The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play S and SV differences between trims—both in exterior styling and interior comfort features—can be subtle and easy to miss during a quick dealership visit. While both trims offer excellent value, they have important distinctions that may influence your decision.
Whether you’re considering the budget-friendly S trim selling for just over $25,000 plus fees & taxes or pay an additional $2,600 for the more premium SV model, our detailed comparison will help you understand exactly what you’re getting for your money. We’ll explore everything from technological features to comfort amenities, ensuring you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.
How does the 2025 Kicks Play compare with its competitors?
To understand how the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play compares in the subcompact SUV segment, we’ve created a comparison chart of key features across major competitors. This helps you evaluate the Kicks Play’ value, performance, and features against similar vehicles in its price range.
| Feature | 2025 Nissan Kicks Play | 2025 Hyundai Kona | 2025 Kia Soul | 2025 Mazda CX-3 | 2025 Honda HR-V | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $25,385 | $29,834 | $25,527 | $28,163 | $32,093 | $32,318 |
| Engine | 1.6L I4, 122 hp | 2.0L I4, 147 hp | 2.0L I4, 147 hp | 2.0L I4, 155 hp | 1.8L I4, 141 hp | 2.0L I4, 152 hp |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT | CVT | 6-speed auto | CVT | CVT |
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 8.4/6.6 L/100 km | 9.1/7.1 L/100 km | 9.0/7.2 L/100 km | 9.0/7.4 L/100 km | 8.5/7.3 L/100 km | 8.6/7.2 L/100 km |
| Cargo Space | 25.3 cu.ft. | 25.5 cu.ft. | 24.2 cu.ft. | 20.1 cu.ft. | 24.3 cu.ft. | 21.8 cu.ft. |
| Infotainment System | 7 or 8-inch touchscreen | 8.0-inch touchscreen | 10.25-inch touchscreen | 7.0-inch touchscreen | 5.0-inch touchscreen | 6.5-inch touchscreen |
| Unique Selling Point | Better fuel economy | Bold new design | Spacious interior | Sporty design | Advanced tech | Standard AWD |
Body Differences Between These Trims
One of the most noticeable S and SV differenes in their exterior lies in their door handle design. The S model comes with black, matte-finish door handles, while the SV model features door handles finished in the same color as the vehicle body.
While this might seem like a minor detail, it can significantly impact both aesthetics and practicality:
S Model – Black Door Handles
The black door handles on the S trim offer several practical advantages:
- They’re more resistant to visible scratches and minor damage
- Replacement costs are typically lower
- They create a sportier, more rugged appearance
- They hide dirt and fingerprints more effectively
SV Model – Body-Coloured Door Handles
The body-colored handles on the SV trim provide a more upscale appearance:
- They create a more premium, unified look
- They integrate seamlessly with the overall vehicle design
- They can positively impact resale value
- They align with contemporary vehicle design trends
While body-colored handles are generally considered more premium and are particularly popular in urban settings, the black handles of the S trim might be more practical for those who frequently drive in rough conditions or prefer a more utilitarian appearance.
Wheel Differences Between The Kicks Play S vs SV
One of the most noticeable differences between the 2025 Nissan Kicks S and SV trims lies in their wheel design and construction. While both feature 5-spoke designs, the materials and finishes differ significantly, impacting both aesthetics and performance.
S Model: Steel Wheels with Wheel Covers
The base S trim comes equipped with steel wheels featuring plastic wheel covers painted in silver. These wheels offer several practical advantages:
- Enhanced durability against pothole and curb damage
- Lower replacement costs when damaged
- Better resilience in harsh weather conditions
- Easy and affordable wheel cover replacement options
However, there are some drawbacks to consider:
- Higher weight affecting fuel efficiency
- Less sophisticated appearance
- Potential for loose or falling wheel covers
- Reduced brake cooling capability
SV Model: Alloy Wheels
The SV trim upgrades to alloy wheels with a more aggressive 5-spoke design, offering several benefits:
- Reduced weight for better fuel economy and handling
- Superior heat dissipation for brake performance
- Enhanced aesthetic appeal
- Higher resale value potential
- Improved aerodynamic properties
However, the alloy wheels also come with some considerations:
- Higher initial and replacement costs
- Greater susceptibility to impact damage
- More expensive repair procedures
- Potential for corrosion if the finish is compromised
When comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks S vs SV differences, the wheel choice represents a clear example of how the SV trim prioritizes performance and aesthetics, while the S trim focuses on practicality and cost-effectiveness.
Interior Materials & Comfort Features
The interior materials and comfort features differ noticeably between the S and SV trims from the moment you sit inside. The S model offers a straightforward, functional interior with standard black cloth seats designed for durability and practicality.
In contrast, the SV model elevates the interior experience with several premium touches:
- Premium grey cloth upholstery with distinctive textured patterns
- Elegant white contrast stitching that adds a sophisticated touch
- Higher-quality fabric materials that enhance both comfort and durability
- Heated front seats for both driver and passenger, perfect for cold weather comfort
These upgrades not only improve the visual appeal of the interior but also contribute to a more comfortable and luxurious driving experience.
