2021 Nissan Kicks Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Nissan has refreshed the Kicks for the 2021 model year, giving it more features and making it an even better budget-friendly crossover.
The biggest changes to the Nissan Kicks for the 2021 model year are on the outside. At its face is a bolder design that’s more in-line with the new face of the 2021 Nissan Armada, forthcoming Nissan Ariya, and 2021 Nissan Rogue.
The nose is snubbed but not blunt while a deep V-motion design is prevalent, with a new “double V-motion” feature that pairs the sweeping chrome piece with piano black underneath. Unlike the Rogue, the Kicks wears the old Nissan logo on the front and back.
Thinner, longer headlights extend most of the way down the face of the subcompact 2021 Nissan Kicks. The automaker has given the top-tier Kicks SR and SR Premium trim levels LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights. Intelligent Auto Headlights (automatic high beams) with adjustable sensitivity and timing and a rear windscreen wiper are standard.
At the SUV’s back are a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillight combination. The look, which is better in some colours than others, gives the Kicks a real sense of proportion that’s very Nissan Leaf-like, emphasizing the generous posterior on the Kicks. It is here that the least premium part of the Kicks resides. The piece of body that covers the trunk release, backup camera, and license plate lights appears like an afterthought that’s been glued on.
Some new paints were added to the roster for this model year: Electric Blue Metallic, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and Boulder Grey Pearl. Grey, Super Black, Aspen White TriCoat, and Monarch Orange Metallic remain as options.
As it had for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years, the 2021 Kicks features a two-tone paint job option with the SUV’s floating roof tinted Super Black. The two-tone combination is available with every body colour except Super Black.
Models with this two-tone paint job take full advantage of the upmarket look of the Kicks with the large windscreen wrapping around the front blending nearly seamlessly into the A-pillar while the black C-pillar is nearly hidden by a high-rising body panel in combination with the rearward sloping roof. The look is completed by the wraparound design of the rear glass.
The overall design emphasizes the greenhouse of the car while making a bolder statement. The Kicks no longer looks like just a miniature Nissan. It has style and substance that, though familiar, is its own.
The Kicks SR Premium, which is the grade our test car came in, has LED headlights, LED light signature accents, LED fog lights, black heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, front and rear bumpers with body-colour inserts, a rear roof-mounted spoiler, and dark chrome grille accents which lend themselves to a sportier aesthetic. A leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and shift knob are also standard in the SR Premium model and several lower grades.
Buyers who wish to customize their Kicks further can choose from over 100 million available colour combinations that incorporate Nissan Kicks Colour Studio accessories from the company’s catalog. Roof rails, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a rear roof spoiler are available.
The interior styling of the Kicks remains mostly the same as in previous years but is filled with higher quality materials. Here, the model takes a note from the 2020 Nissan Sentra, which punches above the weight of its price tag, and has materials that are at least as nice as what you'll find in a BMW X1.
Highlights of the interior redo also include new seat and door designs and a full centre console armrest in the mid-range Nissan Kicks SV and Kicks SR. Models equipped with the new seating materials have more saturated colour. Opt for the Kicks SR Premium and get Prima-Tex-appointed seating with three-tone design and stitching.
Only one powertrain is available for the Kicks. Every 2021 model comes standard with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that is rated to provide 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine that is in the Nissan Versa, delivering the same power figures but with slightly varied gear ratios. As in the Versa, in the Kicks it is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). An all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain is not available.
The car’s electric power-assisted steering with vehicle-speed variable assist helps make the Kicks feel nimble whether navigating along the highway, winding country roads, or in the tight quarters of a city. Putting the Kicks in a traditional parking space is a near-thoughtless exercise while parallel parking is greatly aided by the size of the vehicle and the standard rearview camera.
Handling is also aided by the SUV’s front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension that features twist beam and twin-tube shock absorbers.
Many describe the Kicks as being low-powered and looking at its figures it's easy to see why. Nissan has given the SUV a good power-to-weight ratio meaning that the Kicks has enough power for its size without being zippy. Its get up and go is similar to what other models in its class offer.
Despite being FWD, the Kicks SR Premium tester maintained its good nature on icy roads. Little engine noise passes into the cabin, but the CVT can get noisy when heading uphill and under heavy acceleration, as the mechanics try to find the right torque balance. This is a feature of many CVTs and shouldn't move the Kicks out of consideration.
