Because it debuted in 2016, the Nissan Kicks has been a automobile that we extremely suggest. Whereas it might not be the flashiest nor the quickest subcompact crossover, the Kicks is likely one of the finest all-around choices. It presents glorious inside area, strong dynamics, and among the most superior security within the section – plus it prices lower than $20,000 to begin.
The 2021 Nissan Kicks isn’t any totally different. It follows the identical fundamental system as its predecessor however does so with a special face (for higher or worse). Designers tweaked the entrance and rear styling, whereas additionally including a couple of visible upgrades and tech enhancements inside. Though it could be a bit extra polarizing now, the most recent Kicks continues to be the chic subcompact it’s all the time been.
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My, What A Face
The outgoing model of the Kicks had a clear, easy design that we actually preferred, however the 2021 mannequin will get a bit fussier through a entrance finish that does not work as properly in our opinion. The corporate calls the brand new nostril a “Double V-Movement grille,” and it litters the fascia with shiny black plastic and pretend chrome trim items, flanked by bigger headlights (LED models within the case of our SR tester). However it’s quite a lot of face for such a small automotive and it does not completely jive with the remainder of the design, which carries over from final yr nearly completely unchanged.
The one different visible improve of notice, other than some recent 17-inch wheel choices, is a slim gentle bar within the rear that connects the taillight fixtures. It appears to be like good, affording the Kicks a barely extra trendy expression. The 2021 mannequin additionally provides greater than half a dozen two-tone body-and-roof paint choices that provide bolder appears to be like; the Aspen White physique and Tremendous Black roof on our tester is an particularly sharp combo.
Nonetheless Spacious, Nonetheless Protected
The upgrades to the within of the 2021 Nissan Kicks are much more refined. The premium seats on the SR mannequin put on good leatherette – similar because the sprint – and don a refreshed three-tone design with new colours and up to date stitching. The knobs and switches have the identical high-quality heft as earlier than, and the automobile info show within the instrument cluster carries over from final yr, providing clear readouts for issues like security and gasoline financial system.
The bottom Kicks will get a 7.0-inch touchscreen that now comes normal with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However on the SV and SR fashions, there’s an non-obligatory 8.0-inch display screen that makes issues a bit extra seamless. The bigger display screen has the identical logical residence format as earlier than and nonetheless responds shortly to inputs, solely it is all a bit simpler to make use of because of the expanded floor space.
The identical headrest-embedded Bose Private Plus audio system carries over, and 4 USB ports now dot the cabin – together with a lone USB-C up entrance. Patrons may even choose the choice of a Wi-Fi hotspot on the 2021 Kicks. That is a uncommon amenity for this section.
When it comes to area, the 2021 Kicks retains its best-in-class crown with a formidable 25.3 cubic ft of cargo area behind the second row.
Two of the largest promoting factors for the Kicks stay: security and area. For 2021, each Kicks comes normal with the model’s Security Defend 360, which incorporates entrance and rear computerized emergency braking. Nissan continues to be the one automaker to supply that final function on a CUV underneath $20,000. Our SR tester additionally will get blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross site visitors alert, and adaptive cruise management with distance help.
When it comes to area, the 2021 Kicks retains its best-in-class crown with a formidable 25.3 cubic ft of cargo area behind the second row. It additionally boasts an almost segment-best 33.2 inches of second-row legroom and 38.5 inches of headroom – solely the Hyundai Venue is best (34.3 inches / 39.0 inches).
Save 1000’s On A New Nissan Kicks
MSRP $ 20,165
MSRP $ 20,165
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Likable Driving Character
One other factor that does not change in any respect is what’s underneath the hood of the 2021 Nissan Kicks. The identical 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 125 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque stays, and it is paired to a constantly variable transmission and front-wheel drive solely. And there is nonetheless nothing offensive about the way in which the Kicks strikes; there’s simply sufficient energy round city, the suspension is comparatively athletic, and the trip is soft and supportive.
That mentioned, the engine does begin to wheeze at freeway speeds and the CVT is a bit whiny at occasions. We spent quite a lot of time driving on the freeway and located that it takes some critical pedal stress to overhaul at larger speeds. However that is true of virtually each automotive on this class with an analogous setup. The one efficiency improve Nissan did make for 2021 was changing the rear drum brakes on the SV and SR fashions for discs.
However efficiency will not promote you on the Kicks, gasoline financial system will. The 2021 Kicks nonetheless will get an amazing 31 miles per gallon within the metropolis, 36 on the freeway, and a best-in-class 33 miles per gallon mixed. And in our quick time with it, we skilled simply over 30 miles per gallon in mixed metropolis and freeway driving (blame a lead foot).
One Of The Finest
The largest promoting level of the 2021 Nissan Kicks, in fact, is its worth. Final yr’s mannequin value a really reasonably priced $19,070, and this yr’s model solely will get barely pricier – it begins at $19,500 for the bottom S mannequin (not together with $1,095 for vacation spot and dealing with). The SV mannequin and the SR mannequin examined right here additionally ought to get slight worth hikes, costing someplace within the low $20,000s. Even with the minor worth enhance, the 2021 Nissan Kicks stays top-of-the-line discount choices round.
Nissan didn’t make a ton of adjustments to the Kicks for 2021, and we admire the restraint – we simply want it prolonged to the questionable new face. That is nonetheless an excellent small crossover with a number of area, strong driving character, and among the finest security and gasoline financial system within the class. We suggest the 2021 Nissan Kicks to anybody in search of a small, reasonably priced automobile, whether or not or not we approve of the brand new look.
