Nissan Kicks (2025): Replacement of the American Qashqai with all-wheel drive

(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Do you know Nissan Kicks? If not, we can understand that. The SUV with a length of 4.30 meters has been available in the United States, China and Brazil since 2016. In terms of size, it is between our Juke and Qashqai. Now the manufacturer presents the new Kicks at the New York Auto Show (NYIAS), which shines with an attractive design.

You’ll notice right away that the signature Nissan V-motion grille is gone. However, if you look closely at the new surface, you will notice traces of the old design language. The curved radiator grille openings run diagonally inward and end at the edge on the front apron. Above, the narrow headlights are also pointed down on the inner edges. It is a very clean and boring look that continues towards the back with a straight top band.

Things get more interesting in the background. Nissan retains the floating roof motif, available in two colors, and the “kink” in the Kick pillar is also still present. It gives way to a slightly larger tailgate and distinctive vertical taillights mounted high on the corners. All in all, it’s a very different look from the old Kicks. The new version looks bigger.

And it’s not just a question of appearance. Nissan says the 2025 Kicks is bigger, though exact details are still unknown. There is said to be a touch more headroom for both front and rear passengers, with rear passengers getting an inch more knee room.

With the rear seats folded down you get an additional 850 liters of cargo space or 1,700 liters with the seats folded down. According to Nissan, this position is the best in its class.

There is room in one SUV it’s certainly useful, but we suspect occupants will be more impressed with the Kick’s digital enhancements. The new interior is completely different with the two screens of the infotainment system in the center of the driver. The center screen is up to 12.3 inches tall, with a 7-inch screen installed as standard. It controls a variety of technologies, including optional 360-degree surround view cameras and an optional 10-speaker Bose audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated into the system.

Under the hood is a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 143 hp and 190 Nm of torque, connected to a CVT transmission. And for the first time, you can deliver that power to all four wheels with Nissan Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. With this trim, Nissan also offers snow mode designed specifically for performance on slippery surfaces.

Other driver assistance features include automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear brake assist and lane departure warning, all of which are part of Nissan’s standard Safety Shield 360 system. With SR equipment you get ProPilot, which also supports steering. Nissan specifically notes that this is also a first for the Kicks.

More events for Nissan:

Nissan Juke (2024): Facelift with more technology and more yellow
Nissan X-Trail 1.5 VC-T (2023) on test: Enough

How much will all this cost? Nissan isn’t ready to reveal pricing yet, but promises the news will be revealed before sales start in the summer. By comparison: The Kicks 2024 starts at $22,440, equivalent to a cool 20,600 euros.

Which: Nissan