The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR AWD represents a big evolution for Nissan’s entry-level crossover. What started as a budget-friendly city runabout has reworked right into a extra succesful and feature-rich automobile that goals to compete severely within the more and more crowded subcompact SUV section. The addition of all-wheel drive to the lineup marks a notable milestone, addressing one of many largest criticisms of earlier generations whereas sustaining the Kicks’ repute for affordability and effectivity.
Below the hood, the Kicks SR continues with Nissan’s acquainted 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Whereas these figures gained’t set anybody’s pulse racing, they present enough for every day driving eventualities. The engine is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission, which has been refined over time to really feel much less rubber-band-like than earlier iterations. The CVT does its job quietly and effectively, although fans will nonetheless discover the acceleration expertise considerably uninspiring throughout freeway merging or spirited driving.
The brand new clever all-wheel drive system is the headline function for 2025, robotically distributing energy between entrance and rear wheels when traction is required. Throughout testing on moist roads and lightweight off-road circumstances, the system proved competent and unobtrusive. The AWD engages seamlessly when sensors detect wheel slip, offering confidence in adversarial climate circumstances that the earlier front-wheel-drive-only mannequin merely couldn’t match. Nevertheless, this isn’t a system designed for severe off-roading – it’s optimized for snow, rain, and the occasional gravel street.
Inside house stays one of many Kicks’ strongest promoting factors. Regardless of its compact exterior dimensions, the cabin feels surprisingly roomy, notably for rear passengers. The rear seats supply beneficiant legroom for the category, and the upright seating place maximizes headroom. The cargo space gives 25.3 cubic toes of house with the rear seats up, increasing to 53.1 cubic toes when folded – respectable numbers that make the Kicks sensible for small households or city dwellers.
The SR trim brings a sportier aesthetic each inside and outside. Orange accent stitching, distinctive wheel designs, and SR badging try and inject some character into what might in any other case be a reasonably nameless design. The inside options comfy material seats with enticing distinction stitching, although some exhausting plastics all through the cabin remind you that is nonetheless a budget-oriented automobile. The infotainment system facilities round an 8-inch touchscreen that helps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although the interface can really feel sluggish in comparison with extra premium alternate options.
On the street, the Kicks SR AWD delivers a composed and comfy trip high quality. The suspension does an admirable job of smoothing out street imperfections whereas sustaining cheap physique management via corners. Street noise is well-controlled at freeway speeds, making the Kicks a nice freeway cruiser. The steering is mild and responsive round city, although it lacks the precision that driving fans may desire.
Gasoline financial system stays aggressive regardless of the addition of all-wheel drive. EPA scores of 27 mpg metropolis and 34 mpg freeway signify solely a modest lower from the front-wheel-drive mannequin, making the Kicks one of many extra environment friendly AWD crossovers out there. Throughout real-world testing, attaining these figures proved sensible with average driving habits.
Security options are complete, with Nissan Security Protect 2.0 coming customary. This consists of automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. The inclusion of those options as customary gear throughout the lineup represents wonderful worth on this value section.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR AWD carries a beginning MSRP of $27,680, positioning it competitively within the subcompact SUV section. Nevertheless, choices can shortly add up – the check automobile got here geared up with extra options that introduced the ultimate value to $31,885, demonstrating how shortly prices can escalate when including fascinating extras.
The Kicks SR AWD occupies an fascinating place available in the market. It’s extra succesful and feature-rich than ever earlier than, but it maintains the sensible, no-nonsense character that has outlined the mannequin. Whereas it could not supply the refinement of premium rivals or the driving pleasure of sportier alternate options, it delivers stable worth for consumers prioritizinghouse, effectivity, and all-weather functionality, although consumers must be conscious of how choices can impression the general worth proposition.
Professionals:
Wonderful inside house for the category
Aggressive gasoline financial system regardless of AWD
Complete customary security options
Inexpensive pricing with good worth proposition
Clean, comfy trip high quality
Efficient all-wheel drive system for adversarial circumstances
Cons:
Underwhelming engine efficiency and acceleration
CVT transmission lacks driving engagement
Inside supplies really feel low-cost in locations
Infotainment system might be sluggish to reply
Restricted off-road functionality regardless of AWD
Street noise turns into noticeable at larger speeds
