The Exceptional 2025 Nissan Kicks It's Competitors to The Curb

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In the latest episode of “The Drive,” host Alan interviews George Kennedy III, co-founder of Cartender.com, about the upcoming L.A. auto show and the rise of electric vehicles. He highlights three key models: the spacious Hyundai Ioniq 9, the luxurious Lucid Gravity, and the affordable Fiat 500 E. George emphasizes the importance of smaller EVs for daily commuting and calls for improved charging infrastructure, especially in urban areas. They both caution against rapid mandates for EV adoption, advocating for a gradual approach. Additionally, George shares his impressions of the redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks, which has emerged as a strong contender in the subcompact SUV market. With a starting price of $21,830, it now ties for third in U.S. News rankings, reflecting Nissan’s commitment to providing value in this competitive segment.

Up next is contributor Karl Brauer, Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for Forbes, recently recommended the Toyota Prius as the best car to buy at the moment, praising its performance, driving experience, and design. He specifically highlighted the plug-in hybrid version, emphasizing its 44 miles of pure electric travel when fully charged. Karl has been an enthusiastic participant in the longtail rally for the past four years and values the event’s organization and camaraderie. The increased demand for high-end vehicles like Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren over the last five years can be attributed to factors such as increased awareness of mortality following events like the September 11th attacks and lockdowns during the recent global pandemic, leading more people to seek out enjoyable activities like driving. This has resulted in a surge in production volumes, pricing, and customer backlog for these elite automotive brands.

BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist, discusses recent developments in the auto industry post-elections. With the Republican Party’s gains, President Trump is appointing Congressman Lee Zeldin as head of the EPA, focusing on balancing environmental regulations with business growth. Important dialogue between the EPA and manufacturers is needed, as companies like Toyota voice concerns about electric vehicle mandates. Mike Spagnola, president of SEMA, sees potential benefits for the aftermarket, including tax cuts and a review of EV mandates. Advancements in autonomous vehicles are critical, particularly with new EPA regulations promoting EVs. In accident-prone Las Vegas, improving autonomous technologies could enhance safety. Ford’s BlueCruise feature for the 2025 Mustang Mach-E allows hands-free driving for 45% of highway lane changes, marking progress toward full autonomy.BJ recently test drove the 2024 Genesis G80 3.5T all-wheel drive Prestige Signature. Genesis offers significant value, often undercutting competitors like Mercedes and BMW. The GV80 features a unique design, opulent Nappa leather interior, and advanced features like Remote Smart Park Assist. Overall, Genesis provides a premium experience that balances luxury, comfort, and practicality in the luxury market.

Lauren Fix, Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, has reported major changes in motorhome sales, with several states planning to ban new sales starting January 1, 2025. California has already limited non-electric motorhome sales under the “Advanced Clean Truck Act,” and similar restrictions are expected in Oregon, Washington, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. New regulations include stricter emissions standards and a possible $500 “smog fee” for older motorhome owners traveling through these states. By 2026, Vermont will enforce similar rules, with Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, and Rhode Island following by 2027. Additionally, debates are ongoing about whether California’s regulations should set a national precedent, with calls for federal intervention to ensure fair access for travelers. On a lighter note, some bizarre traffic laws in the U.S. were mentioned, including a law in Youngstown, Ohio, where running out of gas in traffic is illegal, and in Quitman, Georgia, where it’s prohibited for chickens to cross the road. In the car industry, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is causing concern among fans, as companies face pressure to produce EVs, often resulting in losses. BMW offers various options, while Volkswagen has shut down three plants, jeopardizing around 300,000 jobs in Europe as they struggle financially to adjust to the electric market.

[00:00:00] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:06:02] – L.A. Auto Show
[00:12:29] – 2025 Nissan Kicks
[00:19:20] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:29:06] – Toyota Prius
[00:36:20] – Long Tail Rally
[00:42:09] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[00:48:58] – Five Levels of Autonomy
[00:54:39] – 2024 Genesis G80
[01:01:29] – Contributor Lauren fix
[01:11:48] – Bizarre Traffic Laws
[01:18:29] – A Shift in Electric

CREDITS

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: George Kennedy III
Contributor: Karl Brauer
Contributor: BJ Killeen

Contributor: Lauren Fix

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason.
Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com.
Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, Laurenfix.com
Contributor: George Kennedy III | is a co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive.

Vehicles Discussed:

2025 Nissan Kicks, Toyota Prius, McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9, Fiat 500 E, Mercedes Benz, BMW, 2025 Mustang Mach-E, 2024 Genesis G80

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• AutoTempest.com
• Brembo
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Shell
• Subaru

About THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor puts you in the driver’s seat for a unique, fast paced look at today’s automotive industry. This is your pedal-to-the-metal, two-hour thrill ride devoted to the latest car news and test-drive results, how-to tips, car maintenance tips, auto show coverage, expert insights and behind-the-scenes race day action. Don’t miss exclusive interviews with top auto executives, athletes, celebrities and prominent newsmakers from around the world.