Review: 2025 Nissan Kicks AWD - The BEST AWD SUV Value in America!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Looking to buy a Kicks or any vehicle? Go to mattmaranmotoring.com/pages/new-car-quotes to learn invoice pricing and get the BEST PRICE on a vehicle in your local area! (commissions earned)

[@c.a.r.s.carsandrelevantspecs]

I have a big appreciation for decent vehicles at entry-level prices. Thanks for this informative review! 👍

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for watching!

[@wjm3018]

Once Nissan changed their cvt transmission to a traditional.5 or 6 speed transmission ill buy

[@canto_v12]

This and the Camry are some serious modern day value buys! The affordable new car is making a comeback.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

Huge improvement. This is going to give Nissan the sales they desperately need.

[@jeffkennedy2132]

Love your review!!! I’m buying one soon!!

[@im_an_alvani]

That is a lot of car for the money! Hopefully Nissan keeps this up and takes this same approach to their other models.

[@GothRocker7]

Hey Matt, Really nice, in depth review on this new Nissan Kicks, very good information, and I appreciate the honest real comparisons. I agree That 2 liter engine is enough power, and will be more reliable long term, the Nissan's CVT's are really improved and are not the nightmare they once were. I actually have to say most Japanese CVT's are pretty dam good anymore. I Never thought I would be impressed by this new Nissan Kicks, but I actually am. Nice details, nice detailed interior, and it doesn't look boring and to me doesn't look hideous, it is different, which is nice. I think people forget these are not huge vehicles and they really don't need 195 horsepower. When I stop over my parents house, I love driving my Mother's Subaru Crosstrek take it a spin, just a light, zippy car, fun to drive. This Nissan is following that formula, but offering a lot more features. Nissan giving a lot of car for the money. Fit and finish looks really good. I think Nissan will sell a lot of units, especially offering All Wheel Drive. I know many don't like these cars, but they are needed, well done Nissan. Excellent review, well done Matt. You covered it very well. Appreciate covering the sound system as well, that is neat a Bose system like that in a Kicks. I am going to send this review to my friend that needs a new run around city vehicle, with all wheel drive, this is in his price range.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Rich, I'm glad you liked it and thanks for sharing the video!

[@yolandaosborne1848]

Absolutely great review, I have a 2016 Nissan Versa SV, ready for an upgrade. This will definitely be an option. 😊

[@supersteve1585]

We do have to achnowledge that current Nissan CVTs are better particularly on their 4cyl, as they are not a ticking time bomb like they were 10 years ago. But now you have to worry about their new variable compression engine, in which thankfully the Kicks does not have as it has the older reliable engine that they have been using for decades.😁

[@dougporter65]

Sounds like you like this Nissan. Great review. I think they have a winner on their hands at Nissan and they will sell a ton of these. It Has great safety features, cool tech and comfort and now has AWD. Going to be a great cold weather commuter vehicle.

[@kmckenzie2461]

Great video! Thank you for showing everything up close to see all the materials, build quality and trim details. You did amazing! Also thank you for flipping through the gauge cluster screens! I appreciate it.

[@lyndahammel9502]

It's good to have a vehicle at an affordable price. I like the looks and the AWD option also.

[@sowek4576]

Huge improvement over previous generations. Hopefully it helps the dealerships. I read somewhere that 30%~ of the Nissan dealerships are losing money.

[@jtkent28]

If I wasn’t such a VW fanboy I think this would definitely be something I would consider buying. At least based on exterior & interior it looks fantastic. Tech wise seems perfect as well. I’m a manual transmission guy but for a daily driver I wouldn’t care about it being a CVT.

[@theconsciousone9017]

I test drove Nissan juke I was very impressed the SEr would truly put you back in the game

[@AWildKappa]

The second I saw the styling on this and what they offered I immediately thought man Awd AND modern unique styling? That’s a package for sure I think they kicked it out the park for this one ! Well done @Nissan!

[@dicoypowell3908]

Love these normal car reviews for regular people. Matt shows up some nice and spicy like the DBX and then back down to earth with a kicks

[@doriangray2347]

People are complaining about a car that is affordable. I think it is specced fine. The CVT allows for smooth acceleration. I probably have more cash and pricey cars than just about anyone on here making fun of this. Not every person can afford $38k toyotas or mazdas

[@mightbesherwood1313]

It sure didn't sound smooth.

[@doriangray2347]

@@mightbesherwood1313 that is true. I hope it does in thr full production version. I love the use of 2.0 liter non turbos. My dream is a japanese small car with a manual gearbox and 2.0 liter non turbo. I missed that window of the corrolla hatchback by a few months.

