2025 Nissan Kicks Active 1.6 CVT – Full Review & First Drive

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Active 1.6 CVT lands in a crowded subcompact SUV market, promising a blend of youthful styling, modest power, and a suite of tech that feels more premium than its price suggests. After spending a weekend putting it through city traffic, highway cruising, and a few grocery‑run errands, I’ve gathered enough impressions to call this the “ultimate review” for anyone eyeing a compact crossover that doesn’t sacrifice personality for practicality.

Design and Exterior: A Fresh Take on the Kicks DNA

Nissan has taken the Kicks’ familiar silhouette and given it a slightly more aggressive edge for the Active trim. The front fascia boasts a blacked‑out grille, matte‑finish headlamp clusters, and a subtle chrome‑accented badge that signals the 1.6‑liter engine under the hood. Side panels feature a new “rock‑slide” texture on the wheel arches, adding visual depth without resorting to bulky spoilers.

At 174 inches long, the Kicks Active remains easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces. The 17‑inch “V‑motion” alloy wheels—available in a matte‑black finish—contribute to a stance that feels confident, yet the overall height stays low enough to keep a sporty center of gravity. The rear includes an integrated spoiler and LED taillights that wrap around the side, giving the car a cohesive, modern look.

Interior Comfort and Tech: Small Space, Big Features

Step inside, and the first thing you’ll notice is the upgraded upholstery: a two‑tone cloth‑plus‑synthetic leather combo that feels surprisingly upscale for a subcompact. The dashboard layout remains driver‑centric, with a slim 8‑inch touchscreen positioned just below the air vents. Nissan’s Connect e system runs Android Auto and Apple CarPlay seamlessly, and the interface responds quickly—something that still catches newcomers off guard.

• Ambient lighting: A soft, configurable LED strip outlines the footwell, giving night‑time cabin a pleasant glow.
• Storage: Two cup holders, a 12‑V socket, and a hidden compartment under the front seats provide ample space for daily essentials.
• Seating: Front seats offer decent lumbar support, while the rear bench folds flat with a 60/40 split, expanding the cargo area to 31.5 cubic feet.

Noise insulation has improved slightly over the 2024 model, with a thinner wind noise at highway speeds—a subtle but welcome upgrade for longer trips.

Powertrain and Performance: What the 1.6 L CVT Can Do

The Active trim is powered by Nissan’s 1.6‑liter four‑cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 115 lb‑ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the drivetrain feels smooth in most conditions, though a few drivers might miss the traditional shift‑point feel of a geared automatic.

In city driving, the CVT’s low‑end torque is ample for quick launches from stoplights, and the fuel‑economy rating—roughly 30 mpg combined, according to EPA estimates—keeps running costs modest. On the open road, the Kicks Active reaches a comfortable 65 mph cruising speed without the engine straining, but don’t expect a sprint‑ready performance; the focus is on efficiency and composure.

One noteworthy addition is the “Eco‑Mode” button, which tweaks throttle response and the CVT’s ratio range to squeeze out an extra half‑mile per gallon on the highway. While the gain is modest, it’s a handy feature for commuters looking to shave off a few cents per tank.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Nissan’s ProPILOT Lite Takes the Lead

The 2025 Kicks Active ships with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 as standard, a package that bundles automatic emergency braking, blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert, and lane‑keeping assistance. In our testing, the forward‑collision warning engaged reliably at around 30 feet, and the automatic emergency braking applied gentle pressure well before impact.

ProPILOT Lite, an optional upgrade, adds adaptive cruise control that can maintain a set distance from the car ahead, even in stop‑and‑go traffic. While not a fully hands‑free system, it reduces driver fatigue on longer highway segments. The vehicle also earned a 5‑star rating from the NHTSA, reaffirming its solid crash protection.

Practicality and Value: How the Active Trim Stacks Up

Pricing for the 2025 Kicks Active 1.6 CVT starts at $22,990 before destination charges, positioning it squarely between the base Kicks S and the higher‑end SV trim. Considering the added blacked‑out styling, upgraded upholstery, and the suite of driver‑assistance tech, the value proposition feels competitive.

Fuel‑efficiency, a roomy interior for its class, and a respectable cargo capacity make the Kicks Active a practical choice for young families or urban dwellers who need a versatile vehicle without breaking the bank. The warranty—three years/36,000 miles basic, plus five years/60,000 miles powertrain—matches the industry standard, offering peace of mind for early owners.

Verdict: A Well‑Rounded Subcompact That Stands Out

If you’re hunting for a subcompact SUV that blends a youthful aesthetic with sensible tech and a reliable powertrain, the 2025 Nissan Kicks Active 1.6 CVT delivers a satisfying mix. It isn’t a performance beast, but it isn’t meant to be; its strength lies in everyday usability, a comfortable cabin, and a safety suite that rivals many higher‑priced rivals. For the price, the Active trim feels like a thoughtful step up from the base model, making it a compelling choice in a segment that’s getting increasingly crowded.

FAQ

What is the real-world fuel economy for the 2025 Kicks Active?

Owners typically report 28‑31 mpg combined, with city driving leaning toward the higher end of that range thanks to the CVT’s smooth operation.

Does the Kicks Active offer all‑wheel drive?

No, the Active trim is front‑wheel drive only. Nissan has not announced an AWD variant for the Kicks line in the 2025 model year.

How does ProPILOT Lite differ from full ProPILOT Assist?

ProPILOT Lite provides adaptive cruise control and lane‑centering in low‑speed highway conditions, whereas the full ProPILOT Assist adds traffic‑jam assist and more advanced hands‑free capabilities.

Is the interior quality noticeably better than the base Kicks?

Yes, the two‑tone upholstery, upgraded dash trim, and ambient lighting give the Active a more premium feel compared to the plain cloth and black plastics of the base model.