Used 2021 Nissan Kicks for Sale nearAmes, IA

How much does the 2021 Nissan Kicks cost?

Prices have softened 7.47% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 1,061 listings available, you have a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks a good car?

Yes — the 4.5/5 user rating and 8.67/10 expert rating both point to a strong value proposition. The 2021 Kicks is a budget-friendly crossover that was refreshed with more features, and it keeps the appeal of a small, attractive runabout that fits well in tight spaces while adding more equipment than before.

The model scores 9/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

Its strengths line up with what you want if you prioritize efficiency, safety, and features over speed or utility. The main trade-offs are fairly pedestrian performance and limited cargo space, so it makes the most sense as an affordable everyday crossover rather than a do-everything hauler.

29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. The 2021 Kicks is presented as a straightforward, value-focused crossover with a strong history of few recalls, and its refreshed packaging leans into practical ownership rather than complexity.

Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder and CVT setup are described as delivering enough power for the vehicle’s size, and the model’s fuel-efficient, low-running-cost character supports that dependable commuter role. The standard equipment list also includes features that make daily use easier, which helps reinforce the sense of a well-rounded ownership experience.

If you buy used, the biggest long-term risk is mainly tied to condition and prior use rather than a complicated feature set, so a careful inspection and clean history report matter a lot.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Nissan Kicks?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear items, interior condition, and how well the vehicle’s features work. Since the Kicks is a value-oriented crossover, condition matters a lot when you’re comparing similarly priced examples.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim is the most basic, while SV and SR add more convenience and appearance upgrades. The SR stands out with LED headlights, LED fog lights, a rear roof spoiler, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, so base-trim shoppers should pay close attention to which features they’re giving up.
• Powertrain: Every 2021 Kicks uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. It is tuned for efficiency and everyday use rather than quick acceleration, and all-wheel drive is not available.
• Safety package: Every model includes Nissan Safety Shield 360 with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. SV and SR add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert, so base-trim buyers should confirm which extras they want.
• Infotainment: The base model gets a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, keyless entry, push-button start, and Easy Fill Tire Alert. SV adds Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a 7-inch driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port.
• Fuel efficiency: The Kicks is rated at 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, with 356 miles of range on a tank of gas.

Which 2021 Nissan Kicks trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is offered in 3 trim levels: S, SV, SR.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the value play if you want the lowest entry point and can live with the most basic setup. You still get the core safety suite, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the fuel-efficient powertrain, but you give up some of the nicer convenience and appearance upgrades found higher up.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a more polished daily-driver feel with Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and rear disc brakes. It’s the trim to target if you want a better balance of price and equipment.
• SR: This is the most upscale choice, with LED headlights, LED fog lights, a rear roof spoiler, dark chrome grille accents, and the option for the Premium Package. It makes sense if you want the most features and the sportier look, especially with the available Bose audio and added comfort equipment.

Every Kicks comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, while SV and SR add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Nissan Kicks?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,061 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.47% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,494, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Kicks's resale value?

The current average of $14,754 sits slightly below last year's $15,945.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the key takeaway is that the Kicks’ value is being supported more by affordability and efficiency than by strong price appreciation.

Because the model is positioned as a budget-friendly crossover with broad appeal, resale should remain tied to condition, mileage, and equipment level. Well-kept examples with desirable features should be easier to move than rougher, lower-equipped ones.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks safe?

The 2021 Kicks has not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA, but the mechanically similar 2020 model earned all Good marks in IIHS crashworthiness testing and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Every 2021 Kicks comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Nissan also equips every Kicks with 10 airbags, and SV and SR trims add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.

One caveat is that the 2020 model’s headlights were rated Acceptable or Poor depending on trim, so the refreshed 2021 lighting setup is worth checking closely on the specific vehicle you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Kicks or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.47% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It’s the refreshed version, with more features and updated styling.

The bottom line: If you want the refreshed Kicks with more equipment and a strong value story, the 2021 model is the one to target. If your priority is simply the lowest possible purchase price, a nearby year may be worth comparing, but the 2021’s updated content makes it the more compelling all-around pick for most shoppers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.