2021 Nissan Kicks review
Nissan Kicks highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Lots of standard driver aids
- Above-average fuel economy rating
- Easy-to-use controls
Cons
- Uncomfortable seats
- Slow to accelerate
- No optional all-wheel drive
Mileage (EPA estimate)
31 city, 36 highway, 33 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2021 Nissan Kicks gets standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
The 2021 Nissan Kicks offers plenty of features and tech wrapped in a stylish design, helping it to stand out from other entry-level subcompact SUVs. On the tech front, Nissan added standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and a long list of standard driver aids. Only adaptive cruise control isn’t included on the base S model, but it’s standard on SV and SR trims. The Kicks isn’t stingy with popular features, with the exception of heated seats, which are only available as an option on the top-tier SR trim.
The Nissan Kicks returns good fuel economy, but at the cost of acceleration. In Edmunds testing, it proved to be one of the slowest subcompact SUVs. Still, the Kicks drives smoothly, making it a pleasant enough companion around town. The bigger issue is the unsupportive seats. Depending on your preferred driving position, you may find the front seats uncomfortable for more than a short stint, and the rear bench feels flat and hard.
All Nissan Kicks years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Nissan Kicks generation from 2018 to 2026
What is new for the 2021 Nissan Kicks?
- Kicks trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control and Front Seat Heaters as standard equipment this year.
2021 Nissan Kicks trims
Curious how Nissan Kicks trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesS:
- 122-hp, 114-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
- Smart Key
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- View our Nissan Kicks S inventory
SR:
- Includes all features available on the S
- Automated Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Remote Start
- Alloy Wheels
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- View our Nissan Kicks SR inventory
SV:
- Includes all features available on the SR
- No significant upgrades found on the SV
- View our Nissan Kicks SV inventory
Nissan Kicks photos
What We Like
Driver aids: The base Kicks comes standard with more driver aids than some competitors offer, and stepping up to the mid-level trim adds adaptive cruise control. It’s an easy choice if driver aids are a must-have for you.
Features: The 2021 Kicks comes with a lot of desirable standard features, including its seven-inch touchscreen. Each trim level has plenty more upgrades, making the Kicks one of the better-equipped vehicles in its class.
Fuel economy: With an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined, the Kicks is pretty frugal among extra-small SUVs. The tradeoff is slower acceleration and lack of optional all-wheel drive.
What Needs Improvement
Seat comfort: The Kicks’ front seats aren’t particularly supportive, and they lack sufficient adjustability to accommodate every driver. The rear bent is hard and flat, making it particularly unpleasant for road trips or long commutes.
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Ratings & reliability
Nissan Kicks features and specs
Curious how Nissan Kicks trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
SR 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Heated Mirrors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- BOSE Sound System
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leatherette Seats
- Rockford Fosgate Sound
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.6L
Horsepower
122
Torque (ft-lbs)
114
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
10.8
Wheelbase
103.1"
Overall length
169.1"
Width
69.3"
Height
63.4"
Leg room
F 43.7"/R 33.2"
Head room
F 40.7"/R 38.5"
Front tires
P205/55VR17
Rear tires
P205/55VR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Nissan Kicks FAQ
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SR: 31 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- S: 31 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- SV: 31 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
The 2021 Nissan Kicks has received an average 4.4 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Nissan Kicks, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Nissan Kicks Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Nissan Kicks:
- Automated Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Heated Mirrors
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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