Nissan Scores With 2025 Kicks Crossover's Slam Dunk Debut

Nissan rolled out the red carpet for the all-new 2025 Kicks crossover SUV, giving it a splashy "unboxing" debut at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn during March Madness. Thousands of NCAA basketball fans got the first look at the redesigned Kicks as a massive digital rendering depicted the crossover emerging from a larger-than-life shoebox display outside the arena.

The unique launch activation aligned perfectly with the 2025 Kicks' bold, athletic design inspired by the latest trends in athletic footwear. With an aggressive stance, bulging fenders and sculpted bodylines, the crossover's styling brings serious sneaker flair to Nissan's urban runabout.

"Unboxing the all-new Kicks at this pivotal sports moment allowed us to showcase the vehicle's expressive new look and personality directly to a passionate audience," said Marisstella Marinkovic, U.S. vice president of marketing at Nissan. "It's an impactful way to drive meaningful connections with consumers."

Bigger, Bolder, Packed With Tech

While maintaining a compact urban footprint, the 2025 Kicks serves up more interior space than its predecessor thanks to a longer wheelbase and increased exterior dimensions. Rear seat legroom sees a significant increase, as does total cargo capacity, which is now class-leading behind the rear seats. Premium interior appointments include an airy dual-screen cockpit design and available panoramic sunroof.

The Kicks gets a power boost from a new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine coupled with a continuously variable transmission. For the first time, Nissan's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system is available to improve traction. A selectable "Snow" mode optimizes AWD calibrations for better control on winter roads.

Even the base S model comes loaded with Nissan's comprehensive Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance tech as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert. Available ProPILOT Assist provides hands-on semi-autonomous highway driving capability.

Always Staying Connected  

Keeping devices charged and integrated is easy in the Kicks with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. A premium Bose audio system is offered for discerning audiophiles.

After its Barclays Center debut tied to the NCAA Tournament, the 2025 Kicks crossover will be on display for the public at the New York International Auto Show from March 27 through April 7. It's scheduled to arrive in Nissan showrooms later this summer, with full pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

"The all-new Kicks brings unexpected flair, technology and capability to everyday driving adventures," said Ponz Pandikuthira, Nissan's U.S. chief planning officer. "It really demonstrates how we aim to inject excitement into every vehicle segment."

If the "unboxing" spectacle in Brooklyn is any indication, the redesigned 2025 Kicks crossover looks poised to make a big impression with car buyers seeking equal doses of sporty style and urban versatility.