The Nissan Kicks is all new for 2025, and it may also be the most pleasant surprise of the year. It starts with its original looks. While original, those looks draw inspirations from previous generation Kicks and the Juke. Finally, at least to me, the design seems like it couldn’t be anything other than a Nissan, even if all badges were removed.

The unique design carries over to the inside. The thoughtfully and ergonomically designed interior has nice quality fabrics and materials, at least on this top-line SR model. Despite being a small and affordable vehicle, the interior does not seem cheap or small. Nissan’s latest infotainment is intuitive to use did not hiccup at all while I had it.

Note: After fifteen years of writing car reviews, I have decided to venture into video. I am starting off slowly and rather amateurishly, so please bear with me. These videos can only get better (maybe). These will be one-take videos. I’ll only discuss the vehicle, and you won’t even have to look at me. Additionally, whatever I miss or get wrong in a video, I will supplement in writing. -KK

Not everything is new, however. The previous generation’s 1.5-liter engine gets replaced with a two-liter MR20DD engine from the Nissan Sentra. That engine is still connected to Nissan’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which seemed to have gotten some reprogramming to make it shift more like a conventional automatic. A first, and an important one, is the availability of an AWD system on the Kicks.

The ride is very comfortable, even on these relatively large 19-inch wheels. But despite the comfortable ride, entertaining handling is not gone. With only 141-horsepower the Kicks won’t win many drag races, but it is not painfully slow. Likewise, highway cruising, even at higher speeds, is surprisingly smooth and effortless.

I do have two complaints about the new Kicks, however. The first is the spare tire, it’s a $180 factory option. Without it, one gets a styrofoam cubie and a tire sealer. The second is wind noise at highway speeds. The noise is not bad or annoying, but it does remind you that this is an economy car.

The 2025 Kicks is now available at US dealerships. Prices starts at $21,830 and peak at around $31,000 as seen here. It seems like a good value, looks cool, is roomy, comfortable, and fun to drive. Surprisingly so…