The 2025 Nissan Kicks has received a full redesign. The previous model has been rebranded as the Kicks Play.

The Kicks Play is essentially the first-generation Kicks that has been rebranded to maintain a “cheap and cheerful” vehicle for budget shoppers. The Kicks Play is not significantly more expensive than the Versa sedan that shares its component set while being a more versatile vehcicle format. Though marketed as a crossover, without all-wheel drive, the Kicks Play is just a tall hatchback. The sole powertrain is a 1.6L four hooked up to a CVT. Acceleration is modest and refinement is lacking on hard acceleration but the car cruises serenely. Wind and road noise are reasonably suppressed for an inexpensive vehicle. Steering is light and lifeless at low speeds but does firm up at highway speeds. Ride and handling are well sorted. Good visibility to the front but three-quarter vision for lane changes is a bit hampered.

Very practical and attractive cabin design. Clear conventional gauges face the driver and the central infotainment screen is easy to scan but its graphics are dull. Minor controls are straightforward. The steering column is adjustable but taller drivers find its adjustments insufficient. Though the front seat cushions are a bit short, the seats are comfortable. The rear seat is supportive and the legroom is reasonable for the size of the car. The trunk space is regularly shaped and deep below the window line.

One of the least expensive vehicles on the market. Even the base S trim features a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear auto braking, blind spot, lane departure and rear cross traffic monitors and rear parking sonar. Upgrading to the SV trim adds alloy wheels, a larger infotainment screen, active cruise control, a driver awareness monitor, auto climate control, remote starting, a verbal text assistant, a leather wrapped wheel, heated steering wheel and front seats as well as rear disc brakes, at a bargain price.

Reliability of smaller Nissans has been below average and service costs are higher than expected. Nissan parts prices are often higher than expected. There have been many CVT transmission failures.