The Indian SUV market has been growing rapidly, and automakers are under pressure to offer vehicles that are stylish, practical, and feature-rich. The 2025 Nissan Kicks enters this competitive segment with a bold new identity and refreshed features that aim to redefine what buyers expect from a compact SUV.
With a bold design language, advanced tech, and improved engine performance, the 2025 Kicks is more than just a facelift. It’s a complete evolution of Nissan’s compact SUV, now targeting urban drivers, tech-savvy buyers, and families alike. If you’re considering an SUV under ₹15 lakh, this review explores whether the 2025 Nissan Kicks should be on your radar.
Quick Highlights of the Nissan Kicks 2025
- Refreshed styling with a new front fascia and LED lighting
- Updated interior with digital driver’s display and larger infotainment
- 1.5L petrol and turbo-petrol engine options
- Advanced safety features including 6 airbags and 360-degree camera
- Competitive pricing with variants starting under ₹11 lakh
- Improved fuel efficiency and ride comfort
Nissan Kicks 2025: Detailed Specifications Table
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol / 1.3L Turbo-Petrol |
| Power Output | 106 PS (NA) / 156 PS (Turbo) |
| Torque | 142 Nm (NA) / 254 Nm (Turbo) |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT (NA) / CVT & 6-speed MT (Turbo) |
| Fuel Efficiency | 16.3 km/l (NA) / 17.9 km/l (Turbo) |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Suspension | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Twist Beam |
| Brakes | Front Disc, Rear Drum |
| Tyres | 215/60 R17 (Alloys in higher trims) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4384 mm x 1813 mm x 1656 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2673 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 210 mm |
| Boot Space | 400 Litres |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 Litres |
| Infotainment Display | 8-inch Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital with TFT Multi-Info Display |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, Hill Start, 360 Camera |
Design and Exterior: Bold and Confident
The 2025 Nissan Kicks makes a strong visual impression with its muscular stance, wider grille, and sharper LED headlamps. The dual-tone color schemes and new 17-inch alloy wheels elevate the premium look, giving it a road presence that rivals larger SUVs.
Exterior Highlights:
- LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs
- Gloss black V-motion grille
- Redesigned front and rear bumpers
- Sporty roof rails
- Dual-tone paint with black roof options
- Shark fin antenna and rear spoiler
The bold front fascia combined with crisp character lines gives the Kicks a sportier, more upmarket appeal compared to its earlier iterations.
Interior and Cabin Quality: Premium Yet Functional
Step inside the 2025 Nissan Kicks and you are greeted with a modern, clean dashboard layout featuring soft-touch materials and a dual-tone color scheme. The cabin is spacious, and the ergonomics are driver-centric, with intuitive placement of controls.
Interior Features:
- New leatherette seat upholstery (higher variants)
- 8-inch touchscreen with enhanced graphics
- Digital driver’s instrument cluster with customizable display
- Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
- Push-button start with smart key
- Flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls
The rear seat offers generous legroom and shoulder room, making it ideal for families. However, taller passengers may find the rear headroom slightly limited due to the sloping roofline.
Performance and Engine Options
The Nissan Kicks 2025 is available with two engine options: a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol and a more exciting 1.3L turbo-petrol engine that’s co-developed with Daimler. Both engines are tuned for city drivability and highway performance, with the turbo variant being the enthusiast’s choice.
Engine Performance:
| Engine | Power | Torque | Gearbox | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L NA Petrol | 106 PS | 142 Nm | 5-speed MT | ~160 km/h |
| 1.3L Turbo Petrol | 156 PS | 254 Nm | 6-speed MT / CVT | ~190 km/h |
The turbo variant offers strong mid-range acceleration, making overtaking effortless. The CVT is smooth and ideal for city use, though the 6-speed manual offers better control and excitement for enthusiasts.
Ride and Handling: Balanced and Composed
The 2025 Nissan Kicks maintains its reputation for solid ride quality and well-balanced dynamics. The suspension absorbs potholes and broken roads with ease, making it a comfortable cruiser.
- Steering feedback is light at low speeds and weighs up nicely at higher speeds.
- Body roll is controlled, making it fun around corners.
