Latest news with #Kicks
Auto Blog
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Nissan sales slid in Q2, but affordable models held steady
Affordable Models Bucked Negative Sales Trend Nissan on Tuesday reported its second-quarter 2025 U.S. sales, and there wasn't much good news. The automaker reported sales of 221,441 units across the Nissan and Infiniti brands—a decrease of 6.5% from the same period in 2024. The Nissan brand's sales were down 6.1% from Q2 2024, at 209,114 units, while Infiniti's were down 12.7% from that period, with just 12,327 units shifted. 2025 Nissan Z undercuts Toyota Supra by a surprising amount Watch More Through the end of June, Nissan and Infiniti together sold 488,526 units in the U.S., a decrease of 0.2% from the same period in 2024. The Nissan brand actually saw a 0.3% sales increase, 463,034 vehicles sold, but Infiniti sales dropped by 9.0%, to 25,492 units. Nissan's neglect of its luxury brand makes those results unsurprising, but there was something interesting to note in the main Nissan brand's sales. Entry-Level Models See Sales Gains Source: Nissan A trio of Nissan's least-expensive models saw big year-over-year sales increases in Q2. Sales of the Versa sedan were up 71.9% compared to the second quarter of 2024, the Kicks crossover saw a 52.8% year-over-year sales increase, and sales of the Leaf electric hatchback leaped 28% from Q2 2024. A sales boost for the Kicks was likely as redesigned versions of that crossover didn't start reaching showrooms until later in 2024 (newness may also be behind a 99.5% jump in Murano sales) but that doesn't apply to the aged Leaf and Versa. Perhaps continued price increases for new cars, which is now beginning to affect the supply of cheap used cars, is causing more shoppers to visit Nissan showrooms. The Versa remains one of the cheapest new cars available in the U.S., with an effective base price of $20,130 after destination. While it was still listed on the automaker's consumer site at the time of publication, Nissan is expected to end production of the even-cheaper five-speed manual Versa, although most customers likely weren't choosing that option. Similarly, the Leaf's $29,280 base price for the 2025 model year makes it one of the cheapest EVs around—even though it doesn't qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Still Facing Hurdles While there are some indications that the situation is improving—the Pathfinder crossover also recorded its best-ever sales quarter—Nissan remains in an unstable position. Outside the U.S., the automaker on Tuesday said it was seeking 250 voluntary job cuts in the U.K., home to one of its biggest assembly plants. Reuters on Monday reported that Nissan was seeking to delay payments to suppliers in the U.K. and Europe. Layoffs and cost cutting are the orders of the day under CEO Ivan Espinosa, whose stated goal is to achieve $3.4 billion in cost cuts over the next two years, included the reported $700 million sale of the automaker's headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. It's part of a rough road to recovery for Nissan, which lost $4.5 billion last fiscal year, and is looking to remain independent after merger talks with Honda quickly dissolved. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Nissan sales slid in Q2, but affordable models held steady
Nissan on Tuesday reported its second-quarter 2025 U.S. sales, and there wasn't much good news. The automaker reported sales of 221,441 units across the Nissan and Infiniti brands-a decrease of 6.5% from the same period in 2024. The Nissan brand's sales were down 6.1% from Q2 2024, at 209,114 units, while Infiniti's were down 12.7% from that period, with just 12,327 units shifted. Through the end of June, Nissan and Infiniti together sold 488,526 units in the U.S., a decrease of 0.2% from the same period in 2024. The Nissan brand actually saw a 0.3% sales increase, 463,034 vehicles sold, but Infiniti sales dropped by 9.0%, to 25,492 units. Nissan's neglect of its luxury brand makes those results unsurprising, but there was something interesting to note in the main Nissan brand's sales. A trio of Nissan's least-expensive models saw big year-over-year sales increases in Q2. Sales of the Versa sedan were up 71.9% compared to the second quarter of 2024, the Kicks crossover saw a 52.8% year-over-year sales increase, and sales of the Leaf electric hatchback leaped 28% from Q2 2024. A sales boost for the Kicks was likely as redesigned versions of that crossover didn't start reaching showrooms until later in 2024 (newness may also be behind a 99.5% jump in Murano sales) but that doesn't apply to the aged Leaf and Versa. Perhaps continued price increases for new cars, which is now beginning to affect the supply of cheap used cars, is causing more shoppers to visit Nissan showrooms. The Versa remains one of the cheapest new cars available in the U.S., with an effective base price of $20,130 after destination. While it was still listed on the automaker's consumer site at the time of publication, Nissan is expected to end production of