2021 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks was introduced three years ago in the United States as the entry model to Nissan's lineup of six crossovers and SUVs, has drawn a new generation of youthful, enthusiastic Nissan buyers. To keep the momentum going, Nissan updated the 2021 Kicks with new features, technology, customizable styling, and value that buyers are looking for in a compact crossover. With a starting price of $19,550 the 2021 Kicks competes against the main rivals like Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Ford EcoSport in the segment. 

The Nissan Kicks is available in three trim levels for 2021: S, SV, and SR. A 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and a continuously variable automatic transmission are standard on all variants (CVT). It doesn't have traction-enhancing all-wheel drive or the outdoorsy feel that a conventional SUV should have.

Which Trim should you buy?

We'd recommend you to go for the mid-range SV; it adds desirable items such as the new 8.0-inch infotainment display, adaptive cruise control, 17-inch wheels, and a center console armrest. And it is affordably priced for the features that it has to offer.

Every 2021 model comes standard with a 1.6-liter 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).

The Nissan Kicks significantly perform better than most of its competitors when it comes to fuel economy. Keep the pedal pinned and the 2021 Nissan Kicks will clock the quarter of a mile lap in 17.5 seconds. Flat out, the 2021 Nissan Kicks posts a top speed of 110 mph, which is comparatively the lowest figure in this segment.

How well does the 2021 Nissan Kicks handle?

The Nissan Kicks is a pleasant car to drive in 2021. It has enough oomph to keep you enthralled at all times. The handling is nimble and quick throughout town. While the suspensions absorb practically all of the bumps and undulations, the CVT's seamless response aids in a peaceful ride around town. The Kicks, on the other hand, do not appear to be very stable in tighter corners. In addition, the steering feel is sluggish, which we found to be an issue.

The Nissan has 17-inch rims, which give it adequate stability to drive about town with confidence. While only available in FWD, the Kicks cruise along city streets with ease, and the handling appears to be accurate. Because of their modest proportions, driving on narrow streets is a joy. Nissan Kicks effortlessly and quickly navigates us through tight parking spaces and narrow road passages.

2021 Nissan Kicks Braking Performance

The Nissan Kicks will get disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the back in 2021. The front brake rotors are 10.2 inches in diameter, whereas the rear brake rotors are just 8 inches in diameter. The rear drum brakes serve as a reminder that the Kicks is a frugal vehicle. Nonetheless, braking performance is unaltered, and the Nissan Kicks can stop from 60 mph in less than 120 feet. To be explicit, this is not ideal, therefore you must exercise caution at higher speeds. Nissan has a modest list of tech-assistance features, but the good news is that automated emergency braking is standard across the board.

The Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona appear to have taken advantage of their lightweight construction to outperform the other two rivals in terms of stopping power. Due to their heavier weight, the Honda HR-V takes longer to decelerate, the Ford EcoSport on the other hand comes with one of the biggest brakes yet fails to stop quickly and takes the last position.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks when compared to the Kona or any other vehicle in the same segment, Nissan's power figures are somewhat lower, so this isn't a really amazing figure. The EPA estimates a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg (31 city/36 highway). Fuel efficiency varies greatly depending on driving style, but it doesn't take much to keep the average above 30 miles per gallon.

Overall, the 2021 Nissan Kicks is a fairly cost-effective extra-small SUV. The Mazda, on the other hand, is the most impressive because it gets the second-best fuel economy ratings while having significantly more power. However, when it comes to total range, the Kona's large fuel tank aids it in having a range that is about comparable to the Mazda.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is a completely new design, with a more appealing exterior and a considerably more luxurious interior than the previous model. The interior of the 2021 Nissan Kicks has been updated, featuring a new 8-inch NissanConnect infotainment touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a centrally located 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The central console has also been revamped, and it now appears to be much more evolved and mature.

The dashboard now has a dual-tone interior, giving the car a more spacious sense. The chairs are well-bolstered and will provide excellent support for your body. The back-rest angle is ideal for the elderly in your household. Ingress will not be a concern for them. 

When it comes to interior capacity, the 2021 Nissan Kicks can comfortably seat up to 5 passengers. The tall boy-style body helps to free up more room, making the cabin a far more pleasant environment for the passengers than the competition.

