The 2021 Nissan Kicks lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average transmission software and chipping paint issues reported. At $16,725 to $20,850, it’s a good value for shoppers on a budget looking for a practical subcompact SUV.
Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Nissan Kicks since it offers low running costs paired with a comfortable cabin. Owner reviews praise the responsive steering, stereo system, along with the efficient engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are very basic for a compact SUV, the seats are supportive on long drives, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Kicks. In general, models from 2018–2023 are all reasonably reliable small SUVs.
- Performance 5/10 – The standard four-cylinder engine is weaker than the competition, but it’s built for efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Kicks is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane-departure warning and automatic braking. Optional upgrades include driver-attention monitoring along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 33 MPG, giving 356 miles of range out of the 10.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $45 cheaper than average at $122 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Nissan Kicks is cheaper than most other small SUVs on the market while still offering good practicality, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Kicks?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Nissan Kicks targets drivers that want an SUV but don’t want to pay for features they don’t need, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Nissan Kicks at 4.3/5, enjoying the easy-to-use controls on the interior, but doesn’t like the lack of all-wheel drive.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Kicks a 4/5, praising the excellent fuel economy for a small SUV, but owners don’t like the jittery ride on rough roads.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Nissan Kicks Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Nissan Kicks include delayed gear changes, chipping paint, along with some check engine lights. Overall, these problems are similar to some other small SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Kicks ages.
Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Nissan Kicks owners, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is in the transmission control module. Updating the software fixes the issue in most cases, and dealerships will usually install the update for free.
Chipping paint is another problem mentioned by 2021 Kicks owners at around 10,000 miles. The paint on the front bumper and hood is prone to stone chips due to the angular bumpers. Some people touch-up the chips for under $100, while others repaint the areas at a cost of around $1,000 per panel.
Check engine lights have also shown up on some Nissan Kicks models at roughly 20,000 miles. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the ECU for any codes that caused the light to turn on. Once you know the source of the problem, it can cost $20 to $500 to fix, usually.
There are two recalls on the 2021 Nissan Kicks, which is similar to other small SUVs from the same year. Both of the recalls cover a loss of power steering assist. Nissan will replace the steering column on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Nissan Kicks Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Nissan Kicks can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other subcompact SUVs like the Toyota C-HR. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $408 per year.
As a used 2021 Kicks reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the serpentine belt for $125, spark plugs costing $275, along with the wheel bearings, which cost around $365.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is good and includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen and Bose premium audio system.
Standard safety technology is great for a small SUV, since it has:
- Forward collision warning
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Rearview camera
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high beam headlights
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear seat alert
- Driver attention monitoring
- Surround-view parking camera system
Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Nissan Kicks is a decent value since it’s less expensive than most other small SUVs while still offering good practical features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,725 to $20,850. When new, the price range was $19,600 to $22,140. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 6% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Kicks?
There are three main models of the 2021 Nissan Kicks offered from the entry-level S through to the more well-equipped SR. The kicks come standard with front-wheel drive on all models, all-wheel drive is not available.
2021 Nissan Kicks S is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth upholstery
- Six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
- Four-way manually adjustable passenger seat
- 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system
- Android Auto compatibility
- Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Six-speaker stereo system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Three USB ports
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rearview camera
2021 Nissan Kicks SV is a step up, adding:
- Includes S trim features
- 8-inch touch screen
- Additional USB port
- Satellite radio
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster display
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic climate control
- Proximity keyless entry
- Rear-seat alert
- Remote start
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Alloy wheels
- Heated outside mirrors
- Front center armrest
- Electronic parking brake
2021 Nissan Kicks SR is the flagship model with:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Rear spoiler
- LED headlights
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Optional Premium package available when new
- Eight-speaker Bose premium stereo (Premium package)
- Wi-Fi hot spot (Premium package)
- NissanConnect services (Premium package)
- Synthetic leather upholstery (Premium package)
- Heated front seats (Premium package)
- Heated steering wheel (Premium package)
What Engines Come In the Nissan Kicks?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is equipped with a single engine option, a testament to its focus on efficiency and practical performance. This engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, capable of delivering 122 horsepower. It pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which aids in providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. In terms of fuel efficiency, this engine achieves an impressive combined fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon (MPG), making it an economical choice in its segment. When it comes to acceleration, the 2021 Kicks takes about 9.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 MPH, which is adequate for city driving and typical daily commutes, though it may not be the quickest in its class.
