2025 Nissan Kicks: A Used Buyer's Guide for Eastern Ontario

A used 2025 Nissan Kicks can be a smart buy, but first make sure which one you are looking at. Nissan Canada sold two different vehicles under the Kicks name for 2025, both with S and SV grades, and only one of them offered all-wheel drive.

A used 2025 Nissan Kicks may have remaining factory coverage. Confirm the original in-service date, kilometres, VIN and applicable warranty terms before relying on it.

The drawback to check first is the recall record: it lists certain 2025 Kicks vehicles for the compliance label, the Park reminder warnings, the rearview camera and the instrument cluster.

Carleton Place Ford is a Ford store with an all-makes used lot, not a Nissan dealer.

Key Takeaways

• For 2025, Nissan sold the all-new Kicks, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder in S, SV and SR Premium grades, and the Kicks Play, the 2024 Kicks carried over under a new name, with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder in S and SV grades.

  
  

• A listing that reads 2025 Kicks S or SV could be either vehicle. Check the vehicle itself, not the listing title.

  
  

• On the 2025 Kicks, all-wheel drive was optional on the S and SV and standard on the SR Premium. The 2025 Kicks Play was front-wheel drive only.

  
  

• Both are gas models with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Nissan calls Xtronic.

  
  

• Recall records list certain 2025 Kicks vehicles for the compliance label, the Park reminder warnings, the rearview camera and the instrument cluster. The VIN check tells you which apply.

  
  

• Remaining factory coverage depends on the individual vehicle's in-service date, kilometres, VIN and warranty terms, not on its model year.

  
  

With over 300 used vehicles available, Carleton Place Ford has one of the largest selections in the area.

Start with our used SUVs and bring your questions about the VIN, the drivetrain and the paperwork.

Is a Used 2025 Nissan Kicks a Smart Buy?

It can be, if you choose the individual vehicle rather than the model year. Within 2025 alone, the Kicks name covered two vehicles with different engines and drivetrains, and recall work and remaining coverage vary from one to the next, so the right one is the Kicks whose VIN check and paperwork hold up.

Picture an Almonte first-time buyer who commutes to Kanata through the winter, with two "2025 Kicks SV" listings open on their phone. Are they the same vehicle, does either have all-wheel drive, and which recalls apply to each VIN?

The drawbacks are real: the name alone does not tell you which vehicle you are getting, this model year appears on recalls for certain vehicles that you check by VIN, and remaining coverage depends on the individual vehicle.

Kicks or Kicks Play: Which 2025 Kicks Is on the Listing?

Two different vehicles: the all-new 2025 Kicks, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, and the 2025 Kicks Play, the 2024 Nissan Kicks carried over for 2025 under a new name, with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder. Both were sold in S and SV grades and only the Kicks had an SR Premium, so a listing that reads "2025 Kicks SV" could be either.

Nissan's 2025 listings give you ways to tell them apart:

• Engine: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the Kicks, a 1.6-litre four-cylinder in the Kicks Play.

  
  

• Drivetrain: the Kicks offered all-wheel drive; the Kicks Play was front-wheel drive only.

  
  

• Grade: an SR Premium can only be the Kicks.

  
  

• Touchscreen: Nissan listed a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Kicks, a 7-inch one on the Kicks Play S and an 8-inch one on the Kicks Play SV.

  
  

Confirm the model name, engine, grade and drivetrain on the individual vehicle.

Here is the 2025 lineup sold in Canada under the Kicks name, by version and grade.

Can You Get a 2025 Kicks with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, but only if it is the all-new 2025 Kicks rather than the Kicks Play. Nissan offered Intelligent All-Wheel Drive as an option on the Kicks S and SV and as standard on the SR Premium, while the 2025 Kicks Play was front-wheel drive only.

So for all-wheel drive through the winter, you are looking for a Kicks, not a Kicks Play, and on an S or SV, one that was ordered with it. Confirm the drivetrain on the vehicle itself.

Browse our used SUVs with that in mind, then come and see your shortlist in person.

Nissan says the available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system continuously monitors road conditions and can quickly respond to help provide traction. It also says the system cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions, and that drivers should monitor traffic and weather conditions.

Nissan listed a Snow mode on all-wheel-drive Kicks models, and a heated steering wheel and Remote Engine Start on the Kicks SV and SR Premium. For the Kicks Play SV, it listed a heated steering wheel and Remote Engine Start.

Nissan notes that Remote Engine Start is to be used only in accordance with laws or rules in effect in your vehicle's location.

Nissan also says it put the all-new Kicks through cold-weather testing in Canada, with near-final evaluations in Quebec City in February 2024.

Fuel Ratings for a Highway 7 Commute

Natural Resources Canada rates the 2025 Kicks at 8.1 L/100 km city and 6.6 highway with front-wheel drive, and 8.4 city and 6.9 highway with all-wheel drive; the Kicks Play is rated 7.7 city and 6.6 highway. It notes that your fuel consumption will vary from published ratings depending on how, where and when you drive, and lists temperature and weather, using all-wheel drive, and a vehicle's age and condition among the factors.

