Used 2021 Nissan Kicks for Sale nearCincinnati, OH

How much does the 2021 Nissan Kicks cost?

Prices have softened 7.67% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,117 listings available, which gives you a solid 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.

The Kicks is positioned as a budget-friendly crossover that was refreshed for 2021 with more features, and that shows up in its stronger equipment list and everyday usability. Its biggest strengths are its fuel efficiency, standard advanced safety features, and impressive stereo, which make it easy to recommend if you want an affordable runabout that still feels well equipped.

The trade-offs are just as clear: performance is fairly pedestrian, a manual transmission is not available, and cargo space is limited. If you want a small crossover for commuting and daily errands rather than quick acceleration or maximum utility, the Kicks fits that use case well.

32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests 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 described as a practical, value-focused small SUV with low running costs and a reputation for reliability, and the 2021 refresh adds more features without changing that basic formula. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder setup is straightforward, and the model’s strong fuel economy and standard safety equipment support its appeal as an easy-to-live-with daily driver.

The Kicks also has a strong history of few recalls, with only one occurring over the last three model years. For used buyers, that points to relatively low long-term ownership risk, especially if you verify maintenance history and overall condition.

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

At 74.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a lower-priced listing. Focus on body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the equipment and safety systems work as expected. Because this model is often bought as an affordable commuter, condition matters a lot more than mileage alone.

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, Easy Fill Tire Alert, and standard safety equipment, while SV adds Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a 7-inch driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port. SR adds LED headlights, LED fog lights, black heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, a rear roof-mounted spoiler, dark chrome grille accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and the available Premium Package adds Prima-Tex-appointed seating, 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 continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is not available, and the Kicks is tuned more for efficiency and easy driving than quick acceleration.
• Safety package: 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. 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, 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.

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 price and still want standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7-inch infotainment screen, push-button start, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It gives you the essentials without much extra cost.
• 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, and remote engine start without moving too far upmarket.
• SR: Choose this if you want the most upscale look and the most equipment, including LED lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and access to the Premium Package with the Bose audio system, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and over-the-air infotainment updates.

Every trim includes 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?

The market looks moderate for selective buyers, with enough inventory and some room to negotiate if you shop carefully.

• Deal availability: 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,117 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.67% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 74.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,342, 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 $14,346 sits slightly below last year's $15,538.

That softer pricing suggests the Kicks has become more accessible for used buyers, but it also means future sellers may face a market that is still adjusting downward. If you buy well now, you may benefit from the lower entry cost, but resale gains are likely to depend more on condition, mileage, and equipment than on broad market appreciation.

Because the Kicks is a value-oriented model with strong fuel economy and standard safety features, well-kept examples should remain appealing to budget-minded shoppers. 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 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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. Nissan also equips every Kicks with 10 airbags, and SV and SR add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.

One caveat is that the 2020 model’s headlights were rated at either Acceptable or Poor depending on trim level, so the refreshed lighting on this model year is worth checking closely on the specific trim 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:

• 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 74.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.67% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 refresh adds more features while keeping the Kicks’ fuel-efficient, budget-friendly character intact.

The bottom line: If you want the freshest version of this value-focused crossover, the 2021 is the one to target because it adds more features without losing the Kicks’ core strengths. If your priority is simply the lowest possible purchase price, a nearby model year may be worth considering, but you’ll want to compare equipment carefully because the 2021 update improves the overall package.

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 fuel economy, 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 November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.