Automotive
Introducing the All-New 2025 Nissan Kicks: Redefining Compact Crossovers
Introducing the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks: a compact crossover with innovative technology, sleek design, and unmatched versatility.
Are you ready to up your crossover game? The all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks is here to raise the bar in the compact crossover segment. With its unexpected levels of available technology, sleek design inspired by high-end sneakers, exceptional versatility, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the new Kicks is set to make a lasting impression. Let’s dive into the exciting features of this stunning vehicle.
Confidence on Any Terrain
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is the first-ever Kicks model to offer Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing you with additional confidence and control in various weather conditions and road surfaces. Whether it’s rain, snow, or rough roads, the AWD system ensures that you can navigate through them with ease. Plus, the “Snow” driving mode specifically tunes the all-wheel-drive and vehicle dynamic control systems to optimize performance on slippery surfaces, keeping you safe and secure.
Bold and Expressive Design
When it comes to design, the 2025 Nissan Kicks stands out from the crowd. With its bold and expressive exterior, this compact crossover makes a big impact. The wide stance, fenders, and rounded, protected cabin create an eye-catching silhouette. The lower half of the vehicle features strong fenders and a distinctive boxiness, while the upper body maintains a clean and sleek look.
But the design details don’t stop there. Inspired by athletic sneaker soles, the rocker panels of the Kicks feature an intricate, three-dimensional shape that adds texture and visual interest. Even the rear of the vehicle catches your attention, with a subtle roof spoiler and full-width LED taillights that wrap around into combination lights on the flared rear fenders. The 2025 Nissan Kicks was designed to turn heads on the road.
Modern and Airy Interior
Step inside the 2025 Nissan Kicks, and you’ll be greeted by a modern and airy interior. The dual-screen setup on the dashboard, one for the instrument meter and one for the infotainment system, provides a sleek and futuristic look. The standard 7-inch meter can be upgraded to a striking 12.3-inch unit on the SR grade, offering two display modes for a more traditional or enhanced view.
In terms of comfort and convenience, the Kicks has you covered. The seats feature Nissan’s Zero Gravity™ seating design, providing a more comfortable seating position and reducing fatigue during long journeys. The center console offers plenty of storage space, including two cupholders designed to fit a 30-ounce coffee tumbler and an enclosed storage compartment. The doors also have bottle holders large enough for a 32-ounce tumbler.
Adventure-Ready Spaciousness
The 2025 Nissan Kicks was designed to optimize interior room for both passengers and cargo. Compared to its predecessor, the front and rear of the Kicks offer increased shoulder room and knee room, making road trips more comfortable for everyone. But it’s the cargo space that truly impresses. With up to 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats raised (and up to 60 cubic feet with the seats lowered), the Kicks leads the class in cargo capacity. It’s perfect for those who need extra room for luggage, sports equipment, or any other adventures you have planned.
Driver Assistance for Maximum Confidence
Safety is a top priority in the 2025 Nissan Kicks. Every model comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, which includes features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist. Additionally, the Kicks SR grade offers the class-exclusive Intelligent Around View Monitor, providing a virtual 360-degree, bird’s-eye camera view to simplify parking and low-speed maneuvers.
Effortless Infotainment
Staying connected on the go is essential, and the 2025 Nissan Kicks makes it effortless. With intuitive infotainment features and available wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, you can seamlessly connect your devices without the need for cables. Plus, the Kicks offers up to four USB Type-C ports and a wireless charging pad, ensuring that your devices stay powered up on any journey.
Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2025 Nissan Kicks boasts a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that delivers 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Paired with Nissan’s latest generation Xtronic transmission, this powertrain ensures confident acceleration and efficient performance.
Choose Your Adventure
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is available in three compelling grade levels: S, SV, and SR. With two available Premium packages, you can customize your Kicks to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you want a stylish commuter vehicle or a versatile crossover for your next adventure, there’s a Kicks model for you.
Get ready to elevate your driving experience with the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks. With its innovative features, sleek design, and reliable performance, this compact crossover has everything you need for an unforgettable journey. Keep an eye out for the Kicks when it arrives at Nissan dealerships later this summer. Pricing details will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
For more information and updates, visit the Nissan USA website or follow Nissan on social media. Buckle up and get ready for the future of compact crossovers with the 2025 Nissan Kicks!