the even-cheaper five-speed manual Versa, although most customers likely weren't choosing that option. Similarly, the Leaf's $29,280 base price for the 2025 model year makes it one of the cheapest EVs around-even though it doesn't qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. While there are some indications that the situation is improving-the Pathfinder crossover also recorded its best-ever sales quarter-Nissan remains in an unstable position. Outside the U.S., the automaker on Tuesday said it was seeking 250 voluntary job cuts in the U.K., home to one of its biggest assembly plants. Reuters on Monday reported that Nissan was seeking to delay payments to suppliers in the U.K. and Europe. Layoffs and cost cutting are the orders of the day under CEO Ivan Espinosa, whose stated goal is to achieve $3.4 billion in cost cuts over the next two years, included the reported $700 million sale of the automaker's headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. It's part of a rough road to recovery for Nissan, which lost $4.5 billion last fiscal year, and is looking to remain independent after merger talks with Honda quickly dissolved. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Car and Driver
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Nissan Kicks Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview With its sneaker-inspired styling and bright paint-color options, the 2026 Nissan Kicks is among the more playful designs in the subcompact SUV segment. Its cabin is reasonably spacious, modern-looking, and uncluttered, and the infotainment system is easy to use. Though not as fuel-efficient as the last-gen model—which Nissan still sells as the Kicks Play—the 2026 Kicks is the better performer overall, thanks in part to its higher-output engine. It can't keep pace with rivals like the Mazda CX-30 or Volkswagen Taos, but it should serve most commuters just fine. Plus, it's available with all-wheel drive, which not only helps with traction but, in this model, brings with it a more compliant strut-type rear suspension than the front-drive version's torsion-beam setup. What's New for 2026? The Kicks entered its second generation last year, so 2026 likely won't bring many, if any, changes. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Nissan Kicks is expected to start around $23,500 and go up to $28,000 depending on the trim and options. S $23,500 (est) SV $25,500 (est) SR $28,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k We'd recommend the mid-tier SV as the Kicks of choice. It comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (instead of the base model's 7.0-incher) and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also gets a wireless smartphone charging pad and proximity keyless entry. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Last year, Nissan redesigned the Kicks, trading its weak-kneed 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine for a 2.0-liter making 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque—gains of 20 horsepower and 26 pound-feet. That engine doesn't transform the Kicks into a drag racer, but it is an improvement, nonetheless. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) funnels the torque to either the front or—optionally—all four wheels. AWD models also get a Snow drive mode in addition to Normal, Eco, and Sport. During our test drive of the Kicks, we were impressed with the increased responsiveness of the powertrain and the little SUV's confidence-inspiring handling. We suggest avoiding the optional 19-inch wheels, though, as they worsen ride quality. 0–60-MPH Times In our testing, the AWD Kicks got to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds. That's about average for something in this class. View Exterior Photos Nissan Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA has yet to release numbers for the 2026 Nissan Kicks, but the front-wheel-drive 2025 Kicks earns ratings of 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. Subtract 1 mpg per cycle for AWD. On our 75-mph real-world highway fuel-economy test, the AWD model achieved 33 mpg. For more information about the Kicks's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Kicks's cabin looks suitably modern, with landscape-oriented screens atop the dashboard angled slightly toward the driver for better visibility. Rear passengers get a comfort upgrade thanks to the addition of Nissan's much-ballyhooed Zero Gravity seats. The lineup-topping SR trim gets a touch panel for the HVAC settings, which function automatically; owners of lesser trims have to manually turn dials and press buttons to set the cabin climate. Cargo space is good here, though opting for AWD will mean sacrificing some of it: Front-drivers have 29 cubic feet of room behind the second row and 59 cubes with the rear seats folded, whereas AWD models have 24 and 50 cubic feet, respectively. When we tested an AWD model, we fit eight suitcases behind the rear seats and 21 carry-ons with the seats folded. View Interior Photos Nissan Infotainment and Connectivity Many shoppers