
Nissan Kicks is on our Wishlist for 2025
While we enjoy sunshine and beaches in South Africa, it’s a cold, white Christmas for the team at Nissan in Quebec. But this winter wonderland is where the all-new Nissan Kicks was put through some of the toughest, most extreme winter evaluations imaginable. As standard practice, testing begins years before production, and for this case, it culminated in February 2024 when a near-final assessment for the new second-generation Kicks was completed in Quebec City.
Because this Nissan is definitely on our wishlist for South Africa, we wanted to share some interesting facts about this exciting new model.
It’s A New Era For The Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is not your average subcompact SUV. Now a vast improvement over the first-generation Kicks, it sees some major upgrades that transform it from a basic entry-level hatchback into a stylish, capable subcompact SUV. Taller, longer, and wider than before, the new Kicks boasts a cheeky design with pronounced wheel arches, a bold grille, and optional two-tone colour schemes.
More Room, More Tech, More Fun
Inside, the Kicks has grown to offer more rear-seat room and cargo space so passengers and gear fit comfortably. The 2025 model is packed with tech upgrades too, including a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen and the option for dual 12.3-inch displays in the higher-spec trim. You’ll also find advanced driver-assistance features, with Nissan’s ProPilot Assist now available to give you extra confidence on the road.
Performance That Excels In Any Condition
Under the hood, the Kicks is powered by a robust 105 kW 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The powertrain is designed to deliver better acceleration than the previous model’s engine while maintaining fuel efficiency. For those who crave versatility, an optional all-wheel-drive system (a first for Kicks) is available across all trim levels, making the stylish subcompact SUV suitable for various driving conditions and road surfaces.
The AWD models of the new Kicks come equipped with a “Snow” driving mode, which improves performance and stability on slippery surfaces, even when cornering. With an impressive 212 mm of ground clearance, the Kicks is also well-equipped to easily handle rough roads and snowy conditions.
Ready For Any Adventure
After years of global collaboration and rounds of quality testing, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is ready for anything. No matter what the weather is like or if navigating the urban jungle or tackling a weekend road trip, the Kicks is up to the challenge.
Even with the addition of the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, the new Kicks remains one of the more affordable subcompact SUVs in international markets. We’re crossing our fingers that it will soon arrive in South Africa. If the next-generation Kicks does arrive, it’s set to play an even bigger role, especially now that the Qashqai has been discontinued. The Kicks could be a nice replacement, offering a stylish, spacious, and feature-rich option for those who want more from their subcompact SUV.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on our blog and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and announcements about Nissan.