Nissan Kicks has gone to the spa, the salon, and spent hours at the gym, signs of which are now unmistakably showing in Nissan’s compact SUV with bigger space, better tech and more power to go places. Meet the second generation of Nissan Kicks – truly transformed.
Who are you calling ‘compact’?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is a 4365 mm car, which has grown 5.5 cm longer and 4 cm wider with a segment-defying 2655 mm wheel base. For a comparison, the Honda HR-V – another practical choice in the segment – is 4340 mm long, a whole inch shorter than the new Kicks.
The compact SUV has now more ground clearance than many midsize SUVs – 237 mm is a class-leading leap from its previous 210 mm. Another compelling presence is the 19” alloy wheels, two inches bigger than they used to be! The boot space of 470 L now matches up to the Honda HR-V to continue the comparison – its really wide mouth makes for easier loading!
Kooler Kicks!
The wider grille, smiling from end to end, suggests a more muscular car (which it is anyway) with the V-motion grille now opting for a subtler presentation. The stacked headlamps and the wide rear lamps look cooler, too. The lower bumpers and all-round skirting have graphic elements that Nissan says are inspired by trendy sneakers – adding to the cool quotient of the Kicks. 9 base colour options and 6 dual tone choices with cool names like Arctic Ice and Yuzu yellow wrap things up nicely!
Cabin comfort
Besides premium synthetic leather seats, my top trim model had the Nissan’s signature ‘Zero gravity sets’ designed for a more comfortable driving posture and cosy ride comfort. The legroom and shoulder room are plenty while the absence of rear AC vents is perhaps the only aspect keeping with its compact SUV status.
Upgraded tech
The new Nissan Kicks has climbed up a couple of segments when it comes to comfort and safety technology. The dual screens, styled like a monolith, are 12.3” each and the multimedia touchscreen is home to all that you expect (and don’t expect). Techies can count wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a few useful C-type charging ports, while a new wireless charger sits on the bridge console. The 10-speaker premium Bose system continues to offer headrest speakers for an immersive experience!
A new engine with go anywhere power
Growing out of its compactness in every respect, the new Kicks is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine instead of the expected 1.6L, adding 24 hp in the bargain. The generosity of Nissan overflows with 142 hp and 190 Nm of torque to drive this 1.3-ton vehicle. Nissan Kicks offers a confident, powerful and streamlined drive with its improved CVT, even as it skips an AWD option in favour of fuel economy. In fact, the economy is marginally better despite the power boost – 18.5 kmpl (earlier 18.2 kmpl). Now, that speaks volumes about how the new Kicks gains in everything without having to compromise on anything!
Watch the video review from UAE test drive
Safety and driver assistance
Just like their trademark Zero Gravity seats, Nissan’s compact SUV flaunts their ‘Pro Pilot’ tech (with its signature thumbprint on the steering) for some impressive bit of autonomous driving support. The Around View Monitor offers helpful multi-view guidance while parking.
The new Nissan Kicks is not just about upgrades; it is about segment-defying democracy of tech. It can be seen in the overall protection with front, side and curtain airbags even in the S trim. Therefore, if I said the Kicks could have been granted the luxury of electrically adjusted driver seats and that the ambient lighting (which is generously present) would have looked still better in multi colour, would you call me greedy? LOL.
The essential Nissan Kicks 2025
So, the Nissan Kicks is now a whole new car – an icon of aspiration for sub-compact buyers, as it leaves the ‘entry level’ guard to the new Nissan Magnite. As to be expected, the new package comes with a new price tag starting at AED 84,900. At Al Masaood Automobiles in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region, the Kicks ownership is made easy with price savings or instalment offers, complete with 5 years of warranty and roadside assistance along with service packages.