are likely to discount the entry S model based solely on its infotainment system, as it doesn't support smartphone mirroring and features a 7.0-inch touchscreen. The mid-level SV and range-topping SR, on the other hand, step up to a 12.3-inch unit that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions. The S is also lacking in phone-charging options, offering just one type-A USB port while the Kicks SV and SR have a pair of USB-C ports up front. (The top model also provides another pair of USB-C ports for rear-seat passengers.) SiriusXM satellite radio comes online with the SV trim too. Audiophiles should look exclusively at the SR, though, as it ups the speaker count from four to six and offers a 10-speaker Bose system, which includes headrest-mounted speakers for the front seats. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Nissan provides a host of driver-assistance technology, including automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, rear-cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. For information about the Kicks's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The Nissan Kicks's warranty package is wholly average. Shoppers who desire higher-mileage protection should consider the Kia Seltos for its industry-leading powertrain warranty. For Kicks buyers, Nissan will foot the bill for up to three oil changes during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles of ownership. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Three complimentary oil changes within the first two years or 24,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2025 Nissan Kicks SR AWD Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $29,070/$31,875 Options: Premium package, $1950; 19-inch wheels, $605; splash guards, $250 ENGINE DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 122 in3, 1997 cm3 Power: 141 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm TRANSMISSION continuously variable automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arm/multilink Brakes, F/R: 11.6-in vented disc/11.0-in disc Tires: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S 225/45R-19 92W M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 104.9 in Length: 171.9 in Width: 70.9 in Height: 64.0 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 53/41 ft3 Cargo Volume Behind F/R: 50/24 ft3 Curb Weight: 3322 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 9.0 sec 1/4-Mile: 17.1 sec @ 82 mph 100 mph: 29.6 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.8 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.8 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.5 sec Top Speed (C/D est): 120 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 176 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 26 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 33 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 400 miles EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 30/27/34 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Miami Herald
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Nissan Launches Killer Sentra Lease Offer for June
Amid a summer full of rising lease prices-Nissan included-one name in the lineup still stands out: the 2025 Sentra SV. While the brand has hiked signing costs on popular models like the Kicks, Rogue, and Altima, and demands over $6,000 up front for the Murano or Pathfinder, the compact Sentra continues to offer one of the most approachable new-car leases available. The Sentra has always played the value card well, and in 2025, it doubles down on it. The SV trim, recommended for its added tech and comfort, adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and access to the NissanConnect infotainment system with a Wi-Fi hotspot. And now, it's more affordable than ever. For $209 per month for 39 months with $3,259 due at signing, the Sentra SV offers one of the lowest monthly payments for any gas-powered car or crossover on the market. With a total lease mileage of 32,500 miles, it's a compelling package for budget-conscious shoppers who need practical, fuel-efficient daily transportation. If you want a little more style and luxury, Nissan's got an answer there, too. The Sentra SR, with its sharp-looking two-tone paint, 18-inch wheels, and available quilted leather interior, is available for $319/month. While that is a fairly large jump, it's still notably cheaper than most compact crossovers or hybrid sedans, and the upgrades do bring a touch of premium feel to an otherwise budget-friendly ride. The SR trim also adds LED headlights, a sportier exterior design, and access to more tech options, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen and premium Bose audio. These extras don't just look good on paper-they elevate the Sentra from a basic commuter to something that actually feels a little upscale inside. It's still the same practical car underneath, but with a more refined edge that's rare in this price range. The 2025 Sentra may not be the most thrilling car to drive, given that its 149-hp engine and CVT are more focused on economy than excitement, but it's quiet, comfortable, and equipped with class-leading safety tech. With EPA ratings of up to 34 mpg combined, supportive front seats, and a spacious 14-cubic-foot trunk, it covers all the basics and then some. If you're shopping for a new daily driver under $250 a month, this summer lease may be hard to beat. Even in a segment filled with great options, the Sentra SV makes a strong case for best overall value. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Hamilton Spectator
