Used 2021 Nissan Kicks for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Nissan Kicks cost?

Prices have softened 8.26% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,131 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Kicks earns a 4.5/5 user rating and an 8.7/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

From the overview, you get a budget-friendly crossover that was refreshed for 2021 with more features, while still staying focused on being a small, attractive runabout with just enough power. The expert review backs that up with praise for its everyday usefulness and strong value-oriented packaging.

The trade-offs are clear: performance is fairly pedestrian, a manual transmission is not available, and cargo space is limited. If you want a simple, affordable commuter or city vehicle, those compromises may be acceptable; if you need stronger acceleration or more utility, you may want to look elsewhere.

32.4% 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 overview points to a model built around affordability and everyday usefulness, and the expert review reinforces that with a straightforward powertrain and a strong value proposition. The performance notes also describe the Kicks as having enough power for its size, with little engine noise in the cabin, though the CVT can get noisy under heavy acceleration.

On the ownership side, the cost-effectiveness content notes that the model delivers a lot of bang for its buck, and the Premium Package adds over-the-air infotainment updates along with other convenience features. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about complexity and more about living with modest performance and limited cargo room over time.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are comparing multiple listings. Focus on overall condition, since the Kicks is a value-oriented model and the best examples will show consistent maintenance and clean wear items. If you are shopping a higher-trim example, make sure the equipment you expect is actually present and functioning.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model 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 higher trims add features such as Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port. The top-tier SR also adds a sportier appearance and more premium touches, and the Premium Package brings the Bose audio system, Prima-Tex-appointed seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a security system, a 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. Efficiency is a strength, with EPA ratings of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.
• Safety package: Every Kicks comes 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. Kicks SV and SR also add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.
• 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, and a USB-C port, while the available WiFi hot spot enables 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 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 still want the core tech and safety equipment that make the Kicks appealing. It gives you the essentials, 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 useful everyday upgrades like automatic climate control, a driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port without pushing you into the most expensive version.
• SR: This is the trim to choose if you want the most upscale presentation and the strongest feature set, including the sportier exterior treatment and available Premium Package content such as the Bose audio system, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and over-the-air infotainment updates.

Every Kicks comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, and 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, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient.

• Deal availability: 32.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,131 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.26% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,365, 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 $14,365 sits slightly below last year's $15,658.

That price movement suggests the Kicks has softened, which can work in your favor if you are buying now but may limit upside if you plan to sell soon. For a future seller, the current market shows that value-oriented models can move with broader used-car pricing trends rather than holding firm at all times.

Even so, the Kicks still has a practical appeal that should help it stay relevant with budget-minded shoppers. Its strong efficiency, standard safety equipment, and low running-cost profile can support demand when you eventually list it.

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 received 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 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. It also includes 10 airbags and standard rearview camera coverage, while SV and SR add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.

A caveat to keep in mind is that the 2020 model’s headlights were rated either Acceptable or Poor depending on trim, so the 2021 refresh’s new headlights are an important detail to verify when you shop.

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:

• 32.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.26% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 refresh brought more features and updated styling, making it a more polished choice than the earlier version.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, features, and everyday usability, the 2021 is the right place to start. If you are especially price-sensitive, a nearby model year may save you money, but the 2021’s refreshed feature set makes it the more complete buy for most shoppers.

How does the 2021 Nissan Kicks compare to the 2021 Honda HR-V?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Nissan Kicks:

• Pros: Fuel-efficient, Standard advanced safety features, Impressive stereo.
• Cons: Fairly pedestrian performance, Manual transmission not available, Not much cargo space.

2021 Honda HR-V:

• Pros: Fun to drive, Comfortable, Standard advanced safety features.
• Cons: Poor visibility, Outdated technology.

Our experts score the 2021 Nissan Kicks 8.7/10 and the 2021 Honda HR-V 6.8/10. The Kicks is the better pick if you care most about efficiency, standard safety tech, and a strong stereo. The HR-V has the edge if you want a more engaging drive and a more comfortable feel, but its outdated technology and poor visibility are notable drawbacks.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.