2025 Nissan Kicks Makes Autotrader’s Best New Cars of 2025

The new Nissan Kicks is gaining considerable attention from the automotive industry and is beginning to crowd its mantelpiece with trophies and awards. The latest accolade comes from Autotrader, which has named it one of its Best New Cars of 2025. Dick Smith Nissan of Columbia provides the details.  

Autotrader examined all the cars that were new, redesigned, or significantly changed in the previous nine months and chose “the 10 best for your consideration.” While the models were not categorized, it should be noted that there was no other sub-compact SUV on the list.  

As a quick recap, this is the first redesign for the Kicks model, and everything has changed. The Kicks boasts a bold, attractive new appearance that looks fresh and resembles nothing else on the road. The interior stands out in its class for both features and materials, and both passenger and cargo volume have increased. The powertrain has been upgraded from 1.6 to 2.0 liters, with power rising from 122 to 141 horsepower and torque increasing from 114 to 140 lb-ft. For the first time, all-wheel drive is now available, accompanied by best-in-class ground clearance of 8.4 inches. 

Standard on all models is the Nissan Safety Shield® 360, which features:  

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection 
• Lane Departure Warning 
• Blind Spot Warning 
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert 
• Rear Automatic Braking 
• High Beam Assist 

The convenience of intelligent cruise control is also standard. Another unexpected feature for this class is the available Bose® premium audio system with dual speakers in the headrests of each front seat.  

In describing its award winner, Autotrader editor Eric Brandt stated, “The Nissan Kicks is quietly one of the best bargains in small SUVs. The new generation has a bigger interior, available all-wheel drive, and fun options like headrest speakers, and it still starts at under $25,000.” Allyson Harwood added, “The Kicks’ combination of standard safety features and tech make this a great car for younger drivers.” And we have this from editor Brian Moody: “I like the well-thought-out interior and exterior design. It manages to be inexpensive without looking cheap.” 

The 2025 Kicks offers all of this with a base MSRP of $21,830, which reflects a less than $500 increase over the previous model. The base all-wheel-drive model has an MSRP of $23,330. If you need to add some affordable transportation to your household and don’t mind it being stylish, well-equipped, and award-winning, visit Dick Smith Nissan of Columbia and test drive a 2025 Kicks.