The 2021 Nissan Kicks might be the good three-year-old you’ll meet this yr. It doesn’t look a complete lot completely different than its older siblings, however it has some extras that will nicely entice younger, city drivers to this entry-level crossover/subcompact SUV. That subject is filled with entries, together with the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Mini Cooper Countryman.
First impressions matter, and also you’ll see this Kicks has a extra aggressive look than final yr’s mannequin. The 2021 Nissan Kicks has a bigger double V-motion grille, thinner, extra fashionable head and taillights, and a rear LED mild bar that streams throughout the Kicks’ widths.
Open the door of the 2021 Nissan Kicks, and also you’ll discover must-have new tech and fashionable design cues. These embrace customary Apple Automobile Play and Android Auto, a bigger touchscreen on some trims, and three USB ports plus an elective USB C-port on the 2 highest trim ranges. Don’t search for any premium leather-based or high-end materials, although. Nissan crammed the inside with plastic and lower-end supplies.
The 2021 Nissan Kicks has lots to supply the entry-level crossover purchaser, together with a low MSRP and glorious gas economic system. Which means you’ll sacrifice luxurious however have a peppy, sporty day by day driver that may seat 5.
2021 Nissan Kicks: Engine & Powertrain
There’s not a lot new underneath the hood of the 2021 Nissan Kicks. All trim ranges are geared up with a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder with a Steady Variable Valve Timing Management System. Nothing new there, though the variable valve timing system does assist maximize effectivity. EPA gas economic system rankings are available in at a wholesome 31/36 metropolis/freeway with a mixed of 33.
Nonetheless, the engine has 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft. of torque. It’s front-wheel drive and paired with an Xtronic transmission. Which will appear wimpy, however this crossover is extra of an city car than an off-roading monster. And it’s no muscle automobile. It’ll go from zero to 60 mph in just below 10 seconds, identical to the 2020 mannequin.
Is that terrible? The quick reply isn’t any. And for the value, it actually shouldn’t be anticipated to supply the speeds and maneuverability of an Indy 500 entry. As our associates at Automobile & Driver report: “The Kicks is nimble and extra enjoyable to throw round than some bigger SUVs, however it’s not precisely a thrill experience on a twisty highway.”
Chassis & Suspension
The 2021 Nissan Kicks sports activities the identical suspension because the 2020 mannequin. That could be a entrance unbiased strut and stabilizer bar matched with a rear suspension that contains a twist beam and twin-tube shock absorbers. Which means you’re in for a snug experience, even if you encounter some nasty city potholes. And as Automobile & Driver suggests, the 2021 Kicks ought to really feel pretty nimble.
Inside Therapies
You’re not going to search out quite a lot of jazzy extras contained in the 2021 Nissan Kicks. The inside stays largely unchanged, with a number of minor tweaks on the upper trim ranges. Nonetheless, Nissan makes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto customary on all fashions. Each Kicks additionally has three USB ports (two are within the rear), and an elective USB-C port is obtainable for increased trim ranges.
Increased trim ranges even have barely bigger driver info shows (eight inches vs. seven inches). Final yr’s D-shaped steering wheel, six-way driver’s seat, four-way adjustable entrance seat, and 60/40 break up fold-down rear seat stay on all 2021 fashions.
Customary Security Options
Each 2021 Nissan Kicks has the usual security options you’d anticipate, together with superior airbags, entrance and rear crumple zones, an energy-absorbing steering column with hood buckling creases, bodyside reinforcements, and extra.
One outstanding security bonus is that each 2021 mannequin has the automaker’s Security Defend 360 package deal. Options embrace computerized emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, excessive beam help, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear computerized braking. That’s so much for an entry-level car.
2021 Nissan Kicks: Trim Ranges
Here’s a fast take a look at every trim stage for the brand new Nissan Kicks. As of this writing, Nissan has not confirmed the beginning MSRP for the 2021 Kicks.
S
The bottom S trim stage contains 16-inch metal wheels with covers, manual-folding mirrors with Resin body-color, halogen headlamps, and a fabric inside. Tech and connectivity options embrace the AM/FM stereo with six audio system, USB and auxiliary enter, satellite tv for pc radio, Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity, and a seven-inch shade touchscreen show.
SV
The SV contains Nissan’s Clever Key, distant begin, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, body-color and heated outdoors mirrors, body-color door handles, roof rails, and a seven-inch Superior Driver Alert Show. Non-compulsory options embrace SiriusXM and an extra USB Kind-C port.
SR
The highest-of-the-line SR comes with LED headlights with LED signature accents, LED fog lights, black heated outdoors mirrors with built-in flip indicators, entrance and rear bumpers with body-color inserts, a rear roof-mounted spoiler, and darkish chrome grille accents. Inside options embrace an SR seat cloth with inside trim and accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-based shift knob, and Nissan’s Clever Round ViewMonitor.
The Premium Bundle, accessible for the SR, contains Bose audio with an amplifier, eight audio system (together with throughout the driver’s headrest), Prima-Tex appointed seats, heated entrance seats, heated steering wheel, safety system, tonneau cowl, NissanConnect Providers, and an accessible Wi-Fi hotspot with over-the-air updating.
Guarantee Protection
Each 2021 Nissan Kicks comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper guarantee and 5 years, 60,000 miles price of powertrain protection. Relying on how a lot you drive, a Nissan prolonged guarantee is perhaps of profit to you.
2021 Nissan Kicks Availability
If you’re out there for a brand new Armada, this free and useful search instrument* will present you vendor stock in your space. That instrument will even assist you to safe the bill value, which is useful to have if you’re negotiating with the dealership.
Nancy Dunham is a life-long journalist whose work seems in lots of nationwide automotive and basic curiosity magazines and accompanying web sites. Her dad was an government with Western Auto Provide Co. (offered to Sears), so the scent of tires nonetheless brings again a flood of childhood recollections. She lives in Austin, Texas together with her cat Prudence.
2021 Nissan Kicks Gallery
Images & Supply: Nissan North America.
*Automoblog and its companions could also be compensated if you go to this hyperlink.
