Nissan Kicks

Entering the premises, I saw where Nissan has put the majority of the money in this generation. The additional shoulder and knee clearance in both rows is instantly noticeable - these are truly class-leading sizes that embarrass some midsize SUVs. The panoramic sunroof contributes to the lightness of the interior, which is essential in the hot summer months in the UAE when the perceived space is very important.

When Nissan launched its trademark Zero Gravity seats in the compact segment, it was a game-changer. After using these seats on long highways to Abu Dhabi and back, I can confirm that they greatly help in alleviating fatigue as compared to the traditional compact SUV seating. The artificial/synthetic leather is of high quality and on top of that, it does not get too hot even after spending several hours in the desert sun.

Storage solutions are carefully applied everywhere. The wireless charging pad fits in easily, the bottle holders are just the right size to hold large water bottles. It has a real surprise storage under the false flooring of the boot, above the spare tire.

The2025 Nissan Kicks is the first compact car to receive the Pro Pilot safety technologies. The automatic emergency braking with the pedestrian detection feature came in handy in Dubai traffic-prone situations, and the blind spot intervention and cross traffic alert features provide true confidence in the UAE, where drivers can be aggressive at times.

The multi-view camera system is especially ingenious - it does not only work when reversing but also when there are some objects on the way when driving forward. This was invaluable in finding narrow parking areas at busy malls or in construction areas that are regrettably prevalent throughout the Emirates.

Other features in its safety net includes lane departure prevention, lane keep assits, predictive forward collision warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and front parking sensors.

The second you see the new Nissan Kicks parked outside Dubai Mall or riding along the Sheikh Zayed Road, you realize that it is not a facelift, but a total redesign. The SUV has increased in size quite a bit: it is 4 cm broader, 5.5 cm longer, and has a 2.65-meter wheelbase, providing a real spacious inside. It is only 4.3 meters long, but it has a lot more substance despite having a small footprint.

The most notable thing about my long-drive testing was the design that manages to balance between boldness and urban functionality. The inspiration drawn on the athletic sneaker design is not merely marketing talk, but can be actually observed in the textured bumpers, side skirts, and unique pattern work that make the Kicks look youthful, fashion-forward, and resembles the style-conscious drivers of the UAE.

The design team should be given credit for making something substantial without being overwhelming. The end-to-end wider grille does not only make the 2025 Nissan Kicks look larger but also makes it look premium, particularly when used with the flared fenders and those massive 19-inch alloy wheels that are standard on the higher trims.

Here’s one of the things that really impressed me on off-road trips to Hatta and Al Hajar Mountains: the ground clearance of 237mm is truly in the class of its own and outsmarts most midsize SUVs. This is not a figure of speech, but is translated into real life when driving in the UAE with its sometimes rugged roads or mall parking lots with steep ramps.

The well-known Nissan V-motion grille is there but pleasingly toned down to give it a more elegant appearance. The LED lighting clusters form a combination of horizontal and vertical forms with cube-like details, appearing impressive during the golden hour lighting in Dubai.

You can personalize the 2025 Nissan Kicks with 15 colors, six of which are two-tone. When I was testing the two-tone version, I lost track of the compliments and curious glances it received in the parking lots around the Emirates.

The new 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder is a major improvement over the former generation. It has a power of 142 horsepower and a torque of 190 Nm which is enough to drive it in the city and on the highway. The Nissan Kicks engine is responsive without being harsh. The electronic CVT transmission, which is usually a failure in this category, is actually quite good here.

There are three driving modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport) that offer real character variations. Eco mode is ideal with Dubai traffic jams, Normal is good with daily driving and Sport mode actually tightens the steering and sharpens the responses a little - which you do not necessarily experience in this segment.

The refinement was what impressed me the most. The Kicks is surprisingly quiet in a compact SUV segment, which makes longer commuting comfortable. The highway stability is very good and the suspension is well balanced between the ride comfort and handling.

The gear selector B (Braking) position comes in handy when engine braking is needed on a mountain descent or on spirited cornering - a nice idea that contributes to the driving experience.

Fuel Economy: Real-World Efficiency

The 18.5 km/l that Nissan claims is actually possible in mixed driving conditions in the UAE. In my extensive testing that involved the stop and go traffic in Dubai, the highway driving to Abu Dhabi, and mountain driving to Hatta, I was able to reach a consistent 16-18 km/l based on my driving style and the use of air conditioning.

This is better than the previous generation (18.2 km/l) with the larger and more powerful engine and it is a good indication of engineering advances in the entire vehicle.

The two 12.3-inch screens may appear to be one single screen but they are intelligently crafted to separate information in an effective manner. The graphics are sharp and the response time is good even when the system is being tested in the heat of summer. The Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are wireless and the abundance of USB ports means that all people are connected during a family trip to Al Ain or Ras Al Khaimah.

Special mention should be made of the 10-speaker Bose system with headrest speakers. It is a truly immersive surround sound that is not overpowering. The quality of sound was also good during my highway cruising sessions even with the road noise and air conditioning on.

In addition, 2025 Nissan Kicks features automatic AC with soft digital touch display, rear seat occupant alert, and rain sensing wipers.

Key Differentiators by Trim

• S (Base): Necessary characteristics: steel wheels and manual AC.
• SV: Includes wireless charging, auto AC, and alloy wheels.
• SL (Top): High quality materials, panoramic sunroof, complete ProPILOT package.

Value Proposition: Premium Features, Accessible Pricing

The Kicks is priced approximately at AED 90,000 and above, which makes it superior in the UAE market. The equipment, safety and comfort facilities are normally much higher in European or Japanese competitors. The ownership proposition is further enhanced when you consider the local service network and availability of parts of Nissan in the UAE.

The entry-level model does not feel stripped out, and the top-end model comes with such options as the Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety package that would have cost a lot of money elsewhere.

Living With It: UAE-Specific Considerations

The Kicks was quite appropriate to the UAE conditions during my protracted test in all seven Emirates. The air conditioning system cools the cabin in a short time and ensures comfortable temperatures even in summer 45°C+. The UV protection on the panoramic sunroof does work - there are no hot spots that make it uncomfortable even when driving in the middle of the summer.

The 470-liter boot space is really handy and the wide access makes it easy to load shopping at the mega malls in Dubai. It can easily accommodate 3 mid size suitcases, 2 big bags, and around 3-4 small ones. The hidden storage compartments are ideal in keeping the valuable items that you do not want to be seen.

Ground clearance was found to be not only useful in rough terrain but also maneuvering the UAE at times with difficult parking systems and speed bumps.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks manages to move out of the basic transportation into the real lifestyle vehicle. It presents a unique blend of style, comfort, technology, and value that is optimally tuned to UAE consumers who do not want to spend huge prices on something unique.

Although it does not possess the ultimate luxury of the German-based rivals or the roughness of the traditional SUVs, it finds its own niche as a high-tech urban crossover that actually does what it claims. The Kicks should be taken seriously by young professionals, growing families, or anyone that wants a stylish, practical, and well-equipped daily driver.

The second generation Kicks is not only superior to the first one - it is actually competitive to the more expensive options and still has the accessibility and reliability that made Nissan successful in the UAE market.

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