I drove one of the few new cars that goes for less than $30K. It shouldn’t be overlooked.

The Nissan Kicks got a much-needed makeover for the 2025 model year. Taller, longer, and wider than its predecessor, the new Kicks is a good-looking and modern addition to the Nissan lineup.

New stacked LED headlights and a stretched grille give Kicks a more sleek look, while sculpting on the hood and along the body gives the small SUV a more menacing stance.

The new Kicks sits about an inch and a half higher off the ground than its predecessor, with 8.4 inches of ground clearance.

On the road, that gave the Kicks more SUV credibility. On my rainy afternoon ride, I appreciated that extra bit of clearance as I drove through puddles and over muddy dirt roads.

Car technology changes quickly these days, which is one big reason why someone might prefer to spend $30,000 on a new car rather than something a few years older.

Kicks certainly delivers on the latest tech, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a 12.3-inch digital display. Nissan’s ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise system is also available on the Kicks and worked well for me even on a rainy day.

I was also pleasantly surprised by a wireless charging pad in the center console, a feature I usually only encounter on higher-end cars.

When I opened the trunk, I was surprised by its depth. With the back row up, a set of golf clubs can fit diagonally in the 30 cubic feet of space.

Fold that second row down and double your cargo space to 60 cubic feet.

All that trunk space has to come from somewhere. The second row of the Kicks is a little cramped and is the part of the car that feels the least like an SUV.

I’m only 5’4″, and I could have used more legroom in that second row. It would be fine for kids, but I’m not sure two adults could make a long road trip in that back seat.

If you are set on getting a new car, but don’t have a lot to spend, the Kicks is a great option compared to more expensive competitors like the Hyundai Kona

I thought it drove well, and small things like reduced road noise and Nissan’s zero-gravity seats made for a really comfortable ride.

Those features may set the Kicks apart from options on the used lot, where drivers can get a nicer car for a lot less if they’re willing to be the second owner.