The Kicks is well-equipped even at the base S trim level, which includes a host of standard driver-assistance features- Car and Driver 

The 2021 Nissan Kicks starts at an MSRP of $19,600 for the base S trim, $21,450 for the SV trim and $22,140 for the SR trim. With the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, CVT is the only option along with a FWD drivetrain and AWD is not available even as an option. The good thing is that the price difference between all the trims is not drastic and if you are willing to spend more then the SR trim offers many creature comforts and distinctive interior design. 

Even the base Kicks S trim offers multiple standard features. Some of the key features are a 7-inch touchscreen display with multiple connectivity options, hill-start assist, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking,remote keyless entry with push button ignition and automatic on/off headlights. The SV trim adds 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 7-inch advanced drive-assist display, intelligent cruise control, larger 8-inch infotainment screen, intelligent driver alertness, automatic temperature control and many more.

For the zing-seekers, the SR trim offers all the features of the S and SV trims, while adding features like LED headlamps, rear roof spoiler, black roof rails, dark chrome grille, Prima-Tex-appointed dash with contrast stitching, sport cloth trim with orange stitching, and leather wrapped steering wheel. The SR trim can also be equipped with the Premium Package, adding Bose premium audio system, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and WiFi Hotspot. 

Every 2021 Kicks model is powered by a 122-hp four-cylinder engine that provides adequate but far from thrilling acceleration- Car and Driver

The 2021 Nissan Kicks S, Nissan Kicks SV and Nissan Kicks SR are powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. The power is decent enough for city commutes but go on a highway and you’ll expect more punch for those speedy overtakes. The engine is mated to a CVT which Nissan calls as Xtronic CVT with three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport.

With a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds, it is one of the slowest cars in its class. It further sprints to complete the quarter-mile in 17.5 seconds. In terms of braking, the Kicks SV and Kicks SR trim come with rear disc brakes which help it to attain a braking distance of 119 feet when stopped from 60 mph. The performance is far from exciting but the Kicks was never designed for outright performance, allowing better fuel efficiency to tackle rising fuel costs. 

Nissan’s subcompact SUV comes with the same suspension setup as the Versa. It offers acceptable ride quality over bad roads. When it comes to handling, the Kicks inspire less confidence in the drivers at the corners and there is a noticeable body roll. The steering is nicely weighted, feels precise and direct but it lacks proper feedback from the road. Its light curb weight and compact proportions help it to tackle traffic and meander easily at tight parking spots. 

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is not a performer for sure and it's very clear from the 0-60 mph and quarter-mile run times. The Honda HR-V is the best performer, followed by Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks and Ford Ecosport. The Kona excels with higher top speed followed by HR-V, while Kicks and Ecosport top up at 110 mph. The Ecosport is the most powerful, while the Kicks is the least powerful in the competition. The Nissan Kicks can stop from 60 mph to 0 mph in 116 feet, while Ecosport and HR-V takes around 129 feet. 

The benefit of seemingly being powered by a band of lethargic gerbils is fuel economy that tops the list of competitors- Cars.com

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offers much better fuel economy than its rivals. With an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 31/36/33 mpg in the city/highway/combined conditions, Nissan’s subcompact SUV can be a great option in times of rising fuel prices. With a fuel tank capacity of 10.8 gallons, the Kicks 2021 can offer a maximum driving range 335 miles, 389 miles and 370 miles respectively. The range is on the lower side, considering the smaller size of the fuel tank.

Overall, the 2021 Nissan Kicks comes with a lower fuel consumption and is the most fuel efficient SUV in the comparison. The 2021 Honda HR-V, 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 good range. The Ford Ecosport offers the least fuel economy and the leasr combined range as well. The Honda HR-V offers the maximum range, courtesy of good fuel economy and well-sized fuel tank. 

The 2021 Nissan Kicks comes with an updated interior design. However, it does not offer the quirkiness of the exterior inside the cabin. The cabin layout is more functional than fancy. The choice of materials and colors is well-thought off and we can’t complain much at this price point. The entire dash is covered with soft-touch material and attention to details like chrome accents on the AC vents, illuminated physical controls, and flat-bottom steering wheel help it to differentiate from its rivals.The outside visibility is good and the front seats provide good comfort and support.