The highway rating represents a mix of open highway and rural road driving, typical of longer trips, and the city rating represents urban driving in stop-and-go traffic.

So a Highway 7 commute toward Kanata leans on the highway figure, and errands around town lean on the city figure.

Which Recalls List the 2025 Nissan Kicks?

Transport Canada lists recalls covering the compliance label, the warnings that remind the driver to shift into Park, the rearview camera and the instrument cluster on certain 2025 Kicks vehicles. Each covers certain vehicles only, and a model year on a record does not mean every 2025 Kicks is affected.

Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy.

Whether the listing reads Kicks or Kicks Play, the VIN check tells you which of these records apply to the vehicle in front of you.

Compliance Label: Recall 2025155

Recall 2025155: on certain vehicles, the compliance label may list the wrong gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross axle weight rating (GAWR) information. This could lead you to overload the vehicle and cause poor handling or a tire failure.

Additionally, for certain SR trim models equipped with the optional 19-inch wheel package, the compliance label may list the wrong tire and rim sizes. As a result, when the rims and tires are replaced, the wrong rims and/or tires could be installed.

Poor handling or a tire failure could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in a crash.

Nissan will mail a new compliance label to each owner. If you would like help to install it, you can contact a Nissan dealer to have it installed free of charge.

Park Reminder Warnings: Recall 2025177

Recall 2025177: on certain vehicles, the warnings reminding the driver to shift the transmission into Park (P) if the ignition is in the "OFF" position and the gear selector is not in the "P" position may not work. As a result, if the ignition is switched off and the gear selector is not in Park, the vehicle could move suddenly.

A parked vehicle that moves suddenly could create the risk of an injury or a crash.

Nissan will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the body control module software. This recall replaces an earlier one, and vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair.

Rearview Camera: Recall 2025264

Recall 2025264: on certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse.

A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

Nissan will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the centre information display software.

Instrument Cluster: Recall 2026250

Recall 2026250: on certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the instrument cluster not to display when the vehicle is started. As a result, you may not be able to see certain information about the vehicle, including the speedometer, gear selection indicators, warning lights and malfunction tell-tales.

Warnings, tell-tales and gauges that don't display could increase the risk of a crash.

Nissan will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the instrument cluster software.

This list is verified, not exhaustive, and new recalls can be added at any time.

Nissan Canada and Transport Canada are the sources we use to verify recall information. Before you buy, ask our team to confirm the VIN and any open campaigns for the Kicks in front of you.

Recall repairs are completed through an authorized Nissan retailer.

Coverage, Service Records and Road Salt

Nissan's published Canadian terms for the 2025 model year include basic coverage of 3 years or 60,000 km and powertrain coverage of 5 years or 100,000 km, and coverage starts at delivery to the first owner or first use, whichever is earlier. Whether any of it remains depends on the individual vehicle, not the model year.

A used 2025 Nissan Kicks may have remaining factory coverage. Confirm the original in-service date, kilometres, VIN and applicable warranty terms before relying on it.

Nissan's 2025 warranty booklet says owners must keep maintenance receipts and pass them, or copies, to later owners, so ask for the service records on the Kicks you are considering.

Our Nissan Rogue reliability guide explains why those records matter on a used Nissan.

The booklet names the build-up of ice and snow melting agents, road dirt and moisture in cavities and other underbody areas, which exterior washing alone cannot adequately remove, as a cause of corrosion.

Under adverse conditions, it advises washing the vehicle at least once a week if the weather and other conditions permit. When it is very cold, it advises against washing unless you can dry it completely, because locks and rubber seals can be damaged by freezing.

On a Kicks that has been through Eastern Ontario winters, ask how it was washed and cared for, and have your own mechanic look underneath.

How to Check the 2025 Kicks in Front of You

Work from the vehicle, not the listing: confirm which Kicks it is, confirm the drivetrain, check the VIN for open campaigns, read the service history, confirm any coverage, then the Ontario paperwork, and bring your questions to our team. Each step answers a question the listing title cannot.

1. Which Kicks: The Government of Ontario's list of disclosures includes the make, model and year, so read the model name on the vehicle and on the paperwork.

2. Drivetrain: For all-wheel drive, look for a Kicks S or SV that was ordered with it, or a Kicks SR Premium.

3. Recalls: Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy.

4. Service history: Ask for the service records and for proof of any recall repair already done.

5. Coverage: Before relying on any factory coverage, confirm the original in-service date, kilometres, VIN and applicable warranty terms.

6. Ontario paperwork: For a vehicle sold with a safety standards certificate, it confirms only that the vehicle met the minimum standard on the date the certificate was issued, and it is not a warranty. Walk when a dealer will not provide the applicable written disclosures before you sign.

7. Our team: Bring your questions about the VIN, the drivetrain and the paperwork to the Carleton Place Ford team, and have your own mechanic look it over too.

Under Ontario law, there is no cooling-off period for motor vehicle contracts, so be sure of your decision before you sign.

Then compare it with other used SUVs at Carleton Place Ford before you decide.

What Is Your Current Vehicle Worth as a Trade?