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Automotive
2025 KIA TELLURIDE RANKS NUMBER ONE IN ITS SEGMENT IN J.D. POWER 2025 U.S. INITIAL QUALITY STUDY (IQS)
2025 Telluride
- 2025 Telluride named the Upper Midsize SUV segment winner in the J.D. Power 2025 IQS
- Award highlights Telluride’s strong performance in quality, and customer satisfaction
@stmblog Excited to introduce the KiaEV9! This all-electric SUV combines style, space, and sustainability. Ready for your next adventure! ⚡🌍 #ElectricVehicle
♬ original sound – STMDailyNews
CVT Transmissions Explained: Model Years to Avoid, Reliability Issues, and Maintenance TipsLink: https://stmdailynews.com/?p=39958
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Automotive
CVT Transmissions Explained: Model Years to Avoid, Reliability Issues, and Maintenance Tips
Learn what a CVT transmission is, which model years to avoid, brands with reliability issues, and expert tips to extend CVT lifespan.
View from the driver’s seat of the gear shift lever in a car with an automatic transmission and climate control panel. Black-gray car interior
CVT Transmissions Explained: Model Years to Avoid, Reliability Issues, and Maintenance Tips
Continuously Variable Transmissions — better known as CVTs — are now common in compact cars, hybrids, and fuel-efficient vehicles. They promise smoother driving and better gas mileage, but their reputation has been uneven, depending heavily on brand, design, and model year.
Here’s what CVTs are, which vehicles have had the most trouble, and how owners can protect themselves from costly repairs.
What Is a CVT?
A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) doesn’t use traditional fixed gears like a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic. Instead, it relies on two variable-diameter pulleys connected by a steel belt or chain. As the pulleys change size, the transmission seamlessly adjusts the gear ratio.
- Smooth acceleration
- No noticeable gear shifts
- Improved fuel efficiency
This design is why CVTs are especially common in hybrids, where efficiency and smooth power delivery matter more than outright performance.
Illustration credit: Samarins.com
Why CVTs Are Popular in Hybrids
Most hybrid systems use a variation called an eCVT, which is mechanically different — and generally more reliable — than belt-driven CVTs found in many gas-only cars.
Manufacturers like Toyota and Honda favor eCVTs because they:
- Reduce mechanical complexity
- Eliminate traditional belts under high stress
- Integrate seamlessly with electric motors
- Deliver long-term durability with minimal maintenance
This is why hybrid CVTs tend to have far fewer failure complaints than early gasoline-only CVTs.
CVT Model Years to Avoid (Buyer Beware)
Not all CVTs are created equal. Some manufacturers — most notably Nissan — experienced widespread issues during certain production years.
Nissan CVT Model Years With Higher Failure Rates
- Nissan Altima: 2007–2012, 2013–2018
- Nissan Sentra: 2012–2017
- Nissan Rogue: 2014–2018
- Nissan Pathfinder: 2013–2014
Common issues reported included:
- Shuddering and hesitation
- Overheating
- Whining noises
- Premature belt or pulley failure
- Complete transmission replacement well before 100,000 miles
These problems were serious enough to result in extended warranties and class-action settlements in some cases. Newer Nissan CVTs (2019 and newer) show improvement, but long-term reliability data is still developing.
How Other Brands Compare
- Toyota & Honda: Generally strong CVT reliability, especially in hybrids
- Subaru: Mixed results; early Lineartronic CVTs had complaints, later versions improved
- Mitsubishi: Some issues in budget models, fewer reports overall than Nissan
In short, design, torque limits, and cooling systems matter more than the CVT label alone.
How to Extend the Life of a CVT
Despite the myth of “lifetime fluid,” most transmission specialists agree that maintenance is critical.
- Change CVT fluid every 30,000–50,000 miles
- Use only manufacturer-specified CVT fluid
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and heavy towing
- Watch for early warning signs like whining, slipping, or shuddering
- Keep the vehicle’s cooling system in good condition
- Verify service records before buying a used CVT vehicle
Neglecting fluid service is one of the fastest ways to shorten a CVT’s lifespan.
