The 2021 Nissan Kicks offers a refreshing blend of style, efficiency, and modern technology, making it a compelling option in the growing compact SUV market. Known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and youthful design, the Kicks caters to urban drivers and young professionals who want a practical vehicle without sacrificing style. With updates for 2021, the Kicks now has enhanced technology and connectivity features, a refreshed design, and a wide range of standard safety features.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything there is to know about the 2021 Nissan Kicks, covering its design, trim options, performance, interior space, technology, safety features, fuel efficiency, and how it compares to competitors. Whether you’re considering the Kicks as a daily commuter, a weekend adventure vehicle, or a reliable family car, this guide provides everything you need to know about Nissan’s compact SUV.
Overview of the 2021 Nissan Kicks
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV with seating for five and a stylish design that appeals to a wide range of drivers. It’s positioned as a compact and affordable crossover that provides the elevated ride height and practicality of an SUV while maintaining the easy maneuverability of a smaller vehicle. With three trims—S, SV, and SR—the Kicks offers a range of features and options to suit various budgets and needs.
One of the standout features of the 2021 Kicks is Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, a suite of advanced safety technologies that comes standard on all trims. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and practicality, the Kicks is well-suited for city driving and longer journeys, making it a versatile option for modern drivers.
Trim Levels and Configurations
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is available in three trims, each providing a unique mix of features and technology to meet different preferences:
- S: The base model with essential features, including a 7-inch touchscreen display, Safety Shield 360, and a fuel-efficient engine.
- SV: Adds more comfort and technology features, including an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NissanConnect.
- SR: The top trim level that includes sportier styling elements, LED headlights, a surround-view camera, and available premium interior features.
Each trim is powered by the same engine, offering consistent performance across the lineup. The SV and SR trims add more convenience and technology options, making them ideal for those seeking a more connected driving experience.
Exterior Design and Styling
The 2021 Nissan Kicks boasts a refreshed exterior design that combines bold styling with compact dimensions, making it stand out in the crowded compact SUV segment. Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille and sharp LED headlights give the Kicks a modern and athletic appearance, while the two-tone color options allow for added personalization.
- LED Headlights and Taillights: Standard on the SR trim, the LED lighting provides better visibility and a distinctive look.
- Roof Rails: Available on higher trims, these roof rails add practicality for those who want to attach roof racks for extra cargo.
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels: Standard on the SR trim, these wheels add a touch of sportiness to the Kicks’ profile.
- Two-Tone Roof Options: Available on certain colors, the two-tone roof options let drivers personalize their Kicks with contrasting roof colors.
Available in a range of vibrant colors, including Electric Blue Metallic, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Super Black, and Boulder Gray Pearl, the Kicks offers a look that’s both youthful and stylish. With its small size and bold design, the Kicks is ideal for city drivers who want a compact SUV with a strong visual appeal.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside, the 2021 Nissan Kicks offers a surprisingly spacious and comfortable cabin for a subcompact SUV. Designed to provide a balance of functionality and style, the Kicks’ interior includes a modern dashboard layout, quality materials, and clever storage solutions.
The Kicks can comfortably seat up to five passengers, with 41.7 inches of front legroom and 33.5 inches of rear legroom. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making the Kicks suitable for both short commutes and longer road trips. While the rear legroom may feel slightly limited for taller passengers, the Kicks is well-suited for average-sized adults and children in the back seats.
The Kicks offers 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 32.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This cargo space is generous for a subcompact SUV, making it easy to carry groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The low load floor and wide cargo opening add to the convenience, making loading and unloading items straightforward.
Interior Features
- Zero Gravity Seats: Inspired by NASA, the Zero Gravity front seats reduce fatigue during long drives, enhancing comfort for both driver and passenger.
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel: Standard on the SR trim, this feature adds a premium touch to the interior.
- Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel: Available as part of an option package on the SR, these features are ideal for colder climates.
- 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seats: Allows for flexibility when carrying larger items while still accommodating passengers in the rear.
Overall, the Kicks’ interior is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, making it a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is equipped with a range of technology and connectivity features that cater to modern drivers’ needs. Nissan has focused on making technology accessible and intuitive, ensuring that drivers stay connected without unnecessary distractions.
The base S trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the SV and SR trims upgrade to a larger 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the SV and SR trims, allowing drivers to easily integrate their smartphones for navigation, music streaming, and hands-free communication.