[@1_helper-PST]

Tell em king!

[@wjm3018]

​@@doriangray2347buy a used toyota with 5 speed manual. Bullet proof hard to find.

[@garrettyamada9821]

The 2025 model year Kicks, is finally starting to trickle in at my local Nissan dealership here in Hawaii. Currently driving a 2013 Altima SV, and it's still running strong with regular routine maintenance as recommended by the owners manual. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan]

Great review and I would loved to afford this.

[@Jan96106]

I've heard that in several videos. My 2023 Kicks does not make any noise at all while I am on the expressway. All i hear are occasional cars that might make a woosh sound as they pass by in the other lane. Of course, I do not floor the pedal. I increase speed gradually on the ramp, so I'm 50 by the time I merge into the first lane. But once my car is 40 and above, it is soundless. But maybe you are pushing down hard on the gas pedal. Then it would make noise. I try to make sure I rarely do that. I try not to do that at all. This is a nice review. I'm glad you appreciate the new features. I'm really tired of people who Nissan bash. That's a great color for the Kicks. My best gas was 48.5. Today it was 47.5 coming home. I admit I was behind some slow trucks today, so I was going 55, sometimes a bit slower, but I did not brake, so gas mileage was good. I wish people would realize all the braking they do on the expressway reduces gas mileage, so they'd stop making me brake. I notice when you drove normally without trying to accelerate fast, the car was quiet.

[@hellokyle_]

Great looking car both inside and out.

[@LukeO-1234]

I wish they would have just rounded the hp up to 149 like the sentra. Ik 8 hp isnt much but in cars like this every little bit helps

[@SINE382]

My only issue with this kicks after building one on the website for the same price I could get into a cx30 gs with luxury package. Similar space, more power and a better drive experience

[@rockyshoresstudios4987]

Really like this new design, imagine if they had a hybrid version, it would kick a$$.

[@Angryeddie14]

Good on nissan providing cheap transportation still

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

@@Angryeddie14 I’m annoyed so many brands are abandoning affordable vehicles. I wish consumers would fight back, but for every person trying to buy something reasonable, there’s five willing to buy a $45k crossover.

[@Angryeddie14]

@@thatoneotherotherguy I think a big part of it is financial ignorance and complacency sadly

[@GreezyLu]

Oh snap! Matt! You’re still doing reviews?! Haven’t seen you in a minute! Now… let’s take it on this backroad here 😂. Miss you man.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Welcome back!

[@Linknelson]

People hating on the Cvt 1 - mostly are just following the hive mind 2 - probably never had a Nissan vehicle that was newer when the got it or taken care of as well as them not taking care of the vehicle they had I had an Altima with the CVT, got me to almost 300k miles. It’s not meant to be a race car or what you want, but if you take care of it will last a while, esp for the price. Nissan has been doing the CVT tech for the longest. They now how to make a reliable CVT.

[@twotrackjack2260]

This is a fairly impressive offering from Nissan. Yea the power sounds unimpressive but its also super light. Both of which should help the cvt survive long term. For the price, this should be a solid option in the segment

[@android-ud2nf]

I swear if Nissan could they’d put a single cylinder Yamaha 4 wheeler engine inside. Cars are getting nicer but drivetrains are getting far. Worse.

[@S.L.S-407]

I just went to the Nissan website and they say the Kicks is DIRECT INJECTION and NOT naturally aspirated. That means carbon can build up and cost you a small fortune in years to come. The kicks is the third noisiest car on the road. So they have made it look pretty but they should have put in some sound deadening material. Also, you will find that the prices for each version is far TOO high. Nissan has a HUGE amount of inventory and they are still NOT giving you a break on pricing. Check it out for yourself.

[@quebecpower978]

The only things that sucks on this car is the transmission and the engine. Interrior/ exterrior design props to Nissan's team. 👌

[@truckercowboyed2638]

They are fine and the Cvt is new design

[@housepianist]

@@truckercowboyed2638 agreed. He probably never owned a nissan.

[@SINE382]

Wife has a 2023 rogue with the 1.5t and the new designed cvt. It doesn’t suck and doesn’t feel anything like my buddies 2011 Altima.

[@quebecpower978]

@@housepianist dude i own one 2024. And yes the engine and transmission are horrible.

[@housepianist]

@@quebecpower978 great, you own one. But you fail to explain why they’re horrible. Here’s your chance to explain what you mean. Otherwise, you’re just trolling and not convincing anyone of your opinion.

