Cardinale Nissan - Does the 2025 Nissan Kicks Offer Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for Coastal Roads near Castroville, CA?
Short answer: yes — and that’s a big deal for a subcompact crossover. The new Kicks adds available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, a first for the nameplate, and it’s engineered to give you extra confidence when the surface changes under your tires. That matters on coastal routes near Castroville, CA, where mornings can be damp, lanes can get sandy after a beach day, and weekend adventures might include a gravel turnout or two. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive monitors grip and can adjust power delivery to help keep the Kicks feeling composed, while preserving efficiency when conditions are calm.
Capability is only half the story. The 2.0-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder makes 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, tuned for a responsive feel when you pull away from a stop or surge into faster traffic. Steering and suspension tuning aim for a nimble, comfortable ride over patchy pavement and tight city streets. Inside, you’ll find a tech-forward cockpit where available Dual 12.3-inch Displays streamline navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Wireless smartphone connectivity reduces cable clutter, and the available Bose Personal® Plus Audio System brings immersive sound to your daily drive. Safety Shield® 360 is there to help support your awareness, and available ProPILOT Assist can reduce driving fatigue on longer stretches.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does Intelligent All-Wheel Drive help on coastal roads?
Coastal driving often means variable traction — damp mornings, sandy shoulders, or uneven surfaces near trailheads. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive can detect slip and redistribute power to help maintain composure. You get extra confidence when you need it and a relaxed, front-drive feel when you don’t.
Will I notice a difference in everyday city driving?
Yes, but mostly in the best way — it stays out of your way until traction drops. Around town, you will feel the Kicks’ light, agile character. When the road gets slick or rough, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive adds stability without calling attention to itself.
Is the Kicks still easy to park and maneuver with AWD?
Absolutely. The Kicks remains city-sized and easy to place in traffic or parking structures. Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive adds traction capability without making the vehicle feel bulky. You keep the maneuverability that makes the Kicks a favorite in tight spaces.
What other features support confident road trips?
Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seats help reduce fatigue, while available Dual 12.3-inch Displays simplify navigation and vehicle info. Safety Shield® 360 adds driver assist confidence, and available ProPILOT Assist helps ease the workload on longer drives.
- Drivetrain choice: If your routes include damp lanes, gravel roads, or hills, consider Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
- Display clarity: The available Dual 12.3-inch Displays make maps and info easy to read at a glance.
- Daily comfort: Zero Gravity seating supports back and legs on longer coastal drives.
- Audio upgrade: The available Bose Personal® Plus Audio System elevates podcasts and playlists.
- Assist tech: Safety Shield® 360 and available ProPILOT Assist are practical upgrades for busy highways.
When you test drive, ask for a route that mixes city streets and a stretch of coastal highway. Pay attention to how the Kicks tracks straight at speed, how calmly it handles patchy pavement, and how seamlessly the available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive adds traction when you need it. Bring your phone to try wireless connectivity and sample the audio with your usual playlist. If you are cross-shopping larger crossovers, note how the Kicks keeps its nimbleness — it still fits where you live, while adding the capability you want.
For personal guidance that matches your routes and routines, Cardinale Nissan is here to help — serving Salinas, Castroville, and Watsonville with knowledgeable product specialists who can walk you through trims, tech, and drivetrain options to find your perfect Kicks.