Nissan offers three different types of upholstery, namely the Charcoal Cloth upholstery, Charcoal Sport Cloth upholstery and Charcoal Prima-Tex upholstery. The first one is reserved for the S and SV trims, while the third one is reserved for the top SR trim. The third type is optional for the SR trim and is a part of the Premium Package. Nissan offers multiple interior features like push button ignition, remote keyless entry, power windows, driver’s armrest and 60/40-split folding seat as standard. Yes, the Premium Package does add heated steering wheel and heated front seats but sunroof is not available. 

With Nissan Kicks Color Studio, buyers can customize their vehicle with a selection of multiple accents and finishes for the cabin and the same color accents carry forward to the exterior as well. The cargo space is decent as well for its size. With all seats in place, the 2022 Kicks offers a cargo capacity of 25.3 cubic feet. The cargo volume can be extended even further by folding the rear 60/40-split seatbacks. The maximum cargo space is 32.3 cubic feet. For additional storage Subaru offers driver and passenger seatback pockets, four cup holders, four bottle holders and four cargo tie-down hooks. 

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. The Kicks 2021 offers the maximum trunk space followed by Ford Ecosport, Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona. The Ecosport excels at rear seat legroom, with HR-V and Kicks following closely. The Kona lacks with rear seat legroom and cargo space too. 

Starting with the base S trim , Nissan offers a 7-inch touchscreen display with multiple connectivity options and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV and SR trims come with an 8-inch screen and adding features like SiriusXM satellite radio and three USB-A and one USB-C ports. A 6-speaker stereo is standard but audiophiles can upgrade to an 8-speaker Bose sound system and WiFi hotspot available on the SR trim. Some other features like rear view monitor, steering mounted controls, and Siri Eyes Free are standard across all the trims. 

Some of the key interior features of the 2021 Kicks are: 

• 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
• 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• 8 speaker-Bose Personal Plus Stereo System

The 2021 Nissan Kicks has been updated and it now looks similar to other Nissan cars following the new global design language. The front grille, headlights, front trim, bumper and fog lights have been redesigned. The basic body shape and profile is very similar to the previous model. However, the new styling elements accentuate the Kicks appearance. With the Nissan Kicks Color Studio, buyers can now customize their car with respect to colors of wheel caps, inserts, mirrors, interior vents and some more.

Nissan has also extended the dual tone color options and it's now available with Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Boulder Gray Pearl, and Electric Blue Metallic. The side profile flaunts newly designed 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, while the rear profile boasts of newly designed tail lamps and rear bumpers with updated trim inserts. The 2021 Nissan Kicks are offered in different and attractive colors like White, Fresh Powder, Gray Pearl, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Ember Tintcoat, and Blue Metallic. 

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is the lightest in its class, owing to the smallest engine. It is followed by Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V and Ford Ecosport. The Honda HR-V sits on a longer wheelbase, followed by Hyundai Venue, Nissan Kicks and Ford Ecosport, offering better rear seat legroom. All the SUVs offer similar ground clearance, while the Hyundai Kona is the longest and Ford Ecosport is the tallest. 

Some of the key exterior features of the 2021 Kicks are: 

• LED Headlights with signature LED DRLs
• Redesigned 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. Some other features like forward colision warning, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, high beam assist, blindspot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and rear sonar system are standard as well. 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 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.

Some of the key safety features of the 2021 Nissan Kicks are: 

• 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

2021 Nissan Kicks vs 2021 Ford EcoSport:

As 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. The Nissan Kicks is far more fuel efficient than the Ecosport and offers better cargo capacity as well. The new facelift will appeal to younger buyers and with Kicks Color Studio, the Kicks wins the aesthetics game. 

2021 Nissan Kicks vs 2021 Hyundai Kona:

The Hyundai Kona'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. The Nissan Kicks offers better fuel economy. 

The Nissan Kicks is more practical with better cargo capacity and rear seat legroom. However, the Hyundai Kona's warranty coverage is much better as compared to the Nissan Kicks. The Hyundai Kona packs a bigger engine and offers better performance too. 

2021 Nissan kicks vs 2021 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 SUV segment, and the 2021 model is even better. It brings fresh and updated styling to the table along with improvements in specifications and safety features. 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.