious why the Nissan Kicks' interior is suddenly being taken so seriously by experts, you’ll want to read the full breakdown here.

Cargo Realistically Useful 

Cargo space is another space where those extra inches translate to meaning. FWD versions offer 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats, while AWD trims drop to 24 cubes due to extra hardware. That’s still usable—my test SR swallowed eight carry-on suitcases behind the back row and a whopping twenty-one with the seats folded. That’s far more than many compact crossovers in this class.

Tech & Connectivity: Big Screen, Big Presence 

Standard on SR is the massive 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the base S model defaults to a modest 7.0-inch display. SV and SR level up beyond screen real estate with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and two USB-C ports for front occupants. On the SR, two more handsome USB‐C ports live within reach of rear passengers. Source of music and podcasts? SV adds SiriusXM, and the SR goes up to a six-speaker system with Bose being optional as a 10-speaker premium audio upgrade including headrest speakers for that immersive cocoon effect.

Sitting in this cabin, you feel more premium than the $27,500 price suggests. Why? Clean layout, thoughtful tech placement, premium seat design—the sum is greater than its sticker, especially when you compare to competitors.

Ride Quality & Handling: Comfort Over Corner Carving 

How does it drive? The Kicks favors comfort over sport. The suspension absorbed potholes and rough patches with ease, especially against the standard 17-inch wheels. Steering is responsive but lacks tactile communication—hundreds of tiny steering shaft rotations happen before you feel much feedback. Brake feel is a bit soft, requiring a firm press for emergency stops. But if your drive is primarily about smooth commutes, weekly hauls, and family outings, this is your ride.

Choose the 17-inch or factory alternatives if you want that precise balance.

One thing that caught me off guard was how unusually composed the Kicks felt during a sudden cold snap that rolled through during my test week. While this review covers the everyday comfort and tech-rich experience of the SR trim, the real test of grit came when temperatures dropped and the roads glazed over unexpectedly. If you want to know how this compact SUV handled icy mornings, slippery corners, and frigid starts, Torque News senior editor John Goreham put the 2025 Nissan Kicks SR AWD through a dedicated cold-weather test that dives into all of that and more. 

Safety Tech: Pro Pilot Joins the Party 

SR brings Nissan’s Pro Pilot lane-keeping assist to the Kicks party for the first time. That’s a semi-autonomous package—adaptive cruise with active lane control. It’s not Tesla, not Cadillac, but it’s steady, reliable, and helpful on longer highway stretches. FWD versions offer good base safety tech, but AWD+SR feel like the suite where you say, “Yes, I want that.”

Competition: Standing Proud Among Rivals 

Mazda CX‑30

A driver’s car at heart—charming to drive, yes, but snugger inside, pricier once you tick boxes, and light on cargo.

Kicks wins on interior room, cheaper price for comparable tech, and better real-world cargo capacity.

VW Taos

Tech-forward and composed, a great match in size and drive feel. But desktops hold smaller cubes of cargo, and Taos is generally above Kicks’ base price.

Kicks wins on value, interior simplicity (no overwhelming buttons), and better real-world portability.

Hyundai Kona & Kia Seltos

Both come with perks—Kona sporty edge, Seltos value-laden. Still, Kona rides firmer, Seltos’ plastic-heavy cabin loses polish over time.

Kicks wins on comfort on longer drives and more premium-feeling surfaces.

Two Bonus Points You’ll Want to Know 

1. Nissan Maintenance Care Program
   Every Kicks comes with the new Maintenance program that includes the first three oil changes—for up to two years or 24,000 miles. That’s a $200‑$300 benefit silently lurking in the fine print that you’ll appreciate during ownership.
2. Practical Ground Clearance
   Increasing ground clearance to 8.4 inches (up from 7.0) may not help rock crawling, but it does help navigating curbs, snowy driveways, and stray debris. It’s not bragging off-road capability—it’s real-world thinking.

What’s happening with Nissan lately feels almost unusual in this segment. The 2025 Kicks is not just a one-off refresh but part of a broader shift where Nissan is suddenly positioning itself as a leader in affordable, high-value vehicles. It’s not something many of us expected, especially after a few quieter years from the brand. But if you’ve been keeping an eye on the 2025 lineup, you’ll notice a pattern emerging with models like the Sentra, Rogue, and Frontier all stepping up with bolder design and smarter packaging. If that sounds like an unexpected comeback story you want to follow, check out this deeper dive into how Nissan is becoming the new leader in affordable automobiles with four key 2025 models.