• User-friendly touchscreen menu
• 6-Way Manual adjustment for Driver’s Seat
• 4-Way Manual adjustment for front passenger’s seat
• Push button for Start/Stop
• Automatic climate control
• Excellent road visibility and ride height

What’s there to keep you entertained in the 2021 Nissan Kicks?

For the top two trims that come equipped with the current version of Nissan Connect, the 7-inch touch screen has been replaced with an all-new 8-inch screen. The base S trim, on the other hand, retains the same 7-inch display. Physical dials are preferred over touch-type buttons because they are more ergonomically constructed, allowing for a larger screen without making it bulky.

The Nissan Connect's current and most recent iterations have an infotainment system. The interface hasn't changed, but it now has extra features. The 2021 Nissan Kicks comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a wi-fi hotspot available on the top-spec SR variant. The car's center console has three USB type-A power outlets, one of which supports quick charging and the other of which allows smartphone integration when linked to an iPhone or Android device. You'll find 1 x 12-volt DC power outlets in the back, ensuring that you or your passengers don't run out of charge while on the road.

• 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
• AM/FM stereo/HD Radio
• 8 speaker-Bose Personal Plus Stereo System
• Steering mounted audio controls
• Auxiliary and USB Inputs

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is the brand's most affordable SUV, albeit it could be mistaken for a tallish hatchback due to its front-wheel drive only. The Kicks is well-equipped for the price, and the modestly powered engine yields good fuel economy. Nissan refreshes the interior and exterior look of the Kicks for 2021, as well as adding a slew of new amenities.

On the Kicks, Nissan's V-shaped grille is double-breasted and flanked by vertical intakes that don't take in anything; it puffs out the face. It's cute, though, as a little guy in a big suit. The Juke is channeled in the new LED taillights. The base S model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV and SR trim come with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.

• LED Headlights with signature LED DRLs
• Redesigned 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels
• Intelligent Auto Headlights
• Redesigned black chrome grille
• Heated ORVMs
• Integrated roof rails

Nissan includes a slew of standard driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking on all models. The Nissan Kicks passed the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash testing with flying colors, receiving a Top Safety Pick designation but losing out on a Top Safety Pick+ distinction by two tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a four-star rating. Needless to say among its competitors Nissan Kicks has a better overall safety rating.

• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control system (TCS)
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Rear Automatic Braking
• Intelligent Around View Monitor
• Lane Departure Warning

Nissan Kicks vs Ford EcoSport:

Because the Ford EcoSport has a larger head- and legroom than the Nissan Kicks, backseat passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more. However for the front seat passengers, Nissan Kicks has more front head- and legroom than the Ford EcoSport, it will appeal to taller drivers.

The Nissan Kicks has far less torque than the Ford EcoSport, which means it will struggle to keep up with the Ford.

Nissan Kicks vs Hyundai Kona:

The Hyundai Kona is available in three trim levels, with the base model starting at $17,350 and rising to $22,050, which is less than the Kicks top trim. This car's design is highly user-friendly; the front looks really beautiful and simple with its wide grille, incredibly nice daytime led lamps, and nice curves that run from the front to the back. Overall, the design is fantastic and this design provides a stiff competition to Kicks

Nissan kicks vs Honda HR-V:

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is the brand's most affordable SUV, yet because it's front-wheel-drive only, the engine gets good gas mileage and the Kicks is well-equipped for the price. The little engine in the Honda HR-V for 2021 isn't a barn-burner, but all-wheel drive is a benefit. The Honda gets fewer miles per gallon than the Nissan, and the interior room isn't much difference between the two SUVs. The Kicks would be a decent pick for less money if you prioritized practicality over power.

The Nissan Kicks has always been a strong contender in the subcompact crossover SUV sector, and the 2021 model will be even better thanks to a fresh look and improvements. It is aimed more at the younger demographic of its client base with the new aggressive and crisp design mixed with the funky-looking interior. Despite the fact that there are other capable crossover SUVs on the market, the Nissan Kicks offers a unique value proposition and has the potential to outperform its rivals.