Steering Wheel Differences
The steering wheel designs of the S and SV trims highlight Nissan’s focus on both comfort and functionality. Let’s explore the key differences between them:
S Model Steering Wheel Features
- Basic urethane material construction
- Standard multifunction controls for audio and phone
- Practical and durable design
- Essential controls for daily driving needs
SV Model Steering Wheel Enhancements
- Premium leather-wrapped surface with visible contrast stitching
- Heated steering wheel function for cold weather comfort
- Gun metal-colored accent trim below the Nissan emblem
- Advanced Intelligent Cruise Control buttons with distance control functionality
SV with Upgrade Cruise Control
The SV’s Intelligent Cruise Control system represents a significant technological upgrade. This advanced feature not only maintains your set speed but also:
- Automatically adjusts vehicle speed based on traffic conditions
- Maintains a safe following distance from vehicles ahead
- Offers customizable following distance settings
- Provides a more relaxed and confident driving experience
Display and Technology Differences
When comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks S vs SV differences in technology, the infotainment and driver information displays stand out as key differentiators that significantly impact the daily driving experience.
Infotainment Screen Size and Functionality
The size difference between the S model’s 7-inch and SV model’s 8-inch display creates a noticeable improvement in usability. This 30% increase in screen real estate offers several practical benefits:
- Enhanced visibility for navigation maps and directions
- Larger touch targets for safer interaction while driving
- More comfortable split-screen viewing when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- Clearer backup camera display with improved guidance lines
- Better readability of text messages and menu items
The SV’s larger screen not only provides these functional improvements but also contributes to a more premium, modern dashboard appearance that elevates the overall interior experience.
Driver Information Display
The driver information display represents another significant technological upgrade between trims:
- S Model: 4.2-inch basic vertical display
- Shows essential driving information
- Basic menu navigation
- Limited customization options
- SV Model: 7-inch digital gauge cluster
- Full-color high-resolution display
- Advanced driving data visualization
- Extensive customization possibilities
- Integrated navigation directions
- Comprehensive vehicle settings menu
The SV’s larger digital gauge cluster transforms the driver’s cockpit experience, providing clearer information presentation and more advanced features that align with modern automotive technology trends.
Center Console Design and Storage
The center console design showcases notable differences between the S and SV trims, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
S Model Center Console Features:
- Durable plastic construction with a practical matte finish
- Spacious storage compartment for personal items
- Standard gear shift surround with basic finishing
- Functional cup holders with rubber inserts
While the S model prioritizes functionality, the SV model elevates the center console experience with premium touches:
SV Model Center Console Enhancements:
- Premium piano-black glossy finish that adds sophistication
- Enhanced storage compartment with soft-touch lining
- Chrome-accented gear shift surround
- Illuminated USB ports for easier nighttime access
The SV’s upscale finish creates a more premium feel, though it’s worth noting that the piano-black surface may show fingerprints more readily and requires more frequent cleaning to maintain its luxurious appearance.
Brake System Differences Between 2025 Nissan Kicks S vs SV
One of the most significant mechanical differences between the S and SV trims lies in their braking systems, which affects both safety features and convenience.
Brake Types and Performance
While both trims feature vented front disc brakes, they differ in their rear brake configuration:
S Model Brake Configuration:
- Traditional drum brakes in the rear
- Manual hand brake lever for parking
The S model’s drum brakes offer key advantages: they cost less to make and maintain, resist dirt and water better, last longer in normal use, and provide reliable traditional parking brake operation that many drivers are comfortable with.
SV Model Brake Configuration:
- Vented disc brakes in the rear
- Electronic parking brake with Automatic Brake Hold
The SV trim’s brake system offers a major upgrade in performance. It provides stronger stopping power, handles heat better, performs better in wet conditions, and includes a convenient electronic parking brake. Together, these improvements enhance both safety and the overall driving experience.
The SV Trim has Automatic Brake Hold
A standout feature of the SV trim is the Automatic Brake Hold function, which automatically maintains brake pressure when the vehicle is stopped, even after releasing the brake pedal. This feature is particularly valuable in stop-and-go traffic or at extended traffic lights, helping you to reduce fatigue.
The SV’s electronic parking brake system represents a significant technological upgrade over the S model’s traditional hand brake, offering not only convenience but also enhanced safety through automatic engagement features and integration with the vehicle’s electronic systems.
Conclusion
When comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks S vs SV differences, it becomes clear that the SV trim offers significant upgrades in terms of both comfort and technology.
The SV’s premium features like heated seats, digital displays, and electronic parking brake justify its higher price for those wanting more refinement. Notable upgrades include the 8-inch touchscreen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and alloy wheels.
Both trims share the same 1.6L engine and safety features—the S trim delivers value through its standard features, while the SV adds premium touches. Your decision between these 2025 Nissan Kicks trims will ultimately depend on your priorities and budget.
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