The Nissan Kicks received a redesign for the 2025 model year, and that new-generation model moved up to the subcompact crossover segment, having grown in size and substance in addition to offering AWD for the first time. However, the previous-gen model is still around, now called the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play.
The Kicks Play competes in the urban crossover category, as before. However, its trim level lineup and equipment list have both been reduced in order to offer more value to Canadian customers, as the new Kicks obviously moved up in price.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play Changes and Updates
The Kicks becomes the Kicks Play for 2025, while the SV Special Edition, SR and SR Premium trim levels have been deleted. That means the model no longer offers features such as synthetic leather seating, a Bose 8-speaker sound system, a 360-degree camera system and LED headlights. The two-tone paint option is also gone.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play Trim Levels and Pricing
The Kicks Play is available in S, SV trim levels in Canada. They both include the exact same equipment as last year’s Kicks S and SV. The SV upgrades the crossover to 17-inch alloy wheels over 16-inch steel wheels with covers, rear disc brakes instead of drums, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, roof rails, an eight-inch infotainment system touchscreen instead of the standard seven-inch unit, SiriusXM capability, a digital driver instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, remote engine start and more.
Every Kicks Play is equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. It’s managed by a continuously variable automatic transmission that feeds power to the front wheels exclusively.
| Engine | Trans | Drive | MSRP | Freight & PDI | A/C Tax | Dealer Fees | Net Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 1.6L I4 | CVT | FWD | $22,598 | $2,030 | $100 | $621 | $25,349 |
| SV | 1.6L I4 | CVT | FWD | $25,198 | $2,030 | $100 | $621 | $27,949 |
2025 Nissan Kicks Play Specifications
| S | SV | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L I4 | 1.6L I4 |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Output (hp @ rpm) | 122 @ 6,300 | 122 @ 6,300 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 114 @ 4,000 | 114 @ 4,000 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio (kg/hp) | 10 | 10.2 |
| City/Highway/Combined Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 7.7 / 6.6 / 7.2 | 7.7 / 6.6 / 7.2 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (L) | 41 | 41 |
| Required Fuel | Regular | Regular |
| Standard Wheels and Tires | 205/60R16 | 205/55R17 |
| Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (m) | 10.4 | 10.4 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,620 | 2,620 |
| Length (mm) | 4,309 | 4,309 |
| Width Excluding Mirrors (mm) | 1,760 | 1,760 |
| Height (mm) | 1,610 | 1,610 |
| Track Width Front/Rear (mm) | 1,520 / 1,535 | 1,520 / 1,535 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 177 | 177 |
| Approach/Breakover/Departure Angles (degrees) | 16.6 / 18.4 / 28.7 | 16.6 / 18.4 / 28.7 |
| Headroom Front/Rear (mm) | 1,027 / 977 | 1,027 / 977 |
| Legroom Front/Rear (mm) | 1,111 / 825 | 1,111 / 825 |
| Shoulder Room Front/Rear (mm) | 1,347 / 1,351 | 1,347 / 1,351 |
| Hip Room Front/Rear (mm) | 1,294 / 1,247 | 1,294 / 1,247 |
| Cargo Volume Min/Max (L) | 716 / 915 | 716 / 915 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,225 | 1,247 |
| Towing Capacity (kg) | 0 | 0 |
2025 Nissan Kicks Play Warranty Coverage
In Canada, the Kicks Play is covered by a 3-year/60,000 km Comprehensive Limited Warranty (whichever comes first) and a 5-year/100,000 km Powertrain Limited Warranty. In addition, the Kicks Play is backed by a 3-year/60,000 km Corrosion Surface Limited Warranty and a 5-year/unlimited km Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty.
24-hour roadside assistance is offered on the Kicks Play for 3 years and unlimited km in Canada, whichever comes first.
What the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play Does Well
- It’s the most fuel-efficient model in the urban crossover segment. Granted, the differences are marginal, but every drop of fuel saved counts in our books (or pocketbooks).
- The Kicks Play’s cargo area is among the most spacious behind the rear seatbacks. It’s barely beaten out by the Chevy Trax. That’s impressive for such a small vehicle.
- A decent amount of features is included as standard in the Kicks Play, such as a six-speaker audio system, a seven-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, cruise control, an intelligent key, auto high beams, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear park sonar and more. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an eight-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control and automatic climate control are also available.
- As is the case with many Nissan products, the Kicks Play’s climate and audio controls are easy to use while driving. The wheel-mounted controls are also well laid out and the button shapes make them very quickly decipherable with our fingers.
What the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play Doesn’t Do Well
- The Kicks Play isn’t all that engaging to drive. Power is sufficient for urban commutes and highway stints, but with a full load of passengers aboard the vehicle, we’d like more engine torque.
- Fit and finish aren’t all that impressive. Some materials feel low-rent, and on our last test of the outgoing-gen Kicks, the hood wasn’t perfectly lined up with the front fenders, and in the cargo area, there was some yellow seat foam sticking out from a seam in the rear seatback. Cost savings are to be expected in a vehicle of this price, but it’s a lot less obvious in the Kicks Play’s rivals.
- The Kicks Play’s cargo area is spacious with the rear seatbacks up, but folding them down doesn’t increase volume all that much. Maximum cargo space is among the worst in its category, and the load floor isn’t flat.
- Road and suspension noise can be heard inside the Kicks Play. Again, it’s not a big deal given its price point, but the competition does a better job as insulating the cabins of their urban crossovers.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play Competition
The Nissan Kicks Play competes with the Buick Envista, the Chevrolet Trax, the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Soul.