- High-speed stability is confidence-inspiring, especially on highways.
Its ground clearance of 210 mm allows it to tackle uneven terrain without worry, giving it SUV practicality for Indian road conditions.
Fuel Efficiency: Practical for Daily Use
Fuel efficiency has been optimized in the 2025 update. The naturally aspirated engine is more efficient in urban traffic, while the turbo offers a good balance of power and economy when driven sedately.
| Driving Condition | 1.5L NA Petrol | 1.3L Turbo Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| City | 13–14 km/l | 12–13 km/l |
| Highway | 17–18 km/l | 18–19 km/l |
| Combined Average | ~16 km/l | ~17 km/l |
While it may not beat a diesel in fuel economy, the performance-to-efficiency ratio remains impressive.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Technology has been given a significant boost in the 2025 model. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive, supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and connects to the 4-speaker audio system which delivers decent audio quality.
Additional connectivity features include:
- Bluetooth and USB support
- Rear camera with dynamic guidelines
- 360-degree surround view system (on top variant)
- Voice commands and steering-mounted audio controls
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2025 Nissan Kicks has a solid safety package with both active and passive features. The SUV is built on a reinforced chassis structure designed to absorb impacts and protect passengers.
Safety Highlights:
- Dual airbags standard; 6 airbags in higher variants
- ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Hill Start Assist
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Speed alert and seatbelt reminder
These features make the Kicks a reliable and safe choice for family buyers.
Variants and Pricing
Nissan offers the Kicks 2025 in multiple trims tailored to different needs and budgets. Here’s an approximate pricing guide (ex-showroom):
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XE | 1.5L NA Petrol | 5-speed MT | ₹10.99 lakh |
| XL | 1.5L NA Petrol | 5-speed MT | ₹11.89 lakh |
| XV Turbo | 1.3L Turbo Petrol | 6-speed MT | ₹13.29 lakh |
| XV Premium Turbo | 1.3L Turbo Petrol | CVT | ₹14.89 lakh |
Pricing may vary slightly across states and cities.
Comparison with Rivals
| Feature | Nissan Kicks | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos | Renault Duster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5 NA / 1.3 Turbo | 1.5 NA / 1.4 Turbo | 1.5 NA / 1.5 Turbo | 1.5 Petrol |
| Power Output | Up to 156 PS | Up to 160 PS | Up to 160 PS | 106 PS |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ESC | 6 Airbags, ESC | 6 Airbags, ESC | 2 Airbags |
| Infotainment | 8-inch Screen | 10.25-inch Screen | 10.25-inch | 8-inch |
| Price Range (₹) | 10.99–14.89 L | 11.00–18.50 L | 10.99–19.00 L | 9.89–12.00 L |
While rivals offer more variants and flashy features, the Kicks scores high on value for money, engine performance, and ride comfort.
Pros and Cons of the Nissan Kicks 2025
Pros:
- Bold and sporty design
- Turbo petrol engine is best-in-class
- Good ride quality and highway stability
- Safety features like 6 airbags, ESC, 360 camera
- Value pricing compared to rivals
Cons:
- No diesel engine option
- Interior design is functional but lacks wow factor
- Limited brand service reach in tier-2 cities
Who Should Buy the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
This SUV is perfect for:
- Urban families looking for a safe, premium-looking SUV
- Enthusiasts wanting a powerful turbo-petrol SUV under ₹15 lakh
- Buyers seeking a comfortable highway cruiser
- Individuals who prioritize ride quality and engine refinement
If you want a bold, powerful, and well-equipped SUV that undercuts the big names in pricing without compromising on essentials, the Kicks makes a compelling case.
Final Verdict: Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks Changing the Game?
Yes, the 2025 Nissan Kicks delivers on all fronts that matter – design, performance, features, and pricing. While it may not have the segment’s flashiest touchscreen or the widest dealer network, it offers a strong value proposition for buyers looking for something distinct in a sea of compact SUVs.
With its turbocharged engine, bold styling, and robust safety features, the Kicks proves that you don’t need to spend ₹20 lakh to get a stylish, safe, and fun-to-drive SUV in 2025.