Nissan Kicks Wins Best-in-Class at J.D. Power Residual Value Awards

You may not have even seen a 2025 Nissan Kicks on the road, but the 2nd generation of Nissan’s smallest crossover is already receiving awards. The first one ironically involves resale. The new, redesigned Nissan Kicks has won a best-in-class designation in the J.D. Power Residual Value Awards. Dick Smith Nissan of Columbia gives you the details.  

Even before being purchased by J.D. Power, the Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG) became the industry standard for recognizing vehicle models projected to retain the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Originally a tool to help manufacturers set leasing rates based on expected residuals, ALG subsequently became the source for predicting two—and three-year resale value. It looks at key traits such as long-term quality, design, and overall appeal.  

“The Nissan Kicks underwent a well-executed redesign with improvements inside and out,” said Danny Battaglia, Managing Director of ALG Customer Success at J.D. Power. 

“Highlights include more space, an upgraded infotainment system, and the addition of optional AWD. Nissan also kept price increases modest on lower, value-oriented trims.”

One look tells you that the Nissan Kicks has been completely redesigned. The exterior has an athletic appearance from top to bottom, which is no surprise, as the design was inspired by football helmets and modern sneakers. 

Inside, the Kicks shows a level of quality in dashboard design and materials that sets it apart from its subcompact crossover rivals. It isn’t just the dash, as the cabin uses Nissan’s Zero Gravity™ seating design for the first time in the Kicks. The seat design helps distribute weight and pressure across the occupants’ bodies for a more comfortable seating position to help reduce fatigue. 

While still maintaining a small exterior footprint, the cabin is also roomier, with 1.7 inches more shoulder room in the front and 1.5 inches wider in the rear. Rear legroom is such that a 6-foot adult can easily sit behind a 6-footer in the front row. The total cargo capacity is up to 30 cubic feet with the rear seats raised and a best-in-class 60 cubic feet with the seats lowered, a figure that rivals many vehicles one class size larger.  

The Kicks is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, which is then paired to the latest generation of the Nissan Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Significantly, the Kicks is now available with all-wheel drive to optimize traction in poor weather and unpaved surfaces. Also helping its residual value is the Nissan Safety Shield® 360, which is standard across the model line and includes safety and driver assistance features such as: 

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

“The 2025 Kicks stands tall with expressive design, enhanced technology and confident driving dynamics,” said Vinay Shahani, Senior Vice President of U.S. Marketing and Sales, Nissan Americas. “This important accolade highlights the value Kicks also provides to customers over the longer term, underscoring Nissan’s commitment to an exceptional customer experience through the entire ownership period.” 

Click here to see the 2025 Kicks models in the Dick Smith Nissan of Columbia inventory, and then drive the award-winning models yourself. You will see why J.D. Power has determined the 2025 Kicks will remain a high-value model for years to come.