CVT vs Dual-Clutch Transmission
Feature CVT Dual-Clutch (DCT) Gear changes Continuous Fixed gears Driving feel Smooth, no shifts Fast, sporty shifts Fuel economy Often better Good, performance-focused Reliability Varies by brand/year Can be complex or jerky
Final Takeaway
CVTs aren’t inherently bad — but early designs and poor maintenance gave some brands a lasting reputation problem. Buyers should focus on:
- Specific model years
- Service history
- Driving habits
- Whether the CVT is a traditional belt-driven unit or a hybrid eCVT
When properly designed and maintained, a CVT can deliver excellent efficiency and long service life — especially in modern hybrids.
According to Consumer Reports reliability data , CVT performance varies significantly by manufacturer and model year.
Drivers can also research real-world issues through the NHTSA vehicle complaint database , which tracks owner-reported transmission problems.
For more automotive explainers, visit our The Knowledge section on STM Daily News.
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Set Yourself Up for Safe Winter Driving
Set yourself up for safe winter driving with these essential tips: switch to winter tires, check air pressure, protect off-season wheels, and maintain tread depth. Learn how to prepare your car for snow and ice so you can drive with confidence all season.
Last Updated on December 21, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Set Yourself Up for Safe Winter Driving
(Family Features) Waiting for the first snow or ice storm to hit puts you and your tires behind the curve when it comes time to get behind the wheel. Preparing your vehicle and brushing up on smart winter driving tips helps ensure you arrive at your destination safely, no matter the weather. Consider Winter Tires When temperatures drop below 45 F, winter tires maintain flexibility and road grip, contrary to all-season tires that don’t perform as well in these conditions. Winter tires are designed for better traction and stopping power in ice, slush and snow. Change Out Seasonal Wheels and Rims Swapping summer or all-season tires for winter ones will ensure your vehicle has the best traction possible, but that’s just part of the story. Slippery, wet and icy roads mean vehicles tend to skid and lose control, striking curbs and other objects that scratch, dent and scuff. Snow and winter wheels are a smart way to protect summer rims from snow, ice and road-clearing chemicals like salt. Protect Offseason Tires It’s important to protect your offseason tires from below freezing temperatures, sunlight, moisture and other harsh weather conditions. Consider Discount Tire’s Tire Hotel service, available at select locations, where stores help preserve the condition of tires, handling tire rotations, inspections and maintenance when it’s time to change the winter tires back. Maintain Target Air Pressure The impact changing temperatures have on your tire pressure can create numerous issues, including poor handling, worse gas mileage, excessive wear and overloading. Prevent problems by checking your air pressure at least once a month when your tires are cool and before any long trip. For every 10 F in ambient temperature change, tire air pressure changes 1 PSI (pound per square inch). That means you need to check your tires more frequently as temperatures fluctuate and settle into lower winter levels. Check Tread Depth Regularly Your vehicle’s tread depth plays a vital role in traction, which can affect your safety while driving in winter conditions. To ensure you have ample tread, stick a penny upside-down in a tread groove. It’s time to replace if Lincoln’s head is visible. You can also visit your local Discount Tire store for a free tire safety check. Practice Good Tire Maintenance Taking care of your tires ensures you get the longest life and best wear. Most experts recommend rotating your tires every 6,000 miles. Knowing the age of your tires, which can be found by looking at the DOT number stamped on their sidewalls, is important since tire rubber becomes harder and more brittle as it ages, increasing the risk of failure. Choose Tires Wisely Selecting the tires that are best suited for where you drive, how you drive and what you drive helps protect you and your passengers, ensuring your vehicle is prepared for winter weather. When shopping, consider using an online tire guide like Treadwell, which provides personalized recommendations on the best tires for your driving needs. Find the tool online at DiscountTire.com/Treadwell. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockThe Legacy of the Datsun 510: How a Game-Changing Car Helped Nissan Conquer the US MarketLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-legacy-of-the-datsun-510-how-a-game-changing-car-helped-nissan-conquer-the-us-market/
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