[@samastra1066]

Love it 😍 also love slow cars ❤

[@armandoo2950]

If this did not have a CVT and maybe 30 more horsepower would be towards the top of my wishlist

[@Frontier2022]

Cvt’s are perfect for that size car. They only started to get a really bad rap when they started to stick them in bigger cars. I have 20 kicks SR since new it’s my youngest car now with 44000 on it changing the CVT fluid at 40000. It still runs like new one of the best trouble free cars ever. People have CVT problems because of lack of maintenance or try to tow something.

[@tonywong9105]

As much as I really like the look and the effort Nissan puts in this new Kicks, the fact that the brand has zero hybrid option including this new Kicks is simply inexcusable.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

Man $20,000 used to be base AWD Impreza hatch money not very long ago

[@jongeephotography]

That's what happens when you print money

[@marvinmurakami8828]

Welcome to Bidenomics!

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

@@marvinmurakami8828 hope you’re ready to pound more sand this November lol. Captain Tax Breaks For The Rich And Corporations isn’t coming back.

[@trevorsutherland5263]

I got a 2022 Kicks for my college kid to get him into something much more modern than the (bulletproof) 2006 ES330 he was given when he finished HS. He liked the modern tech and the utility but hated how slow it was; after a couple weeks he asked for the old family Lexus back and he said he "missed that smooth 200hp V6". LOL. More power is what this needed the most; I still don't like the CVT, but I've heard if you change the fluid every 40K miles it will last 150K+. The old one wasn't ugly but was kind of basic looking, this looks a *lot* more "youthful". Nissan may be able to find success in the same place Mitsubishi has for years: simple, inexpensive, reliable, and good looking.

[@theconsciousone9017]

I had 2002 Nissan Sentra ser fun car go back to what made guys great so I can come back home ❤💯

[@MartinezFAMHawaii]

I missed my 2004 Nissan Altima and So comfortable seat❤

[@jci3060]

$23k for this car is nice. $30k for this car is no way amigo.

[@bryantcurtis7]

Goood looking car. For what it is it’s a great option. For better power train there’s plenty of other options in the segment.

[@blackedout5.0fan39]

Hi Matt! :)

[@DrewTillman-tr4ex]

Test drove the 2003 trax and was not impressed. Didnt like the way the tranny felt. The horsepower was really anemic but the biggest bummer was the lack of awd. See the trax as much better choice but must have awd with independent rear suspension.

[@jonaha.2431]

What about the cx30. Or the corolla cross the 30 has the 2.5. But the corolla cross is still a decent vehicle. The longest i’ve heard a nissan cvt is a 140k miles on a 2013 sentra. Which nowadays is almost low miles for some reason.

[@michaelfbuckley]

I don't understand why people hate CVTs so much. They work fine for 99% of driving needs. What frustrates me is these overengineered 8 and 10 speed transmissions that hesitate and feel clunky when shifting. CVTs are smooth and reliable, most of the time.

[@MrTonifumi]

Wrong. Torque converter transmissions have the least issues and CVT's have huge issues (especially JATCO).

[@michaelfbuckley]

@@MrTonifumi There are many specific torque converter transmissions over the years that have had catastrophic failure. Just as there are some CVTs that are reliable. To be clear, my original comment was referring to drivability.

[@19hundoc47]

lol sounds like you’ve never driven a CVT😂

[@michaelfbuckley]

​@@19hundoc47 Don’t be so presumptuous. I’ve owned several Subarus with CVTs and enjoyed them all. I currently own a used 2011 Outback with nearly 100K- the CVT is flawless.

[@coreylucas5997]

The base versions of these are selling out not surprising since a lot of SR versions like this one is like 27-31 grand which makes it pricey for a small Ute, I’ve gotten a great deal on a Honda HRV LX 24 grand out the door price

[@robertsn6584]

The nissan cvts are actually good now

[@n0xxm3rcyxx]

are they? this is one of the reasons i dont have my wife get one. lol.

[@marvinmurakami8828]

Nissan's current CVTs are much improved.

[@somejackball]

it's a sweet ride!

[@AntLive29]

oh what a beautiful car. thinking of trading in my Cadillac Escalade on it. The Cadillac is too large

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

😂

[@naveenthemachine]

Nissan did a really great job here. It’s time to accept that Nissan is officially back in business. They’re the Japanese brand to watch now

[@Kevin-mk6jo]

U smoking crack buddy? They aren't selling, 99% of their profits went to incentives and marketing.... 😂

[@naveenthemachine]

@@Kevin-mk6jo that’s typical for what a year one grandpa like you would say While you’re stuck in the past where Nissan is worse than garbage everyone else is looking at the execution of Nissan and Infiniti and it’s clear they are back

[@Kevin-mk6jo]

@@naveenthemachine how are Nissan sales right now? They spent 99% of their profits back on incentives and marketing. You do not need an MBA to know what that means.... SLOW sales. The dealer 4 miles from me still has 2023s.... this kid.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@Kevin-mk6jo rogue seems to be doing well.

