2025 Nissan Kicks named CarBuzz’s 2025 ‘Best Budget Car’

The all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks has won CarBuzz’s Best Budget Car award, adding to its growing list of accolades. The award highlights the crossover’s combination of compelling value and impressive utility, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $21,830¹.

“The Nissan Kicks proves that affordable cars can still be packed with features" said Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz editor-at-large. "Every trim level starts at under $30,000, but none of them skimp on content. This is an affordable car that gets Zero Gravity seats, a panoramic roof, Bose audio, remote start, 360-degree cameras, great infotainment, and more. Oh, and it gets more power too!”

To be eligible for this year’s CarBuzz awards, a vehicle had to be available as a 2024 or newer model year, driven by CarBuzz’s expert test drivers at either a first-drive event or during a week-long test drive, and either new or significantly updated. Within the Best Budget Car segment, vehicle prices were capped at $30,000 but could not compromise on safety, fuel economy, practicality or reliability.

“We walked away from the 2025 Kicks feeling like this is a new car altogether" said Ian Wright, CarBuzz senior road tester. "It’s heftier, roomier, a nicer place to be inside, and has useful cargo space. It’s still nimble and easy to fit in a parking space but will be a much better vehicle to live with and comes with important safety features like blind-spot monitoring as standard. It also has the optional and unobtrusive ProPILOT Assist on the SR trim, making it a safe, family-friendly buy on a budget.”

The all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks tackles city streets and beyond with unexpected levels of available technology, a street-smart design inspired by high-end sneakers, best-in-class standard ground clearance² and a versatile, roomier interior. The new model also delivers enhanced confidence behind the wheel with Kicks-first available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive³ and available ProPILOT Assist⁴.

Find more information on the 2025 Nissan Kicks, including specifications, pricing, photos and video, in the full press kit.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

# # #

1. All prices are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes $1,390 destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.
2. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2025 Nissan Kicks vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV Subcompact Class (excluding electric vehicles). Based on manufacturers’ websites.
3. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2025 Nissan Kicks vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV Subcompact Class (excluding electric vehicles). Based on manufacturers’ websites. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions.
4. ProPILOT Assist cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver’s responsibility to be in control of the vehicle at all times. Always monitor traffic conditions and keep both hands on the steering wheel. System operates only when lane markings are detected. Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions. System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety. See Owner’s Manual for safety information.