Connectivity Features
- NissanConnect: Available on the SV and SR trims, NissanConnect provides access to additional apps, navigation, and remote services.
- USB Ports: The Kicks includes multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, allowing passengers to charge their devices on the go.
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio: Available on the SV and SR trims, SiriusXM offers access to a wide range of music, news, and entertainment channels.
- Voice Recognition: Standard on the SV and SR trims, voice-activated controls allow drivers to make calls and adjust settings hands-free.
The Kicks’ infotainment system is designed to be user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen and intuitive menus that make accessing navigation, music, and other functions easy and convenient.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
One of the standout features of the 2021 Nissan Kicks is its commitment to safety. With Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite included as standard on all trims, the Kicks is equipped with a range of driver-assistance technologies that are often reserved for higher-end vehicles.
Safety Shield 360 Features
The following features are included in Safety Shield 360, providing an extra layer of protection for drivers and passengers:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: Automatically applies the brakes if a potential collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected.
- Rear Automatic Braking: Detects obstacles behind the vehicle and automatically applies the brakes if necessary.
- Blind Spot Warning: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent side collisions.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching vehicles when reversing out of a parking spot.
- Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally leaves its lane.
- High Beam Assist: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on traffic conditions.
Additional Safety Features
In addition to Safety Shield 360, the Kicks offers other standard safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, and a Rearview Camera. Higher trims, like the SR, also include the Intelligent Around View® Monitor, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier.
With these comprehensive safety features, the Kicks stands out as a safe and dependable choice in the subcompact SUV market.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. While the Kicks is not designed for high-performance driving, its power output is sufficient for daily commuting, city driving, and occasional highway trips.
Driving Dynamics
The Kicks is front-wheel drive (FWD) only, which enhances fuel efficiency and simplifies the driving experience. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the engine provides smooth acceleration and a quiet ride, making it an ideal choice for urban environments.
The Kicks’ suspension is tuned for comfort, and its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in crowded city streets and tight parking spaces. While it doesn’t have the off-road capability of some larger SUVs, the Kicks excels in urban and suburban settings where maneuverability and ease of use are priorities.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the Kicks’ most significant advantages is its impressive fuel economy. The 1.6L engine achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the subcompact SUV class. This efficiency, combined with its affordable price, makes the Kicks a budget-friendly choice for daily commuting and long drives.
Competitors in the Subcompact SUV Market
The 2021 Nissan Kicks faces competition from several other popular subcompact SUVs, each with unique strengths. Key competitors include the Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, and Kia Soul.
| Hyundai Kona | Honda HR-V | Kia Soul |
| The Hyundai Kona offers a more powerful turbocharged engine option, giving it a sportier feel compared to the Kicks. However, the Kona is less fuel-efficient, and its interior space is slightly more compact, making the Kicks a better choice for those prioritizing roominess and efficiency. | The Honda HR-V is known for its versatile interior, thanks to Honda’s Magic Seat system that allows for multiple cargo configurations. While the HR-V provides slightly more rear-seat space, the Kicks offers more standard safety features and a more modern infotainment system. | The Kia Soul has a unique design and spacious interior, similar to the Kicks. While the Soul offers a more powerful engine option, it lacks the advanced safety features that come standard with the Kicks, making Nissan’s SUV a better choice for safety-conscious buyers. While each competitor has its strengths, the 2021 Nissan Kicks stands out for its fuel efficiency, standard safety features, and user-friendly technology. |
Pros and Cons of the 2021 Nissan Kicks
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Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks Right for You?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is an excellent choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency, safety, and affordability in a subcompact SUV. It’s ideal for urban drivers, young professionals, and families who need a practical, stylish vehicle for daily commuting and occasional road trips. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking high performance or off-road capability, the Kicks shines in its segment as a fuel-efficient, well-equipped, and stylish compact SUV.
With its impressive safety features, modern technology, and spacious cargo area, the Kicks offers a well-rounded package that’s hard to beat in its class.
Shop at Kunes Nissan of Davenport
Kunes Nissan of Davenport is your trusted destination for Nissan vehicles, proudly serving drivers from Bettendorf, Muscatine, and Clinton, IA. Conveniently located in Davenport, the dealership offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned Nissan cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as expert automotive services. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient sedan, a family-friendly SUV, or reliable maintenance, Kunes Nissan of Davenport is your go-to dealership for quality vehicles and exceptional service.
