The Feisty Kicks or the Quirky Soul? What Morristown Shoppers Need to Know

In this trying economy, new vehicle shoppers are finding out the hard way that to score a true bargain, you have to say goodbye to curb appeal. But do you? Entry vehicles traditionally lean into value, sacrificing good looks and cabin amenities to keep the sticker price low. Luckily, designers at Nissan disagree! Back in 2018, the best-selling automaker decided to create an affordable new vehicle with style. Now, several years later, that vehicle—the Nissan Kicks—has achieved icon status, which is music to Morristown drivers’ ears since getting stuck behind the wheel of a boring sedan isn’t ideal.

Brand new and totally redesigned for the 2025 model year, the Kicks stands out just enough (but not so much that the styling is too quirky) in a cluttered subcompact crossover segment that favors more vanilla-styled vehicles. Consider the 2025 Kicks versus the 2025 Kia Soul, and it’s clear that Nissan struck the right balance. Whether you’re buckling up the kids for an afternoon at Panther Creek State Park or preparing to send your high school graduate to chase their dreams at East Tennessee State, the Kicks offers a compelling value proposition for new car buyers here at Rusty Wallace Nissan, your Nissan dealer near Morristown.

Young professionals who are looking at a daily commute west to Knoxville need a fuel-efficient vehicle first and foremost, but most also crave comfort and a few bells and whistles—namely, robust sound systems, easy smartphone connectivity, and a dash of app-based tech. Those same commuters might also be seeking versatility for the occasional weekend road trip to the Smoky Mountains. The Kicks offers both, giving lifestyle-focused Tennesseans more reasons to take a closer look. With the many benefits baked into the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks, is it even worth comparison shopping? Take a look at how the 2025 Kia Soul stacks up and judge for yourself.

For Those With a Small Budget

Though the base 2025 Kicks S costs a few hundred dollars more than the entry-level 2025 Kia Soul LX, that extra MSRP buys a plethora of standard features that end up costing more on the Soul. Some standout features to ease your drive include a push-button start, standard Intelligent Cruise Control, and illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Perhaps the Kicks’ most compelling advantage is that Nissan has completely redesigned the stylish crossover for the 2025 model year. By contrast, the 2025 Kia Soul was last redesigned in 2019, with a minor refresh in 2022.

Why does a newer version matter? For starters, new-generation models offer the latest safety advancements. The 2025 Kicks has a standard Intelligent Driver Alertness feature that monitors your steering grip and eye position and alerts you when it senses your attention is drifting. The new-gen Kicks also offers optional all-wheel drive, a feature not available on the Kia Soul. While Morristown drivers don’t have to deal with months-long winters, the weather can still be unpredictable. Knowing your vehicle has extra road-gripping capability means feeling more confident about tackling the drive on a bad weather morning.

The Kicks equals the Soul’s figures on fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined in front-wheel drive, and it nearly equals that in AWD, at 30 MPG combined. The newest Kicks does away with backseat anxiety, too; it offers nearly an inch more legroom for rear-seat passengers. With all seats occupied, the cargo area can fit 30 cu.ft. of gear—much better than the Soul’s 24.2 cu.ft. With the rear seats folded flat, the Kicks’ cargo space doubles to 60 cu.ft. The sleek new Kicks’ exterior also delivers big on the style front, as Nissan’s clever designers used sneakers as their inspiration for the boxier, more SUV-like silhouette.

For Those Who Regularly Commute

The Kicks comes standard with Nissan’s legendary Zero Gravity seats in the front and rear. These Zero Gravity seats promise a “fatigue-free” drive using technology developed by NASA in a weightless environment to help drivers maintain a neutral posture by supporting the hips and back. In short, the seat reduces strain on the spine, which translates to less soreness and physical fatigue—a big plus for commuters stuck in stop-and-go traffic on Interstate 81. The Kia Soul’s more conventional seating just can’t compete.

Buyers looking to transition from work to nightlife might want to consider the top-of-the-line Nissan Kicks SR, which comes in either front- or all-wheel drive. The list of upscale features grows substantially on the SR trim, which includes leatherette seating, a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (which dwarfs the Soul’s ten-incher), and wireless smartphone connectivity and charging. Adding all-wheel drive won’t decrease fuel economy either, with the Kicks SR in FWD at 35 MPG on the highway and the SR in AWD at 34 MPG.

Other available niceties across the Kicks’ lineup include a panoramic moonroof that spans nearly the entire roof, automatic climate control with innovative soft-touch controls, and a remote engine start system that also lets drivers set the cabin temperature—a feature that will come in handy on those roasting hot summer afternoons and chilly winter nights. Nissan focuses on the small details that make life easier for road warriors. The innovative center console has cupholders specifically designed to fit a 32-ounce Yeti tumbler. In the driver and passenger doors, folks will find ample space to stow a water bottle.

For Those Who Seek Weekend Fun

Safety is on the minds of every Morristown parent when shopping for a new vehicle. Nissan understands that families need peace of mind when hitting the road with their kids in tow. That’s why all 2025 Kicks trims come with standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, a driver assistance suite that harnesses the power of radar and sensors to keep occupants safe. Features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Blind Spot Warning provide extra vigilance right when it’s needed. Features like High Beam Assist automate switching between low- and high-beam settings, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road.

Best of all, the base Kicks S comes standard with Intelligent Cruise Control. Simply set your desired speed and preferred distance from the vehicle ahead, and the system will automatically slow down and speed up in alignment with traffic. No more slamming on the brakes and resetting the cruise control, only to have to repeat the process a moment later. Parents of little ones will also appreciate the standard Rear Door Alert, which chimes when the driver exits the vehicle after parking—a reminder to check the back seat before locking up.

The upscale Kicks SR adds additional safety and convenience features via ProPILOT Assist. As the name suggests, the system serves as a co-pilot, helping drivers stay centered in their intended lane by sending gentle steering nudges when it senses drift. Whether the day involves dropping the kids at school and running errands, or the family is heading to nearby Chattanooga for a day at the Tennessee Aquarium, mom and dad can rest easy knowing the Kicks is designed to keep everyone safe and help the driver stay alert.

Choosing Is the Fun Part!

Life in Morristown means something different to every resident, but it’s a safe bet that just about everyone here appreciates a great deal. Given the choice between the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2025 Kia Soul, the choice couldn’t be clearer: choose the Kicks for the latest generation of one of the most popular subcompact crossovers in the category. The Kicks doesn’t push the quirky envelope too far either, unlike the Soul, which for many is an acquired taste. Also, the Soul is at the end of its current generation, which could hurt resale value in the long run.

The Kicks supports every lifestyle and household, offering universally cool standard features and a trim lineup that lets buyers dial in the features they want. From weekend wanderers to college students, young families, and first-time buyers, there’s something for everyone to love in the 2025 Nissan Kicks, a mighty little crossover that looks good everywhere, from historic downtown Morristown to the foothills of the Appalachians.

Posted in Nissan Dealer Near Morristown | No Comments »