How much does the 2021 Nissan Kicks cost?

Prices have softened 7.33% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,023 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $14,492.24, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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

The 2021 Kicks fits you well if you want a budget-friendly small crossover that emphasizes efficiency, useful standard equipment, and easy day-to-day driving. The refreshed model adds more features, and the overview highlights its practical appeal, fuel efficiency, standard advanced safety features, and impressive stereo.

The trade-offs are clear: performance is fairly pedestrian, there’s no manual transmission, and cargo space is limited. If you care more about value, comfort, and equipment than quick acceleration, the Kicks makes a strong case for itself.

26.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Kicks is presented as a practical, low-cost crossover with a strong history of few recalls, and its efficiency-focused setup supports simple ownership. The expert notes also point to a good power-to-weight balance and a drivetrain that behaves predictably in everyday use.

Its 1.6-liter engine and CVT are tuned for efficiency rather than speed, and the cabin stays relatively quiet except when the transmission works harder under load. If you buy used, the main long-term ownership risk is that a budget-oriented crossover like this can show wear in the drivetrain, brakes, and interior sooner if it has been driven hard or poorly maintained.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate, even if the listing looks clean at first glance. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the CVT behavior, brake condition, tire wear, and any signs of uneven use. Focus on overall condition and maintenance records, since this model’s value depends heavily on how well it has been kept.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim gets a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, keyless entry, push-button start, and Easy Fill Tire Alert, while the SV adds Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a 7-inch driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port. The SR adds the class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system when equipped with the Premium Package, along with Prima-Tex-appointed seating, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, a security system, tonneau cover, NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hot spot, and over-the-air infotainment updates.
• Powertrain: Every 2021 model uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is not available, and the setup is tuned for efficiency and everyday use rather than quick acceleration.
• Safety package: Every Kicks comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including 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, while the SR also gets an integrated dynamic-control module with active engine brake, intelligent trace control, and intelligent ride control.
• Infotainment: The base model gets a 7-inch infotainment touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and three USB ports. Higher trims add a 7-inch driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, a USB-C port, a surround-view monitor, and available WiFi hot spot capability with over-the-air updating.
• Fuel efficiency: The Kicks is rated at 31 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined, with 356 miles of range on a single tank of gas.

Which 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 still want the core Kicks formula: a 7-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, keyless entry, push-button start, and standard Safety Shield 360. It gives you the essentials without pushing the price up.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds useful everyday upgrades like automatic climate control, Nissan Intelligent Key, a driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port. If you want a more polished experience without jumping to the top trim, this is the one to target.
• SR: This is the trim to choose if you want the most equipment and the strongest tech-and-comfort story. It can add the Bose Personal Plus sound system, Prima-Tex seating, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hot spot, and over-the-air infotainment updates, making it the most feature-rich version.

Safety Shield 360 is standard across the lineup, 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 is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and enough deal activity to make shopping worthwhile if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 26.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,023 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.33% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,492.24, 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 $14,795 sits slightly below last year's $15,965.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the good news is that the Kicks still has value appeal because it is efficient, well equipped, and positioned as an affordable crossover.

If you keep mileage reasonable and maintain the vehicle well, you should be able to preserve more of its value than a neglected example. 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?

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.

The 2021 model 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. The safety story is strong overall, though the lack of direct crash-test results for this model year means you should lean on the standard driver-assistance equipment and the vehicle’s condition when shopping used.

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:

• 26.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.33% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings the refreshed look and added features described in the expert summary.

The bottom line: If you want the refreshed Kicks with strong value, standard safety tech, and a lower current price, the 2021 is the smart default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can also compare nearby years, but this one already sits in a favorable spot for shoppers who want a well-equipped budget crossover.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.