Find out before you shop, because the number changes which Kicks listings are genuinely on your list. At Carleton Place Ford, we take trades of any make, whether it is paid off or not, and we put our appraisal of your trade in writing.

Value your trade online first, then let us appraise it in person. We buy vehicles outright, so an appraisal does not commit you to buying from us.

With your permission, we get the payout from your lender and show it beside our appraisal.

If you owe more than the vehicle is worth, the shortfall may be added to the amount financed, increasing the amount borrowed and potentially the total cost of borrowing. Financing is subject to lender approval (O.A.C.).

You may also cover the difference with money down. Bring the ownership, every key and fob, and any service records.

How Does Financing a Used Kicks Work at Carleton Place Ford?

Apply for financing before you come in if you wish. With your consent, we can review options with participating lenders, on approved credit (O.A.C.).

Approval, rate, term and payment depend on the applicant, lender and vehicle, and a credit-bureau inquiry may be required.

If a bruised credit file is the worry, our guide explains what happens when you apply.

Bring a driver's licence and proof of income if requested; lender requirements vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Used 2025 Nissan Kicks a Good Buy?

It can be, one vehicle at a time. The Kicks name covered two different 2025 vehicles, and engine, drivetrain, recall work and remaining coverage vary, so confirm each on the vehicle in front of you.

How Can You Tell a 2025 Kicks from a Kicks Play?

Nissan sold the all-new 2025 Kicks with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and available all-wheel drive, and the Kicks Play, the 2024 Kicks carried over under a new name, with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder and front-wheel drive only. Only the Kicks had an SR Premium grade.

Confirm the model name, engine, grade and drivetrain on the individual vehicle.

Does the 2025 Nissan Kicks Have All-Wheel Drive?

On the all-new 2025 Kicks, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive was optional on the S and SV and standard on the SR Premium. The 2025 Kicks Play was front-wheel drive only.

Confirm the drivetrain on the individual vehicle before you buy.

What Are the Fuel Ratings for the 2025 Kicks?

Natural Resources Canada rates the 2025 Kicks at 8.1 L/100 km city and 6.6 highway with front-wheel drive, 8.4 city and 6.9 highway with all-wheel drive, and the Kicks Play at 7.7 city and 6.6 highway. Your fuel consumption will vary from published ratings depending on how, where and when you drive.

Does a Used 2025 Nissan Kicks Have Factory Warranty Left?

A used 2025 Nissan Kicks may have remaining factory coverage. Confirm the original in-service date, kilometres, VIN and applicable warranty terms before relying on it.

The model year alone does not tell you, so ask for the in-service date and the service records on the Kicks you are considering.

Are There Recalls on the 2025 Nissan Kicks?

Yes. Recall records list certain 2025 Kicks vehicles for the compliance label, the warnings that remind the driver to shift into Park, the rearview camera and the instrument cluster.

Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy.

So Should You Buy a Used 2025 Nissan Kicks?

Buy the one whose record holds up. If you know which Kicks it is, the drivetrain suits your winters, the open campaigns are confirmed and handled, the in-service date and kilometres support any coverage you are counting on, and the paperwork checks out, a used 2025 Kicks deserves a place on your list.

If any one of those is missing, keep looking.

If a Ford is also on your list, our Ford SUV models guide lays them out from smallest to largest.

Start with our used inventory and tell Carleton Place Ford how you drive.

Visit us at 10441 Hwy 7, Carleton Place, ON K7C 0T6

Browse inventory, value your trade, apply for financing (on approved credit), book service, or contact the team.

Sales: (888)-910-3538 Parts: (888)-876-1102 Service: (877)-866-8810 Local: 613-257-3988

About the Author:

Kerry Irven is the Vice President of New and Used Automotive Operations for Heighton Automotive Group, a family-owned and operated automotive group serving communities across Eastern Ontario. Kerry began his automotive career in new-car sales, building his experience on the showroom floor and working his way through multi-store dealership operations.

With over 25 years in the automotive industry, Kerry has helped grow automotive businesses from one location with 40 to 50 vehicles in stock to more than 500 vehicles across 10 rooftops. His hands-on background in both new and used-vehicle operations gives him a practical understanding of what customers look for when shopping for their next vehicle.

Throughout his career, Kerry has always been actively involved in staff coaching and in understanding customer wants and needs, helping ensure the businesses he works with continue to adapt to what customers are truly looking for.

One of the most exciting chapters of his career has been the shift into modern automotive marketing, embracing new technology, transparent pricing, customer-first inventory strategies, and new ways to create a better vehicle-shopping experience.

Kerry has completed extensive automotive training, including certification through the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, involvement with the Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario, Canadian automotive dealer training, and multiple customer service courses.

Born and raised on a farm, Kerry has always valued family, hard work, and a practical, down-to-earth approach. Joining Heighton Automotive Group and working alongside Thomas Heighton and family, along with managing partners Kyle Lothian and Martin Gougeon, has allowed him to bring those same values into the car business. It has also allowed Kerry to continue following a simple philosophy: treat every customer exactly the way he would want to be treated.