Nissan Kicks 2025 Review

The compact SUV market has consistently remained popular locally. Consumers want both flexible urban mobility and practical space with up-to-date features. As a new player in this segment, the 2025 Nissan Kicks Public focuses on two key selling points: "smart upgrades" and "space optimization." Many are curious whether it can stand out against popular models like the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross. This time, we got a test drive car to specifically evaluate its daily commute practicality, feature experience, and driving performance to see if it truly meets the core needs of family users.

In terms of appearance, the 2025 Kicks Public continues Nissan’s family-style V-Motion front grille design. However, the grille size has been slightly reduced, paired with slim LED headlamp clusters on either side, giving it a more refined look. The side profile features clean lines, with a waistline extending from the front fenders to the rear; it’s not too sharp but adds some depth. 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels come as standard; their design is conventional, matching its family-friendly positioning. The rear shows significant changes, with new through-type LED taillights enhancing nighttime visibility. The lower bumper includes black plastic cladding and silver skid plate accents, adding a hint of a crossover vibe. The test drive car was painted in metallic gray, which offered a nice texture but was prone to fingerprints, requiring regular cleaning.

Inside, the interior design leans towards simplicity and practicality. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical layout, with soft-touch materials on the top and hard plastics in the middle and lower sections, though the gaps are even and don’t give an obvious cheap feel. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard across the lineup. Its interface is clear, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and operates smoothly, though the screen resolution is fairly average. The steering wheel is designed with three multifunction spokes, with media and phone controls on the left and driving assistance controls on the right; button feedback is responsive. Seats are fabric-covered and have a soft filling. The front seats offer manual adjustment, but lumbar support is average; a lumbar cushion may be needed for long drives. Rear seat cushions provide adequate length. Legroom is average for the class; passengers around 175cm tall will find about a two-fist space from the knees to the front seats and around one fist of headroom, which prevents a claustrophobic feeling. For storage, the front row offers two cup holders, a center console box with a USB port, and door pockets that can hold two water bottles. The trunk has a standard capacity of 350 liters, which can be expanded to 1,100 liters by folding down the rear seats – enough for a stroller or luggage. However, the relatively high opening might make lifting heavy items a bit cumbersome.

In terms of power, the 2025 Kicks Public is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 91kW (124PS) and a maximum torque of 154N·m, paired with a CVT. During daily driving, the initial acceleration feels light, and the throttle response is sensitive, making it suitable for stop-and-go city traffic. After reaching 60km/h, power output becomes more stable. For overtaking, the throttle needs a deep press, and while the CVT simulates gear shifts, acceleration isn’t very quick. Accelerating from 100km/h to 120km/h on a highway requires some patience. There are two driving modes: Eco and Normal. In Eco mode, throttle response is softened, which is good for fuel-efficient commutes, while Normal mode provides more direct power suitable for suburban roads. The chassis uses a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, although post-bump oscillations are noticeable. Cornering reveals average body roll control, but for a family SUV, the performance is acceptable. The steering wheel provides moderate turning effort with minimal play, making daily handling relatively easy.

In terms of fuel consumption, we drove 100km each on urban roads (with approximately 30% congested sections) and highways (70%), with displayed fuel consumption at 7.2L/100km and 5.8L/100km respectively, resulting in an average consumption of 6.5L/100km. This performance is considered above average among similar 1.6L models. Regarding the driver assistance systems, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and reverse camera come as standard, but adaptive cruise control is only available on the high-end models. Noise control is average, with noticeable wind and tire noise at high speeds, requiring the music volume to be turned up to mask it.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 Nissan Kicks Public are its practical space, sufficient features, and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for family daily commutes and short trips. Compared to the Honda HR-V, it may offer a more affordable price but falls slightly behind in power and handling; compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross, it has more features but slightly lower brand value retention. If you're a family user focused on practicality and cost-effectiveness, with a daily commute of less than 50km and occasional short trips with family, the 2025 Kicks Public is a good choice. However, if you're looking for stronger power or more luxurious interiors, you might need to consider other models. Overall, it is a well-rounded compact family SUV with no significant drawbacks, ideal for consumers seeking a "worry-free and sufficient" vehicle.