First-Gen Kicks Becomes Budget-Oriented 2025 Nissan Kicks Play

A few weeks ago, our contributor Jil McIntosh wrote all about the new, second-generation 2025 Nissan Kicks. Although we though the first-generation model was destined for the annals of history, we now know it will soldier on in 2025 with new name: the Nissan Kicks Play.

In addition to being smaller than the updated 2025 Kicks, the Kicks Play will also cost less and will serve as the brand’s entry-level crossover with a starting price of $22,598 (excluding taxes and $2,030 destination charge). By comparison, the second-generation model has a starting price of $29,986 (excluding the same fees). More importantly, Nissan has undercut the Kicks Play's biggest rivals, the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Soul, which start at over $23,000 and $25,000, respectively.

For their money, buyers get the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play S FWD, which features a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three USB ports, easy-fill tire alert, 16-inch wheels, and Nissan Safety Shield 360.

Those willing to spend a few grand more can opt for the top-of-the-line Kicks Play SV FWD, which gets 17-inch wheels, silver-painted roof rails, an electric parking brake, rear disc brakes, adaptive cruise control, a seven-inch driver display, an eight-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, and rear door alert. Prices for the model start at $25,198.

As a reminder, the Kick Play is 56 mm (2.2 inches) shorter, and can haul about 133 fewer litres than the 2025 Kicks. Its engine is also smaller than the newly-introduced model, displacing just 1.6L (as compared to 2.0L) and generating 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque (as compared to 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque for the 2025 Kicks). Remaining on theme, though, the Kicks Play will save owners a few dollars at the pumps, thanks to its best-in-class fuel economy of 7.7 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 L/100 on the highway, and 7.2 L/100 km combined.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is on sale now at dealerships across Canada.