Nissan has the Kicks S trim ride on standard 16-inch steel wheels while the SV and SR trim levels get 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. On the SR Premium, buyers upgrade to 17-inch black alloy wheels. All Kicks models come from the factory with all-season tires.
The Kicks also comes standard with a traction control system, a stability control system, and hill start assist. Those are pretty standard across the industry in cars, crossovers, and SUVs these days. It also has standard auto-hold, which allows drivers to come to a complete stop, remove their foot from the brake, and have the vehicle stay put until a significant amount of pressure is put on the accelerator.
The base model Kicks S comes with a front disc/rear drum antilock braking system while the Kicks SV and SR get new rear disc brakes for improved stopping power over the last model year.
Natural Resources Canada has rated the fuel efficiency of the Kicks at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 7.2 combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers you can buy.
The small size of the Kicks translates into easy-to-reach buttons and knobs throughout the cabin. Nissan has made the most of the space with good small-item storage, easy-access USB ports up front, and more than one storage option for your smartphone while driving and charging.
Climate controls are easy to understand and just as easy to find with your fingers while driving. The seat warmers act quickly and provide the expected amount of warmth on both settings. Nissan gives all Kicks grades but the base model a heated steering wheel in Canada.
The Nissan continues to have a D-shaped steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat as standard. Nissan has given the SUV an electronic parking brake, freeing up valuable centre console space.
The Kicks has best-in-class front seat legroom though its hip room proportions make the front seats more compartmentalized than what is ideal for larger and taller drivers. Adults can easily fit in the back seats – not something that is a standard in the subcompact class.
The available tonneau cover provides a good amount of hidden storage, covering about two-thirds of the rear cargo area. The cover is easily lowered and maneuvered.
The amount of modern technology on the Kicks is on par with what other automakers offer in their subcompacts. In fact, it’s a little better than what you’ll find in the Chevrolet Trax and Ford EcoSport.
The base model Kicks S gets a host of standard tech features including a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, keyless entry, push-button start, and Easy Fill Tire Alert. Moving up to the Kicks SV adds Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port.
This budget-friendly SUV has one of the best sound systems in its class. When buyers get the Kicks SR Premium, their vehicle receives the class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system, which uses eight speakers (including two 2.5-inch Bose UltraNearfield neodymium speakers in the headrests of the front seats) and Bose signal processing to immerse the driver in 360-degree sound. The sound from the system can be adjusted using the Bose PersonalSpace Control module that is built into the car’s infotainment system.
Nissan gives the Kicks SR Premium a surround-view monitor, which provides a composite 360-degree bird’s eye camera view of the Kicks exterior in relation to what’s around the model. This is especially handy when parking and can be accessed with the quick push of the easy-to-find “camera” button on the dashboard.
Every 2021 Kicks comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of driver-assistance and safety features that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking (a class-exclusive). Cruise control is also standard.
Nissan equips every Kicks with 10 airbags. Kicks SV and SR get adaptive cruise control, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert as standard. Two LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats are standard.
The 2021 Kicks has not been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The mechanically similar 2020 model was and it scored all Good marks in the crashworthiness section of testing. Its headlights were rated at either Acceptable or Poor, depending on trim level, but Nissan has given the Kicks new headlights as part of its 2021 model refresh so it’s likely those scores will improve.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2021 Kicks a four-star overall rating. The Kicks also has a strong history of few recalls, with only one occurring over the last three model years.
The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV that delivers a lot of bang for its buck, especially with this model year’s more premium upgrades. The model starts at $19,898 for the S grade. There is an additional $1,960 destination and handling fee on every model. That price is on par with its competition.
Kicks is priced without packages in Canada, which makes ordering easy. Its MSRP tops out at the Nissan Kicks SR Premium priced at $24,998 before fees, which adds the Bose personal audio system, Prima-Tex-appointed seats, surround-view camera, and 17-inch black alloy wheels.
Pricing in the subcompact SUV class varies greatly. The Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks are two of the least expensive models to get into with sub-$20,000 starting prices. They also top out far lower than the competitor vehicles like the Honda HR-V, Trax, Toyota CH-R, Fiat 500X, Mazda CX-3, EcoSport, and Kia Seltos.
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2021 Nissan Kicks Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Armrests: drivers seat · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.93
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brake width: 0.38 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.93
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: silver
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brake width: 0.38 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.93
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: aluminum · Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front