[@Kevin-mk6jo]

@@naveenthemachine facts getting in the way of your uneducated opinion? 🤣

[@glennkennedy441]

Smart move Nissan !!!

[@philsalley3278]

In normal driving conditions, most drivers will never put the pedal to the floor so the extra noise of the CVT will not be noticed. Why compare the noise of a $25K car to luxury car quiet?"

[@milesfathi]

I wish the nissan Z had this interior quality 😂

[@6.2_zeus]

What do you think of the Mitsubishi Outlander? They are also pretty cheap to start

[@MattMaranMotoring]

You mean Outlander Sport? It's very dated and has a much cheaper and smaller interior.

[@6.2_zeus]

@@MattMaranMotoring not the sport. Like the SEL trim and others

[@JT-fq2bl]

Mitsubishi still have the Eclipse Cross to compete in the subcompact CUV segment.

[@AravindKumarPenmetsa]

I liked the looks. Finally, nissan aced the design in looks department. Looks are subjective, I loved it, but some may not.

[@Philip__XIII]

It does look unique 😅

[@theconsciousone9017]

I like this but being back the fun like the juke add more power 190-200 put back fun offer a SER version with a 5 speed I loved the juke long live Juke

[@Blank00]

The upcoming Murano better not have a crapacitive panel

[@n0xxm3rcyxx]

Isnt their CVT transmission really bad?

[@Mayito1990]

yes

[@marvinmurakami8828]

Nissan's current CVTs are much improved. Just have to make sure to follow recommended fluid changes.

[@TiktokisForLilKids]

Thought it was a Urus & first glance I can't be the only one lol..

[@danskeeloNotHacked]

Hrm... I think id go with a mazda 3 with the 2.5 engine and an actual transmission. I do like the style of this thing tho.

[@buckgreen6028]

How many times does Matt say "nice" in this video?

[@Chang916]

No car under 50k with head speakers… guess he forgot the miata

[@MattMaranMotoring]

You’re right, I did 😅

[@aca9876]

140hp....nissan hv econ sentra with about the same hp 30 yrs ago! Engine still 140

[@tinhinnh]

Is this replacing the Rogue Sport? the taillights reminds me of an older Prius 😁

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yeah Rogue Sport has been discontinued for the U.S.

[@tinhinnh]

apparently not a “cash cow” here 😂

[@songwriterjj6022]

Does it have a garbage CVT?

[@gobsmacked230]

It's OK...could've used a little more power...

[@suzukiman8964]

No power seats but it's around 30k?

[@klasseact6663]

I think this thing is really cool looking but if you want it to look even better, check out the optional wheels offered for the SR model 🔥🔥 This vehicle HAS TO BE GREAT as Nissan is struggling right now and they've shown they CAN do it, gotta start somewhere ❗️

[@MrTonifumi]

Can you get it with a manual? 😢

[@philsalley3278]

No one on earth wants a manual Kicks!

[@austinpowers6260]

The interior is nicer than the New Z lol

[@Mirage_Mach5]

CVT and 141 hp? Nope. I'll go with the Mazda CX-30: 191 hp, 6 speed automatic and AWD.

[@pipito588]

why this car will cost in europe 45 000 e???

[@Nivin-ut8zg]

I think peoples opinions would change about Nissan economy cars if they just got rid of the cvt

[@craigschulz2652]

Buick Envista doesn't get a shout out in FWD competition?

[@riseabove3082]

He did say Chevy Trax which is the same thing as the Buick Envista.

[@theconsciousone9017]

Only thing missing SER

[@justinstiff5641]

Honda Civic SI for the same money as that thing loaded out. That thing will be in the scrap yard in 4 or 5 years lol. You can keep a Civic and pass it down generations

[@Jan96106]

I had a Civic. It was not that great, just okay. The heater core went out on it. It was totaled when someone ignored a stop sign and drove into it. It was 12 years old. The paint all came off as well.

[@bitbat9]

Getting so sick of the dual tacked on tablet look in car interiors

[@19hundoc47]

Cry more

[@bitbat9]

@@19hundoc47 ok

[@Cornbread-gi6kt]

$31k for a fully loaded Kicks vehicle with only 141 hp?! A base LX 190 hp 1,500 tow capacity Honda CR-V for $29,500 is a ‘vastly’ better practical buy.🤷🏼

[@justcuzitsepic5874]

6speed dct would've made more sense.