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Edmunds: Best SUVs for under $30,000 ranked
Just about every automaker these days offers an entry-level SUV. Though they are smaller than the most popular SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, their appeal is obvious. They are affordable, good on gas, and are easy to drive and park. They also provide many of the attributes shoppers love about SUVs, such as a more commanding view of the road than a sedan offers and available all-wheel drive for extra traction on icy or snowy roads. But which one should you get? Edmunds' team of automotive experts have undertaken thousands of miles of testing in order to provide a ranked list of the five best SUVs under $30,000 . They're ordered below based on Edmunds' testing and rankings. All of the following prices include destination charges. Nissan Kicks Redesigned for the 2025 model year, the Nissan Kicks has gone from being a forgettable wallflower to a small SUV extrovert. Based on design alone, the new Kicks is a major step forward from its predecessor. For the first time, all-wheel drive is optional on Nissan's smallest and least expensive SUV. All three available trims — S, SV, SR — easily fall under Edmunds' budget cap of $30,000. The top SR trim is a particularly impressive value thanks to its big display screens and many standard driver assist features. Edmunds discovered a few downsides in the newly stylish Kick, such as tepid acceleration and disappointing real-world fuel economy. But overall the Kicks is a great way to spend a little and get a lot. 2025 Nissan Kicks starting price: $23,220 Honda HR-V Honda knows a thing or two about building easy-to-drive and comfortable SUVs. The compact CR-V is hugely popular, and its smaller sibling, the HR-V, is similarly appealing. This choice is especially appealing if space is a priority for you. The HR-V has a big cargo area for this size of SUV, and headroom and legroom for rear passengers are generous. We also like the HR-V's upscale interior design and competitive value for what you're paying. The main downside to the HR-V is its lack of power. You'll need some patience for passing and getting up to speed on the highway. 2026 HR-V starting price: $27,595 Buick Envista The sleek and stylish Envista could get fashion-conscious SUV shoppers into a Buick dealership for the first time. It's one of the more head-turning shapes among small SUVs, yet Edmunds' testers found the Envista is much more than a pretty face. The Envista is longer than most of its rivals, and that contributes to adult-friendly legroom in either row. A sizable and intuitive-to-use 11-inch touchscreen is standard. But be aware that the Envista's tapering roofline does take a bite out of cargo volume. Also, all-wheel drive isn't available. 2025 Envista starting price: $25,195 Chevrolet Trax Edmunds found the small size and light weight of the Trax make it genuinely entertaining to drive. The handling is precise and, while it's no road rocket, acceleration is above par among subcompact SUVs. It's also fuel-efficient. Just keep in mind, like the Envista, all-wheel drive is not available. The Trax delivers big on passenger space, cargo volume and value. The trunk is roomy, and even the base trim comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, automatic high beams, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. 2025 Trax starting price: $21,895 2025 Hyundai Kona The Hyundai Kona sits at the top of Edmunds' rankings for extra-small SUVs. Edmunds singled out the Kona's roomy and modern-looking interior for praise, especially when it is optioned with the available 12.3-inch digital instrument panel mounted alongside the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. Every Kona also comes standard with many driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. One negative: The Kona's upper trims, though impressively equipped, nudge against or exceed our $30,000 pricing barrier. Also, Edmunds noted the soft and springy suspension takes some fun out of piloting the otherwise overachieving Kona. 2025 Kona starting price: $26,000 Edmunds says When it comes to how they drive and the features they offer, small SUVs have grown up a lot in the past few years. Some stand taller than others thanks to their blend of pricing, driving dynamics, interior space and efficiency. In this instance, the versatile Hyundai Kona emerges as the winner. ____________ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds . Nick Kurczewski is a contributor at Edmunds.
