City Size, All-Season Grip: The 2025 Kicks with AWD is Built for Montreal

Navigating Montreal's narrow streets, parallel parking in Plateau-Mont-Royal, and handling surprise snowstorms in October — the 2025 Nissan Kicks handles it all. This compact crossover pairs urban-friendly dimensions with available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, making it a practical choice for drivers in Quebec who need year-round confidence without sacrificing manoeuvrability.

The 2025 Kicks offers three grades: S, SV, and SR Premium. AWD comes as an option on the S and SV grades, and as standard equipment on the SR Premium. Whether you're commuting along Boulevard Saint-Jean or heading to the West Island on a snowy morning, the Kicks delivers the grip and control Quebec winters demand.

At a Glance: 2025 Kicks FWD vs. AWD

Compact Dimensions for City Driving

Montreal's streets weren't designed for oversized SUVs. The 2025 Kicks measures 4,365 mm in length and 1,800 mm in width — compact enough to slip into tight parking spots along Rue Saint-Denis or navigate the narrow lanes near Old Montreal. The turning radius and responsive electric power-assisted steering make U-turns and parallel parking straightforward, even in high-traffic areas.

Key manoeuvrability specs include:

• Overall length: 4,365 mm
• Overall width: 1,800 mm
• Overall height: 1,625 mm (AWD)
• Wheelbase: 2,665 mm (AWD)

The Kicks sits low enough to fit into most underground parking garages, with a height of 1,625 mm for AWD models. Ground clearance measures 214.2 mm, providing enough height to clear snowbanks without the bulk of a larger SUV.

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for Quebec Weather

Quebec weather shifts quickly. A clear morning can turn into freezing rain by afternoon, and November snowstorms arrive without warning. The 2025 Kicks with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive monitors road conditions and adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels to maintain traction.

AWD models include a dedicated Snow driving mode, which adjusts the all-wheel-drive and vehicle dynamic control systems for slippery surfaces. Yaw control applies targeted braking to individual wheels, helping the Kicks stay on your intended path when cornering on snow or ice. This system doesn't eliminate the need for winter tires, but it adds an extra layer of confidence during the six months when Quebec roads are unpredictable.

Performance and Efficiency

The 2025 Kicks uses a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine paired with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission. The engine produces 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm — enough for merging onto the Décarie Expressway or passing on Highway 20.

Fuel economy remains competitive, even with AWD:

• FWD: 7.4 L/100 km combined (8.1 city, 6.6 highway)
• AWD: 7.7 L/100 km combined (8.4 city, 6.9 highway)

The small difference in fuel consumption makes AWD a practical upgrade for drivers in Pointe-Claire and across the Montreal region who face winter conditions regularly.

Technology and Safety Features

Every 2025 Kicks grade includes Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment. This suite covers the basics: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist.

The SR Premium grade adds ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with steering assistance for highway driving. Intelligent Around View Monitor provides a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making tight parking easier in crowded lots.

Inside, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen handles infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SV and SR Premium grades include a wireless charging pad and heated steering wheel — small comforts that matter during Quebec winters.

Interior Space and Versatility

The 2025 Kicks prioritizes interior room over exterior size. Front shoulder room increased by 43.1 mm compared to the previous generation, and rear passengers gain 22.9 mm of knee room and 38.1 mm of shoulder room.

Cargo capacity varies by drivetrain:

• FWD: 849.5 litres (S), 826.9 litres (SV/SR Premium) with seats up; 1,699.6 litres (S), 1,657.5 litres (SV/SR Premium) with seats folded
• AWD: 676.8 litres with seats up; 1,418.7 litres with seats folded

AWD models sacrifice some cargo space due to the rear differential and driveline components, but the flexible luggage board on SV and SR Premium grades helps maximize usable room. A hidden storage compartment under the trunk floor keeps valuables out of sight.

Which Kicks is Right for You?

If you primarily drive in the city and rarely encounter harsh winter conditions, the FWD Kicks S or SV offers excellent value and slightly better fuel economy. For drivers in Pointe-Claire, Laval, or the South Shore who face snow, ice, and freezing rain regularly, AWD provides added confidence without a significant cost or efficiency penalty.

The SR Premium grade includes AWD as standard and adds premium features like ProPILOT Assist, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. It's the most capable Kicks for year-round driving in Quebec.

Experience the 2025 Kicks at Spinelli Nissan

The 2025 Nissan Kicks balances compact dimensions with all-season capability, making it a practical choice for drivers in Quebec. Book your test drive at Spinelli Nissan in Pointe-Claire to experience how the Kicks handles city streets and winter roads.