What Colors Does the Nissan Kicks Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Kicks?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks stands out for its comfort, offering a pleasing balance between ride quality and interior amenities, particularly considering its position in the subcompact SUV segment. The vehicle’s seats are designed with a focus on comfort, featuring supportive cushioning and adequate lumbar support, which contributes to a pleasant driving experience, especially on longer journeys. The front seats, in particular, are praised for their spaciousness, providing ample legroom and headroom even for taller individuals. The rear seats, while slightly less spacious, still offer a comfortable ride for passengers, making the Kicks a practical option for small families or groups.
In terms of ride quality, the 2021 Nissan Kicks provides a smooth and stable experience. Its suspension is tuned to effectively absorb bumps and road irregularities, providing a serene ride in most urban and highway conditions. The cabin is well-insulated from external noise, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, which further enhances the overall comfort. Additionally, the vehicle’s climate control system is efficient, maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature inside the cabin.
The 2021 Kicks also includes a range of features that contribute to its overall comfort. The intuitive layout of the dashboard and controls allows the driver to easily manage the vehicle’s functions without distraction. Higher trims offer additional amenities such as heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adding a touch of luxury to the driving experience. While the interior materials are not premium, they are of good quality and well-assembled, which adds to the sense of comfort and durability inside the vehicle. Overall, the Nissan Kicks offers a comfortable ride, making it a competitive option in its class for those prioritizing comfort in their vehicle choice.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Kicks Have?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks offers a practical and spacious storage solution, especially considering its classification as a subcompact SUV. The vehicle boasts a cargo capacity of 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, providing ample room for a variety of items. This space is versatile enough to accommodate larger objects, such as a couple of medium-sized suitcases, a stroller, or a week’s worth of groceries for a family. The flat floor and wide opening of the trunk make it easy to load and unload bulky items. For even more space, the rear seats can be folded down, significantly increasing the available storage area, allowing for larger items like bicycles or a generous amount of camping gear.
In addition to the primary cargo area, the 2021 Kicks is designed with several small storage spaces throughout the cabin, enhancing its practicality for everyday use. The vehicle features door pockets that are sufficiently sized to hold small water bottles or miscellaneous items. The center console includes a modestly-sized compartment, ideal for storing personal items like wallets, phones, or keys. Additionally, there are cup holders and a small glove compartment that offer extra convenience for both the driver and passengers. These smaller storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated within the vehicle’s interior, making sure that essential items are always within easy reach while driving. This intelligent use of space makes the Nissan Kicks a suitable option for those who prioritize both storage capacity and in-cabin organization in their compact SUV.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Nissan Kicks was introduced for the 2018 model year as a new compact SUV offered by Nissan.
2018: First model year for the Nissan Kicks, which is the smallest SUV built by Nissan.
2019: Engine is slightly weaker than when it was introduced in 2018.
2020: More driver assistance features added to all models, roof rails are no longer offered as standard equipment.
2021: Minor exterior styling changes, improved cabin materials, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all models.
2022: No major changes from earlier years.
How Does the Nissan Kicks Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is a decent subcompact SUV since it offers a lot of technology features for the money paired with reasonable ownership costs as it ages.
The Nissan Rogue is another small SUV from Nissan, which costs around $2,500 more. Passenger room is better in the back seats in the Nissan Rogue, while the Nissan Kicks fits better in small parking spaces found in large cities. We recommend the Nissan Rogue since it’s more practical, but both are similar choices.
The Toyota C-HR is a popular small competitor, which is about $3,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better on the Toyota C-HR, while the Nissan Kicks has a slightly nicer interior for the money. We recommend the Toyota C-HR since it is one of the longest subcompact SUVs on the market.
