When you hear the words “entry level” you would initially think basic or cheap, and probably lacking any “wow” factor. But Nissan is kicking down the door and rewriting what entry level means with the 2025 Kicks.

This all new design for their subcompact utility is robust, emanating a premium vibe inside and out without tacking on a premium price tag! Nissan is lacing up the design language to be more vibrant and expressive, taking cues from modern sneaker culture.

The tougher and more powerful stance gives you a sense of safety when walking up to it, starting with the 8.5 inches of ground clearance. Spearheading the design is a refreshed front bumper that sees new headlights and grille, while a new sneaker sole design defines the entire vehicle’s lower half. It’s flanked by fresh taillights and a new spoiler that tops off the expressive aesthetics, underscored by new wheels. The Kicks is bigger this time around, now 2 inches longer while also giving you an extra inch of head room and an inch and half wider. I know on paper it doesn’t sound like a lot but when you step into it there’s a lot of room all around.

Slipping into the Kicks, it’s immediately apparent how much effort was put into making it fit proper and feel more elegant than its predecessor, starting with a plethora of soft touch material allowing for a more comfortable and quieter interior. The Kicks does come standard with a 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system that is not standard with Apple carplay and Android auto on the S models. But if you’re looking for that larger 12 inch infotainment screen and Wireless Apple carplay and android auto you’ll have to step up to SV or SR.

Both the S and SV models do come standard with the 7-inch digital instrument cluster while the SR ups that to a 12 inch display. All trims incorporate Nissan’s Zero Gravity seat technology, previously only available for the front seats but now outfitted front and rear, making the interior just that much more comfortable.

And your comfort on the road is enhanced by a number of safety features standard like Nissan Safety Shield 360, Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and more; though, the SR model does come with a few extra features like Lane Departure Prevention, ProPILOT Assist, Blind Spot Intervention and a few others.

Under the hood, or perhaps the tongue of this commuter, Nissan has upped the I4 engine from 1.6 to 2.0 liters. A total output of up to 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque means more pep in your step, aided by an all new CVT automatic. This unit utilizes a 3 way multi-face clutch system, with new low friction technology for a smoother experience; and the inclusion of an extra oil pump, now two total, disperses the load.

But the biggest change this year has to be the availability of an Intelligent AWD system available across all trim levels. It operates mostly as a front-wheel configuration for better fuel economy. But if the vehicle detects wheel slip it will seamlessly engage the rear wheels and apply the necessary amount of power that is needed to assist you while driving. Also new with the AWD system comes snow mode that will improve performance on slippery surfaces by slowing acceleration and torque response.

So, we’ve laid out all the reasons why the 2025 Kissan Kicks is better and more premium than ever… but how about the price? Well, it is indeed “entry level,” starting just under $22,000 for front-wheel-equipped models, while the first all-wheel-drive trim starts around $24K. Not a bad proposition, especially for those shopping in this segment for a first car for themselves or a loved one.

We’ll have an official Road Test of the 2025 Nissan Kicks soon enough, but until then, stay tuned to MotorWeek!