A Week in the Life With the 2025 Kicks SR AWD 

I took the 2025 Kicks SR AWD through a full day of commuting, errand-running, and weekend plans across the Charlotte area for an entire week. Morning school drop-off, afternoon meetings, highway stretches, grocery stops - this little crossover handled it all without drawing attention to itself. And that’s a compliment. It’s the kind of vehicle that fades into your lifestyle instead of demanding adjustments. Parking it in crowded areas felt effortless, squeezing into spaces that would make a midsize SUV sweat. 

Rear Seats That Actually Work for Grown-Ups and Families 

A lot of compact crossovers claim to have good rear seat space, but the Kicks backs it up. I had a friend over 6 feet tall ride in the back for a mid-length drive, and not once did he have to angle his knees awkwardly. The nearly 2 extra inches of shoulder and knee room really show up here. And if you’re wondering about family use - yes, two child car seats fit easily, and thanks to the rear USB-C ports in the SR, backseat complaints about dying tablets were blessedly minimal. The rear seat experience in the Kicks doesn’t feel like a punishment, and that’s a big win in this segment.

Living With the Tech: Quick, Clean, and Nearly Foolproof 

The 12.3-inch touchscreen in the SR trim isn’t just big - it’s responsive. Connecting wireless Apple CarPlay took under 10 seconds and stayed stable throughout. Menus are well-organized, and unlike some rivals, Nissan doesn’t bury key functions under three layers of swipe gestures. I do wish the climate touch panel offered a bit more tactile feedback - you have to glance down at times to make sure your tap registered. But overall, this is a user-friendly system that doesn’t overwhelm. Pro tip: pair your phone and favorite apps before your first drive, and you’ll feel like you’ve owned it for months.

What Could Be Better 

Let’s be honest - no vehicle is perfect. While the ride is generally comfortable, opting for the 19-inch wheels noticeably increases vibration and noise over patchy asphalt. Skip them unless looks are your top priority. The steering is light, which makes it great for parking lots, but offers little feedback when driving fast on winding roads. And while the haptic climate controls look modern, some drivers will prefer the feel of traditional knobs, especially when adjusting on the fly. Lastly, highway noise isolation is decent, but competitors like the Taos and CX-30 offer quieter cabins at higher speeds.

The Unexpected Feeling of Calm Behind the Wheel 

There’s something unexpectedly satisfying about how the 2025 Kicks handles daily life. It doesn’t dazzle with flashy gimmicks or complicated features. Instead, it builds trust with each mile - comfortable seats that truly support, easy-to-reach controls, storage in all the right places, and a ride that doesn’t punish your spine. The Zero Gravity seats live up to the name during longer trips. And when you’re climbing into the Kicks after a long day, it feels like a moment of calm rather than another piece of noise in your life. Sometimes, the most valuable feeling a car can offer isn’t power - it’s peace.

Why Not Just Buy a Used Rogue or CX‑30? 

It’s a fair question. For the same $27K sticker, you might be eyeing a certified pre-owned Rogue, Mazda CX‑30, or even a base Corolla Cross. But here’s what the new 2025 Kicks offers that used doesn’t: full warranty coverage, a brand-new powertrain with AWD capability, wireless tech that isn’t outdated or laggy, and that fresh interior smell that comes with not inheriting someone else’s wear and tear. Plus, the included Nissan Maintenance Care program covers three oil changes over 24 months—that’s money and time saved. If you want peace of mind and low-cost ownership from day one, the new Kicks makes a strong case for itself.

Best Trim for Your Dollar: SR or SV? 

While I tested the top-tier SR with all the bells and whistles, the sweet spot might just be the SV. At a lower price point, you still get the upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, proximity entry, and practical touches like the wireless charging pad. If premium audio or ProPilot Assist is a must, go for the SR. But if you're watching your budget, the SV delivers 90 percent of the value and features for a significantly lower out-the-door price. Think of the SR as the fully-loaded cake, but the SV is a satisfying slice that hits the spot for most drivers.

Final Verdict 

So here’s the truth: the 2025 Nissan Kicks SR AWD isn’t a corner-carving compact SUV, but it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s what it aims to be: a supremely comfortable, tech-rich, and sensibly sized crossover that punches above its weight class when viewed through the lens of interior space, real-world utility, and ownership friendliness.

It’s the Subaru Crosstrek that learned how to stay within budget, the Mazda that heard a demand for more legroom, and took the quiet option on rough roads.

Before You Comment… 

Now I turn the wheel over to you. Which feature stands out most to you: the Zero‑Gravity seats or the AWD/Snow mode combination? And of the Kicks rivals—CX‑30, Taos, Kona, Seltos, which one do you think brings more value king to court, and why?

Looking forward to your thoughts and debates below.