2025 Nissan Kicks Play

Price Range: $21,520 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

360°

+42

The things the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play does best are traits common among all extra-small SUVs. It's fuel-efficient and it's easy to park. Beyond that, there's not a whole lot to make it compelling.Read full review

See all new Nissan Kicks Play for sale

Shop vehicle inventory at dealers near you

See other years

2018

Nissan Kicks Play for Sale

Pricing

Select year

Select a type

Edmunds suggests you pay

$22,458

11 for sale near you

2025 Nissan Kicks Play Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Lots of driver assist tech is standard
Affordably priced
High fuel economy
Easy-to-use controls

Cons

Leisurely acceleration
Uncomfortable seats
Not much rear legroom
No optional all-wheel drive

What's new

The previous generation Nissan Kicks carries on as the Kicks Play
Only available in entry-level S trim
Part of the first Kicks generation introduced for 2018

Overview

There are always people who like the old ways better. If those people happen to be Nissan Kicks shoppers, they'll be pleased to know that, while the small SUV has been fully redesigned for 2025, the previous generation is still available as the Kicks Play. But it's not the whole lineup, just the base S trim level. Nissan is marketing the Kicks Play as a lower-priced alternative to the new model.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.84 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in California

$182/mo

$228/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: New Kicks vs. old Kicks Play

It might be hard to choose between new and old. Only a few hundred dollars separate the base price of a 2025 Kicks and a 2025 Kicks Play. The spec sheets are awfully similar, and so is the driving experience. Even the standard features are similar. Still, the new Kicks looks more modern inside and out. The Kicks Play mostly serves as an option for people wanting a very inexpensive small SUV. If you want something just a bit nicer, skip to the Kicks.

Competitors to consider

It's easy to find alternatives in other brands' showrooms. The Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer offer a lot of features and unexpectedly spacious interiors, while the Mazda CX-30 has a premium feel and is genuinely fun to drive. The Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul also boast impressive lists of standard and available features, and the latter has one of the roomiest interiors in the class. Read our Expert Rating below for an in-depth look at how the Kicks Play stacks up.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The things the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play does best are traits common among all extra-small SUVs. It's fuel-efficient and it's easy to park. Beyond that, there's not a whole lot to make it compelling.

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7/10

How does the Kicks Play drive? Performance isn't the Kicks Play's forte. Acceleration is leisurely — we measured a 0-60 mph time of 10.7 seconds, which is among the slowest we've tested for an extra-small SUV. The brakes are easy to control so you can stop smoothly, but the pedal action feels a bit squishy and unnatural. In our tests for emergency braking, the Kicks Play performed adequately.

The Nissan does have a couple of things going for it, though. The suspension is responsive and keeps the vehicle composed, so it's kind of fun to drive on a twisty road. We also like the transmission's smooth and responsive gear ratio adjustments in routine driving. It avoids the annoyances commonly associated with continuously variable transmissions.

Comfort

6.5/10

How comfortable is the Kicks Play? It's not unusual for an inexpensive subcompact vehicle to compromise a bit on comfort, but you will want to kick these poor seats — especially the rear bench — to the curb. Depending on your seating position, you'll likely notice the front seats' lack of upper-back support. The rear seatbacks are too upright, and the bench is flat and hard. These are among the least comfortable seats we've encountered.

The Kicks Play can be a little loud too. Wind noise isn't too bad and only becomes more noticeable at highway speeds, but tire and road noise can be excessive. About the only good thing in this category is the Kicks Play's compliant ride quality — it smooths out a lot of bumps in the road without being overly floaty.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The Kicks Play's cabin is easy to climb in and out of and become familiar with. The climate control and touchscreen menus are simple and user-friendly. It's easy to see out of the front and the sides thanks to large windows and a low hoodline. The thick rear roof pillars compromise rear visibility somewhat, but it isn't terrible.

