A Toronto Buyer's Guide: 2025 Nissan Kicks vs. Kicks Play

Nissan's shaking things up in the subcompact SUV world, and it might leave some folks scratching their heads. But don't worry, the team at Ajax Nissan is here to break it down for you. Instead of just rolling out a new model, Nissan's got two different rides under the Kicks name. First up, there's the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play.

It's like getting the same first-gen model that budget-savvy drivers have loved, just with a new name to highlight its role as the go-to affordable option. Then, there's the brand-new 2025 Nissan Kicks. This one's a total makeover—bigger, beefier, packed with tech, and for the first time, you can get it with all-wheel drive. So, whether you're sticking with the classic or going for the upgrade, Nissan's got you covered.

The Kicks Play is all about appealing to city folks who are super conscious about their budget, focusing on keeping costs low both when buying and running the car. On the flip side, the new Kicks is designed for those mainstream subcompact SUV shoppers who want the latest tech, more utility, and the kind of all-weather capability that's becoming a must-have for Canadian drivers.

It's not just about picking between different trim levels; it's about choosing between two distinct generations of a ride, each with its own vibe, strengths, and crowd. You're basically deciding between tried-and-true, budget-friendly simplicity and a full package of modern design, tech, and capability.

To make things crystal clear right off the bat, check out the table below. It highlights the key differences between the two models before we dive into the nitty-gritty details.

Under The Hood

The most fundamental differences between the Nissan Kicks and the Nissan Kicks Play lie in their mechanical DNA. The Kicks Play carries forward the tried-and-true 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is celebrated for its fuel-sipping nature, making it an ideal companion for city commuting.  

In contrast, the new Nissan Kicks gets a substantial upgrade to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, boosting output to 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. That’s a significant increase of 19 horsepower and 26 lb-ft of torque, promising a more responsive and confident driving experience. While it feels punchier off the line in city traffic, the new Kicks is also a heavier vehicle—by as much as 230 kg. This added weight means the power increase can feel like a "wash" during sustained acceleration, with some tests suggesting the lighter Kicks Play can feel less out of breath on a highway on-ramp.  

The true game-changer, however, is the drivetrain. The Nissan Kicks Play is available exclusively with front-wheel drive (FWD), limiting its appeal in regions with heavy snowfall. The new 2025 Nissan Kicks rectifies this by introducing an optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, a first for the model. For many Canadians, the availability of AWD is the single most compelling reason to choose the new Nissan Kicks over the Kicks Play. 

Space, Size & Cargo Carrying

A quick glance reveals the new Nissan Kicks is a larger, more substantial vehicle. It is roughly 50 mm longer and wider, giving it a more assertive presence. More importantly for Canadian winters, its ground clearance has increased significantly to a proper SUV-like 213 mm (8.4 inches), a major improvement over the Kicks Play's 178 mm (7.0 inches). This extra height makes clearing snow drifts and navigating cottage roads much easier.  

Inside, the story is more nuanced. Thanks to its incredibly efficient packaging, the Kicks Play actually offers slightly more headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants. However, the new Kicks uses its extra width to provide more shoulder room and, crucially, more knee room for rear passengers, making the back seat a more comfortable place for adults.

The Kicks Play offers a respectable 716 litres of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 915 litres when they are folded down. The new Kicks, however, is in another league. It boasts a class-leading 850 litres behind the rear seats, which opens up to a cavernous 1,699 litres with the seats folded—nearly double the maximum capacity of the Kicks Play. This massive increase in utility transforms the Kicks from a city runabout into a genuinely versatile vehicle capable of hauling sports equipment, camping gear, or the spoils of a trip to the hardware store. 

A Technological Overhaul

Nowhere is the five-year development gap between the two models more apparent than inside the cabin. The interior of the Nissan Kicks Play is functional and well-built, but its design, featuring analog gauges and a standard 7-inch touchscreen, feels dated by modern standards. It’s a space defined by durable, hard plastics, which is expected at its budget-friendly price point.  

Stepping into the new 2025 Nissan Kicks is like stepping into the future. The dashboard is dominated by a clean, horizontal design that creates a sense of width and sophistication. Higher trims feature a sleek dual-screen setup under a single pane of glass, with a large 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster—a feature usually reserved for more expensive vehicles.

The technological upgrades continue with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which come standard on the new Kicks, a convenient step up from the wired connection in the Kicks Play. The new model also offers a suite of premium features unavailable on the Play, such as a wireless charging pad, a panoramic sunroof, and an immersive 10-speaker Bose audio system with speakers built into the front headrests. Comfort is also enhanced with Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats, designed to reduce fatigue, which are now featured in both the front and rear outboard seats of the new Kicks. 

Should You Pick The Kicks or Kicks Play?

In the end, it's not really about one being "better" than the other when it comes to the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play and the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks. They're like two different gadgets, each made for its own purpose.

Nissan's got this cool two-generation strategy that hits the mark for different types of buyers. So, which one’s the best for you? Well, that totally depends on what you’re into, how much you’re willing to spend, and your lifestyle. By checking out all the details on performance, utility, tech, and cost, we can paint a pretty clear picture to help you make the right call.

Ultimately, the choice between the Nissan Kicks and the Nissan Kicks Play comes down to individual priorities, lifestyle, and budget. Nissan has successfully created two distinct vehicles for two different customers.

Nissan Kicks Play might be best for your family if:

• Your primary concern is budget. The Kicks Play offers the lowest possible purchase price and the most economical long-term running costs, thanks to its superior fuel efficiency.  
• You are primarily a city driver. Its smaller size, nimble handling, and excellent fuel economy are perfect for navigating urban environments.  
• You don't need all-wheel drive. If you live in an area with mild winters or are comfortable with winter tires on a FWD vehicle, the added cost of AWD is an unnecessary expense.
• You value simplicity and proven reliability. The Kicks Play uses a powertrain that has been on the market for years, offering straightforward, no-frills transportation.

Nissan Kicks might be the best choice for you if:

• You need all-weather capability. The availability of AWD is a massive advantage for handling Canadian winters with confidence and security.  
• You require maximum utility. The new Kicks' enormous and flexible cargo area is a game-changer for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who needs to haul bulky items.  
• You want the latest technology and a modern interior. If features like large touchscreens, wireless connectivity, and advanced driver aids are important to you, the new Kicks is the clear winner.

You frequently carry passengers. The increased rear knee room and more premium "Zero Gravity" rear seats make it a more comfortable vehicle for everyone on board.

Get Your Nissan Today

Reading about the differences in horsepower, cargo litres, and screen sizes can only take you so far. The best way to truly understand which Kicks is right for you is to experience them firsthand. To feel the nimble efficiency of the Kicks Play and the confident, tech-forward refinement of the all-new Kicks, you need to get behind the wheel.

The knowledgeable team at Ajax Nissan is ready to guide you through this unique choice. They can walk you through both models side-by-side, letting you see and feel the differences in materials, space, and technology. The ultimate test, however, is on the road. We encourage you to schedule a back-to-back test drive to discover which driving experience speaks to you.

Whether your final decision leads you to the unbeatable value of the Kicks Play or the all-weather capability of the all-new Kicks, your journey begins with a visit to Ajax Nissan.