2021 Nissan Kicks: Is It Worth Buying? Pros, Cons & Review
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is a stylish subcompact crossover SUV that offers practicality, modern technology, and excellent fuel economy at an affordable price. Nissan refreshed the Kicks for the 2021 model year with updated styling, more standard features, and improved infotainment technology. Available in S, SV, and SR trims, the Kicks targets buyers looking for an economical city-friendly SUV with modern convenience features.
What’s New for 2021?
For 2021, Nissan gave the Kicks a noticeable facelift inside and out. The SUV received sharper exterior styling, a refreshed interior design, and more technology as standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across all trims, while higher trims get a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. New available features include adaptive cruise control, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a digital instrument cluster, and a rear door alert system.
5 Pros of the 2021 Nissan Kicks
- Plenty of Standard Features
One of the biggest strengths of the 2021 Kicks is the long list of standard equipment. The cabin feels modern and attractive, with quality materials and colorful accents that improve the atmosphere.
Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, three USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims add an 8-inch touchscreen, NissanConnect services, satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a Bose premium audio system.
The physical controls for climate and audio settings are simple and easy to use, making the system user-friendly even for first-time drivers. - Impressive Cargo Space
Despite being a subcompact SUV, the Nissan Kicks offers a generous amount of cargo space. It provides about 760 liters of cargo room with the rear seats upright and up to 1,503 liters with the rear seats folded down.
This makes the Kicks practical for grocery runs, road trips, and transporting larger items. Although the seats do not fold completely flat, the cargo area is still among the better ones in its class. - Excellent Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is one of the Kicks’ strongest selling points. The standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces 122 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the engine is not very powerful, it performs well in city driving and daily commuting.
The Kicks averages around 12.8 km/l depending on driving habits, while EPA estimates rate it at approximately 14 km/l combined. For buyers looking to save money on fuel, the Kicks is one of the most economical choices in the subcompact SUV segment. - Affordable Pricing
Another major advantage is value for money. The 2021 Nissan Kicks starts at around $20,000, making it one of the more affordable SUVs in its category. Even the higher SV and SR trims remain reasonably priced considering the amount of technology and convenience features included.
Nissan also provides decent warranty coverage, including a three-year basic warranty and a five-year powertrain warranty. - Simple and User-Friendly Controls
The Kicks is easy to drive and easy to live with. Visibility is good thanks to the low hood and large windows, and the infotainment system is straightforward to operate.
The cabin layout is simple, making it comfortable for drivers who prefer practical controls over overly complicated systems.
5 Cons of the 2021 Nissan Kicks
- Weak Acceleration
The biggest downside of the Kicks is its underpowered engine. Acceleration feels slow, especially during highway merging or overtaking. The standard engine takes around 10.7 seconds to go from 0–100 kph, which is slower than many rivals. - No All-Wheel Drive
Unlike many competitors, the 2021 Kicks does not offer all-wheel drive at all. Buyers living in areas with rough weather or slippery roads may find this disappointing. - Uncomfortable Seats
Seat comfort is another weak point. The front seats lack upper-back support, while the rear seats are upright and firm. Long drives may become uncomfortable for some passengers. - Limited Rear Legroom
Rear passenger space is tight, especially for taller adults. The center rear seat is also uncomfortable because of limited foot room and the transmission tunnel. - Basic Standard Display
The standard 7-inch touchscreen feels small compared to newer competitors. Some graphics appear outdated, and the display brightness could be better.
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Final Verdict
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is a smart and economical SUV that delivers excellent fuel efficiency, generous cargo space, and plenty of standard technology for an affordable price. It is ideal for city drivers and budget-conscious buyers who value practicality over performance.
However, buyers looking for stronger acceleration, all-wheel drive capability, or premium comfort may want to explore other options in the segment. Overall, the Kicks remains a solid value-packed crossover with modern features and impressive efficiency. Discover refined performance—browse theNissan Kicks lineup today