​​What Is The New Nissan Kicks Play​

For 2025, Nissan redesigned the Kicks for the first time with an all-new exterior and interior, available all-wheel drive, and several new features. It is an exciting new subcompact crossover that you should definitely check out at Nissan of Rochester. It also looks nothing like the images you see here, which clearly show the first-generation Kicks, yet the headline describes it as a 2025 model. It may look like we pulled up the wrong images, but in fact, what you see is the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play. 

The Kicks Play is the result of Nissan retaining production of the previous design rather than discontinuing it when the new design came on board.  It is available in the former model’s base model “S” trim with a single drivetrain and a basic feature set and will serve as the brand’s entry-level model SUV with a base price of $22,910.   

The model continues with its 1.6-liter inline-4 engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission with power going strictly to the front wheels. The performance is not thrilling but adequate.  As Car and Driver describes it:  “Around town, it feels surprisingly perky, so long as you’re willing to push deep into the throttle and let the engine rev.”.  Fuel economy is a highlight with EPA fuel-economy ratings of 31 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.  

Unsurprisingly, the Kicks Play retains the cabin and dashboard of the previous model. It doesn’t look as modern as the new Kicks, but it gets things done with little fuss. The package includes a  7-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, three USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. As before, the rear seats have legitimate room for adults, with 33.4 inches of rear legroom, and the suspension is tuned for comfort. Car and Driver notes, “The Kicks Play impressed us with its results in our cargo tests, matching and beating some larger rivals. We managed to fit 19 of our carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded.”  

Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety and driver assist technologies is standard and features: 

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection 
• Reverse automatic braking 
• Lane departure warning 
• Blind spot warning 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 

An additional nicety is Easy-Fill Tire Alert, which will give you an audio alert when the correct pressure is reached when filling the tires. Like all Nissan models, the Kicks Play comes with Nissan Maintenance Care, which covers scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.  

The Kicks is intended as a basic new car for budget-conscious buyers. It is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2025. You can request that one of our sales professionals notify you when the first models arrive at Nissan of Rochester.