On the downside, taller drivers or drivers with big feet might have issues with the driving position. The accelerator pedal is crowded up against the side of the footwell, and the low, upright seating position can be uncomfortable. We've also found the Kicks Play's rear seating to be cramped compared to the back seats in other extra-small SUVs.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $452 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $452 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Base trim.}

2025 Nissan Kicks Play pricing in Anaheim, CA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The Kicks Play has nearly everything a modern smartphone-using driver needs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. A 7-inch touchscreen is also standard, but we've found it prone to glare, which makes it difficult to see in direct sunlight. The Kicks Play comes standard with a pleasing number of advanced driving aids, and they generally work well. Overall, there's a lot of helpful tech for such an inexpensive car.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The Kicks Play's 25.3 cubic feet of cargo volume isn't as much as what you get from other extra-small SUVs. And cargo-carrying versatility is a little lacking. The rear seats don't fold down completely flat, and there's no center pass-through that would otherwise allow you to load longer items without folding down the seats. Small storage areas for your personal items are decent. There's a nicely sized pocket in front of the gear shifter and a configurable cupholder area that can be turned into a medium-size storage cubby if you need it. The center console storage and door pockets are shallow.

Got small children and need to install child safety seats? The Kicks Play has three top tether anchors and four lower seat anchors that are clearly marked and accessible. However, fitting rear-facing seats will be tight because of the lack of rear legroom.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Kicks Play's fuel economy varies wildly based on driving style, but it doesn't take much to keep the average above 30 mpg. We recorded a high of 37.4 mpg from one fill-up with our test car and averaged 33.4 mpg during our test. The EPA says to expect 33 mpg combined. Overall this is a pretty frugal extra-small SUV.

Value

8/10

Is the Kicks Play a good value? Value is the name of the game, and the Kicks Play is competitive for the class thanks to its low entry price and generous suite of standard safety tech. We don't like the acres of plastic used on the door panels and dash area, but there are enough premium materials in other areas of the cabin to create a more pleasant experience.

Warranty coverage is pretty standard for the segment at three years/36,000 miles for the basic warranty and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Roadside assistance is offered for three years/36,000 miles.

Wildcard

7.5/10

There's no shortage of subcompact SUVs on the market so the Kicks Play needs to make an impression to stand out. It's certainly adequate, but quicker acceleration and less excessive use of plastic interior surfacing would go a long way toward making the Kicks Play a more desirable option.

Which Kicks Play does Edmunds recommend?

This is an easy choice since the Kicks Play only comes in one trim level, the base S. It includes a reasonable number of standard features, but buyers looking for more — including all-wheel drive — will need to check out the new 2025 Kicks.

Nissan Kicks Play Reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play.

Be the first to write a review

Helpful shopping links

2025 Nissan Kicks Play Features & Specs

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,520
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	33 MPG
Cost to Drive	$182/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Compare the Nissan Kicks Play

Nissan Kicks Play
Add any vehicle to compare

Safety

Key safety features on the Kicks Play include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

FAQ

Is the Nissan Kicks Play a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Kicks Play both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Kicks Play has 25.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Nissan Kicks Play. Learn more

What's new in the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play:

The previous generation Nissan Kicks carries on as the Kicks Play
Only available in entry-level S trim
Part of the first Kicks generation introduced for 2018

Learn more

Is the Nissan Kicks Play reliable?

To determine whether the Nissan Kicks Play is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Kicks Play. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Kicks Play's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Kicks Play and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Kicks Play is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Nissan Kicks Play?

The least-expensive 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $21,520.

Other versions include:

4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $21,520

Learn more

What are the different models of Nissan Kicks Play?

If you're interested in the Nissan Kicks Play, the next question is, which Kicks Play model is right for you? Kicks Play variants include 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Kicks Play models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2025 Nissan Kicks Play

Pricing

2025 Nissan Kicks Play Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.84 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.

Edmunds spotlight: New Kicks vs. old Kicks Play

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $452 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $452 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Base trim.

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Kicks Play does Edmunds recommend?

Nissan Kicks Play Reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play.

Helpful shopping links

2025 Nissan Kicks Play Features & Specs

Compare the Nissan Kicks Play

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Kicks Play include:

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Nissan Kicks Play a good car?

What's new in the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play?

Is the Nissan Kicks Play reliable?

Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2025 Nissan Kicks Play?

What are the different models of Nissan Kicks Play?

Related 2025 Nissan Kicks Play info

Vehicle rankings by type

Research similar car reviews

More Hatchbacks to consider

Automotive News

Join Edmunds

Your Privacy

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.84 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.}

Save as much as $452 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $452 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Base trim.}