[@adreamalways14]

Cvt should go but add electric seat

[@Jazz16-we1qc]

I get MY kicks on route 66

[@sebastianbarajas754]

The spare tire should be standard

[@J.W.W.]

Value encompasses many things. Poorly titled video Matt

[@CsalbertCs]

Just a correction, but the Kia Soul actually has the most cargo and interior space of the small car segment. It is outdated with the infotainment and it's more expensive, hopefully they keep it around and update it. The K4 Hatch is coming out soon and that will be interesting competition too. Kia offers a better warranty than the competition, but Kia dealers are notorious for being terrible.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I think Soul only has higher interior volume measurements due to its height, but for actual daily usability, Trax and Kicks both have more rear legroom and more cargo length.

[@CsalbertCs]

@@MattMaranMotoring Actually you are right, the Trax and Kicks have more front legroom than the Kia (.8 inches more), but slightly less rear legroom (.1 inch in the rear). The Kia has the slightly more passenger volume than the Trax, much less than the Kicks, but cargo capacity on the Soul is the best, probably because of the height as you said. It should be noted that the Kia Soul (165 inches) is also over a foot shorter than the Chevrolet Trax (178 in), and half a foot shorter than the Kicks (172 in). The Kicks is actually super impressive by how much passenger volume and cargo space they got from the size of that car. These are just numbers though, I have only sat in a Kia Soul and should check out the other ones.

[@បងម៉ាប់-ញ7ឍ]

Give it a manual, will u Nissan?

[@ImFAULKn]

The trans makes me nervous about this car

[@curtfox91]

Man Matt has been eating good put on some chunk pounds lol

[@inkman234]

Matt's face tells it all. No change in expression during full throttle. Then a sympathy nod. It's not fast.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

It's not supposed to be.

[@JohnGrumbling]

Cvt!

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

If it’s shorter than you it’s not a crossover

[@ripd97]

Rattling noise under the hood? ... And Nissan says its normal 😯😯 No Kicks for me.

[@bradley7506]

$40,000 in my Country, soooooo, less affordable. This vehicle does not have the power or features to warrant that price let alone the $3000 dealer markup

[@TuLokotron2010]

I'm sorry but no. Anything with a Nissan badge and a cvt should be a crime to sell anywhere. Hard pass no matter how cheap it is.

[@B9M3]

But that Nissan CVT. In a year 1 car. Who's going to buy one first?

[@Kevin-mk6jo]

Nissan CVT? Any concerns?😂

[@doityourself7711]

Their cvts are much better now so no concerns at all

[@Kevin-mk6jo]

@doityourself7711 hmmm you are fake news. 2024 Nissan Sentra A recall was issued due to a critical CVT defect that could cause sudden power loss while driving. 2014-2018 Nissan Rogue, 2015-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2015-2018 Infiniti QX60 Nissan settled a class action lawsuit over defective CVTs in these models, agreeing to pay over $277 million. The settlement included extending the powertrain warranty coverage from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles for CVT repairs, replacements, and towing. 2013-2017 models Nissan settled a class action lawsuit over defective CVTs in these models. Nissan did not admit wrongdoing in this settlement.

[@robertsn6584]

Sebtra has the old cvt btw. And all cars have recalls . New Toyotas , ford's. Hondas , chevys all have recalls out . Stop calling out nissan unless you call out everyone else

[@robertsn6584]

Your tslking 2013 builds . Those are 2 generations ago .

[@CharmCityRado]

Great looking vehicle but the power and cvt is terrible.

[@louiep9862]

No drivers power seat,no dual climate 👎🏽

[@ans05]

Why does anything cheap have a crap cvt noone wants.

[@doityourself7711]

Well you dont want it but others do. Also, their cvts are a lot more reliable than before.

[@Kevin-mk6jo]

@@doityourself7711 2024 Nissan Sentra A recall was issued due to a critical CVT defect that could cause sudden power loss while driving. 2014-2018 Nissan Rogue, 2015-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2015-2018 Infiniti QX60 Nissan settled a class action lawsuit over defective CVTs in these models, agreeing to pay over $277 million. The settlement included extending the powertrain warranty coverage from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles for CVT repairs, replacements, and towing. 2013-2017 models Nissan settled a class action lawsuit over defective CVTs in these models. Nissan did not admit wrongdoing in this settlement.

[@Jazz16-we1qc]

@@doityourself7711 I trust Honda's CVT, nut not Nissan's

[@canto_v12]

Because it’s cheap, more choices will make it more expensive.

[@Jazz16-we1qc]

@@canto_v12 more choices make things less expensive. If there was just one choice, it would be expensive